Something strange happened a week ago when I read my wip (work-in-progress) to my son. I came across a sentence that tripped me up. I actually stopped and said, “Huh? That’s not how I’d say it.” But I wrote it, right? So what’s up with that?
Your “voice” is the essential element in your writing that makes it unique. It sets you apart from all other writers, just like your real voice is recognisable to a listener as your own. A member of the Write-Brained Network once told me that to find my voice, I should read my work aloud. I always figured that the words came out of my head, therefore they were mine. Turns out, that’s not always the case.
Lucky for me, I have someone to read the manuscript to. If you don’t, you might feel a bit odd, reading aloud in the quiet with nobody there, but it’s worth it.
Try it. And let me know how it went.
I read my first two manuscripts to my daughter. Great bonding and SO helpful to me to read them aloud. You find so much! I haven’t read my last two to her – too dark, but I do read them aloud, er…to myself.
Great post!
Thanks, Alison! My next one I might have to read to myself. I know it’s going to feel weird. I might end up, um, kind of mumbling it quietly to myself
I’m glad reading aloud works for you too.