I see voice as the point where a writer is comfortable with the way he/she automatically puts thoughts into words. This won't happen when a student is still learning the basis outline of writing. Instead I think it happens once a foundation of what writing is and what writing can accomplish that this next stage can occur. Liking the way the writing sounds in your head can help the way it comes out on paper. You find a way of expressing yourself that is normal and not forced. And here is the great aspect about it...you can use that very "voice" and mold and shape it into the different styles of writing. Whether it is an academic paper, an application, or an email to a close friend, your voice can shift and be a viable tool to you, but only if you are comfortable enough to play around with it. I think that is why I am such a huge fan of journals and free writes and exercises that play with the creativity of the mind. A foundation does NEED to be present though. Rules need to have been explained and theories mentioned, at least. I don't think one can just stumble upon his/her authentic voice. I think that it comes with practice and with knowledge of the way language works.
Ms. May’s Various Class Blogs:
13 years ago
2 comments:
I agree with the bulk of what you've said about voice, particularly the bit about vocal flexibility. The Elbow piece seems to emphasize the notion that you've got this pure inner voice that's universally applicable, and I just don't think that's the case. Voice should be a malleable thing, particularly if you're writing creatively; I've always found "slipping into character" to be a helpful writing technique.
Good points, Rachel. You seem to be steering a middle ground between free expressivism and a more controled writing pedagogy. One's voice is found in that middle ground. Without structure, one will not find a voice, but merely a collection of sounds. Too much structure, on the other hand, will lead to a voice that sounds a lot like an automated computer voice--accurate, but dead.
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