Voice and Style

Set your timer:  write and read a piece using your own voice and style.  Then try to rewrite that same piece using another author's voice.  Note the differences.

I can't even begin to tell you how much I dislike this one.  This might be the first time it feels like homework to me.  And you know what?  I don't think I'm going to do this.

And here is my reasoning.

I believe I have the current voice of every author I ever loved and read over and over again. My first book alone reads so much like Janet Evanovich, she might even think she wrote it.  I had just discovered her after Blake was born and she single-handedly helped me get through postpartum depression with books 1-7.  I had never read anyone with characters that outrageously funny, and because of her, I tried to create a book with a funny lead character who knew she was in over her head the whole time.  It was hands-down my favorite writing experience of all times.  I would literally laugh while I was writing my own scenes, and deep down, I sincerely miss Julie Stratten.

Through my Harry Potter phase I tried to write a young-adult book about a skater who was so talented, but struggled through out the year.  It may as well be called Harriet Potter goes skating. 

And don't even get me started on the self-help phase. 

I'm not kidding.  These days I find myself sounding like Lisa Scottoline and Ree Drummond.  I'm genuinely not trying to copy them, but I just feel like their words become a part of me, and what I love reading becomes a part of who I am.  It just does. 

So, Barbara, I cannot turn this exercise in completed.  I am a work in progress, and while I think I do have my own voice, it's because of authors like you that I have found it.  If you happen to be one of those writers that I have adored, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  It has been a pleasure reading and writing with you...