Author Voice – Defined

This is the first of three articles on the topic of Author Voice. This considers what author voice is. The second contemplates how to find and develop author voice. The third looks at how to maintain author voice throughout the editing process.

Contents

Author Voice Explained
Components of Author Voice
Roundup
Related Articles

Author Voice Explained

As with many in-house phrases it is easy for users to assume everyone understands what is meant. That is often a mistake. In this instance it is possible, probable, many authors do not fully comprehend what the term encompasses.

The phrase primarily refers to an author’s individual style. Their unique personality, intentionally or not, usually comes through in the writing. It is normally determined by their background, worldview, opinions, and experiences. In effect it is their recognisable signature. One readers recognise and has them coming back for more (assuming they like what they are reading).

Components of Author Voice

Author voice is a combination of various aspects: Word Choice, Syntax (explained further down), Punctuation, Tone, Perspective, Subject (sometimes).

Word Choice: Most authors tend to favour particular word styles. Casual, formal, complex, short, long, highbrow, colloquial, etc. This may sometimes, initially at least, be unconscious and is usually influenced by the society the author comes from. Once aware, those who write in more than one genre are able to consciously alter word choice to suit the relevant story form. 

Syntax: The arrangement of words to form sentences (Oxford English Dictionary). Another description seen is ‘multiple words acting as a single unit’. Authors may not realise at first but they probably have  an automatic, subconscious, way of phrasing information. With time they will be able to select a specific method that makes their writing identifiable. By changing the syntax authors are able to produce varied effects, control pace, and develop atmosphere. Many consider the variation of word arrangements is one tool authors may utilise to engage a reader and hold their interest.

Punctuation: To include this here may surprise some. However, how some authors utilise punctuation gives them a distinctive and identifiable style. Some use little while others favour multiple uses of certain elements.

Tone: The words and style authors utilise to express how they feel about the story or account being shared. Some also identify this as the means an author employs to evoke specific emotions in a reader. Though, by virtue of inherent human nature, most will have a general tone it may well alter through the story depending upon what is being shared at the time. Tone can be serious, formal, cheerful, comical, sad, nostalgic, and more. The range is as vast as human personalities. It may help authors to consider the vocal tone they would use if telling the story orally. 

Perspective: How the author chooses to view and impart the content and action. It is unique to them. Others observing the same event may well come up with a different take. In the same way an artist decides from which position or angle to paint a picture an author needs to determine the position or angle from which to relate the story or account being shared. Perspective is usually influenced by the writer’s own experiences. 

Note: There are warnings for authors not to confuse perspective with point of view. In writing there are distinctions. In this context, point of view refers to how the content is being narrated i.e. 1st Person (I), 2nd Person (You), 3rd Person (he/she).

Subject: This is not seen as a general component of author voice however, some authors are known for particular genre, specialities, and subject choices.  

Roundup

Though it may not be an absolute essential, most authors will benefit from having a distinctive voice. In truth, whether aware of it or not, their writing probably has an inherent identity. 

Authors would do well to pay attention to developing a voice readers will readily recognise. A dedicated fan base would be looking for it. It would reassure them the book they are reading is by the author they value and appreciate.  

Developing a fully rounded author voice takes time, sometimes years. Nevertheless, it is worth the time investment and effort. Authors should remember their books never cease to exist.

In considering the various aspects of author voice explained above, it is obvious there is a lot of crossover. Ultimately, accomplishing all components boils down to the primary features of word choice and style.

It is important to clarify this article is about Author Voice alone. The other types of voice books automatically incorporate are not under consideration here i.e. narrator and character. Briefly:

Authors – construct the story.

Narrators – convey the story.

Characters – live the story.

Aspiring authors should not be put off if they feel they do not have an identifiable author voice yet. They should still write. As already mentioned, by virtue of their uniqueness they will have some sort of individual voice that they will be able to develop over time.

Related Articles:

Author Voice – Finding & Developing (Link will be provided when article published).

Author Voice – Maintaining (Link will be provided when article published).