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THE
MOST IMPORTANT VOICE OF ALL
By
Rebecca Russell
Voice remains a rather ambiguous
topic to me. As writer’s, we hear a lot about voice and it’s
importance, but even some published writers can’t tell you what their
voice is or how to go about developing one.
Our characters
have voices, which we strive to make unique.
We work hard to ensure what they’re saying, thinking and feeling
is believable and compelling.
But another
voice exists that is often ignored. You know the voice I mean-that silent
but nagging sensation that tells you when something isn’t quite right.
My inner voice manifests itself as a knot in my stomach or sleepless
nights, and my “should” list has given me plenty of both.
During my
twelve years of writing, I’ve heard that if you’re serious about
getting published you should:
-write down
affirmations and read them several times a day
-finish the
book
-write the book
of your heart
-treat your
writing like a job
-set a goal of
writing so many pages a day
-join a
critique group
-do whatever it
takes to attend the national conference
The list goes
on and on, but you get the idea. I admit to buying into every one of these
“shoulds,” and because my goal has always been to get published, I
refused to drop some of them long after I knew that they weren’t working
for me.
Don’t get me
wrong, an open mind is a good thing. You never know what suggestion will
prove useful. For instance, I’ve always been skeptical about
affirmations, but when I finally tried it, I experienced amazing results.
I’ve never regretted following the advice to finish books or to write
from the heart.
But, some of
the other “shoulds” had a very negative effect on my writing. When I
treated writing like a job and focused only on getting sold, earning that
paycheck, I lost my joy of writing. When I set a goal of so many pages a
day and fell short, I felt like a failure and soon had the attitude of
“why bother?”
I joined a
critique group, but for whatever reason we weren’t a good match. I
ignored the knots in my stomach because I assumed that’s what a serious
writer would do. Finally, I decided to listen to what my body was telling
me. I left the group and felt an immediate sense of relief. I’ve since
belonged to other critique groups which have been a source of friendship
and invaluable feedback.
If you can
manage going to the national conference, that’s great, but many regional
conferences offer fantastic workshops and more importantly, editor/agent
appointments. Our very own Dreamin’ In Dallas conference is a
great example. As a result of an editor appointment two years ago, I sold
my first book!
So, toss out that mental or
written “should” list and save yourself some time, frustration and
heartache. As you keep an open mind and try new things, remember to trust
your own instincts, trust that you know what is best for you.
Now, can anyone
out there tell me how to turn off all these other voices in my
head? A minor character in my next book is demanding his own story, and I
just heard a song that gave me an idea for another book…
*
* *
I’d like to share a few affirmations that inspired me to begin a new
manuscript after a two-year break from writing. I’m thrilled to report
that book-RIGHT WHERE HE BELONGS- sold to Silhouette Romance and
will be released February 2002.
*I
write because it gives me pleasure. Selling is what happens as a result of
doing something I love.
*I
have something important to say and want to share it with others.
*Writing doesn’t have to be an all or nothing prospect. I owe it to
myself to make time for something I enjoy so much.
*I
am so blessed and should give thanks every day.
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