"Just keep writing. Keep reading. If you are meant to be a writer, a storyteller, it’ll work itself out. You just keep feeding it your energy, and giving it that crucial chance to work itself out. By reading and writing." -- Robin McKinley
Recently I read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I'd read a lot good reviews about it, so I was excited to read it. From page one, I was hooked. It made me wonder, what made it so fantastic? I reread the first page and realized it was one important thing: the voice.
In the past year, I've been to several writing conferences. Time and again, agents and authors mention the importance of having a good voice. Yet they admit that they can't define voice; they just know it when they see it. I agree. It's the books with an awesome voice that keep me reading into the wee hours of the morning.
But as a writer, the term "voice" terrifies me. I want my characters' voices to shine on the page. I want them to be original. I want people to care about them. Yet I fear that I can't do it. I'm not sure that voice can be taught. But what if it can't be learned either?
What do you think? Can voice be learned? How? Does the term "voice" keep you up late at night like it does to me?
Oh, and don't forget to sign up for my $15 Amazon gift card giveaway here. It ends on Friday, January 21, at 10pm EST.
One year ago I decided to embark on a new journey in the blogosphere. I began with trepidation. Who would be interested in hearing what I had to say? When my followers rose above 100, I was shocked, yet delighted.
The best part was the writing community that I found. There are so many writers who understand what I'm feeling and support me in my efforts. I couldn't have survived an entire year as a blogger (or a writer) without you. Thank you!!!
Help celebrate my 1st blogoversary by participating in my giveaway! The winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card. Please complete the form below to enter. You must be a follower and at least 13 years old. The contest will end at 10pm (MST) on Friday, January 21, 2011.
I anticipate that 2011 will be a roller coaster year: one of many ups and downs. But to fully appreciate the ups, I must have downs, right? My first goal is to keep a positive attitude about whatever the Universe brings my way. Here are my writing goals for 2011:
1. Revise BENEATH THE SURFACE: This is my 3rd YA manuscript, but this will be the first one that I'm attempting to do a full revision. Right now it's full of holes and inconsistencies. I'm excited to see what the final version will look like.
2. Finish OVER THE EDGE: I hit writer's block with this novel during the early part of last summer. My goal is to rewrite what I already have written to see if I can get back into the story again. I really liked my premise and the characters, yet I buried myself in self-doubt.
3. Submit BENEATH THE SURFACE: This is the goal that scares me the most because I know how tough it is to secure an agent. But I truly look forward to my first rejection letter because it will be proof that I'm finally on my way toward reaching my lifelong goal of being a published author.
Unlike last year, I didn't include any daily writing goals. My life isn't that predictable and I rarely met last year's goals. This year, I want attainable goals. I certainly don't need any additional reasons for self-doubt.
What are your writing goals for 2011? Anything scary but exciting like mine?
As December 2010 comes to a close, I thought the best way to reflect on the past year would be to create a Wordle of my 2010 blog. You can view it easier if you click on it. I love how my three biggest words are time, summer, and writing! I wonder what that says about me?
I challenge you all to participate in November's NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): 30 days, 50,000 words, and a whole lot of fun! If you've ever thought about writing a novel, here's your chance. And hold back those excuses -- I'm a single mom working two jobs, and if I can still find the time, so can you!
Join here and add me as one of your Writing Buddies!
Check out what John Green (Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns) has to say about NaNoWriMo:
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