How to Write Voice

In this episode, I discuss 6 ways to write voice. Voice is not some elusive concept only begotten by experts. Every author should strive to implement a robust and unique voice in their novels.

1. Word Choice

This is the most apparent way to build voice. This is not limited to accents and dialect, but also the lense through which your character views the world.

2. Unique Characters

The more unique the character, the stronger the voice. Examples include Louisa Clark from Me Before You, Aza Holmes in Turtles All the Way Down and JD Salinger's Holden Caulfield. Make your reader think this character is the only person qualified to tell the story.

3. Strong Motivations

Nick Carraway's desire to prove something moral about American Society in The Great Gatsby adds complexity to the plot. A character's thought process is an extension of his voice. If your character is falling flat, try making him prove some absolute truth about the world. 

4. Integrate Theme

A way to increase a character's uniqueness is to tie him to the theme. Theme is what is special about your novel. It's what a character learns. If your character isn't learning anything, he has nothing to comment on. 

5. Write in First Person

First person creates a greater intimacy with your reader. It allows you to go deep in the character's head and uncover his every motivation. 

6. Strong Imagery

Don't be afraid to write steamy love scenes in romance and grotesque aspects of the world in sci-fi. The stronger the imagery, the brighter your character will appear. 


I created the Turn Write Podcast for beginning writers, for indie authors, for people who are looking for their voice and who want to know how to use it. The idea for this bite-sized podcast came to me as I sat in endless traffic commuting an hour each way to and from my 9-5 job, wondering why do I write? Why do I rush home every day with the agonizing hope of trying to string together meaningless words to create a feeling deeper than I could dare hope to describe? Well, day after day I kept thinking and there was only one answer: I loved to write. I am on a journey to becoming a published author, and I want to help you get there too.

Read my novel The Sweep: https://www.amazon.com/Sweep-Kaitlin-Greco/dp/1702161706/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=the+sweep+kaitlin+greco&qid=1577982814&sr=8-1#mediaMatrix_secondary_view_div_1579103732446

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