can't help telling stories
Voice is something I recognize in others, but I’m not always sure I know my own. In part, I attribute that to many years of training in the “neutral” voice of journalism. That’s why I like reading what other writers say about their voices. Here, for example, is David Arnold’s take on it.
Why YA? David Arnold Explains How He Found His Voice and His Readers « musing
http://parnassusmusing.net/2015/02/25/why-david-arnold-author-of-mosquitoland-writes-ya/
Adding both authors and genres we don’t ordinarily read is a great way to learn as writers. I found Sunili Govinnage’s article from The Guardian intriguing.
I read only non-white authors for 12 months. What I learned surprised me | Sunili Govinnage | Comment is free | The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/20/i-only-read-non-white-authors-for-12-months-what-i-learned-surprised-me
For another list of black authors, check out http://chroniclesofharriet.com/2012/11/01/great-black-authors-of-science-fiction-fantasy/.
Did the Oscars — and all the other recent movie awards — inspire you to finish the screenplay that’s been buried in your hard drive for a while? Well, first ask yourself, “What’s my logline?”
I heard of loglines from Laurie Scheer at the Madison Writers Institute a few years ago. If you want to pitch a story, you’ll need one of these.
Movie Loglines Don’t Tease. They Tell. – Script Magazine
http://www.scriptmag.com/features/movie-loglines-dont-tease-tell
I remember having a moment of angst about academic writing years ago. My thesis advisor said, “Write like you talk.” Here’s more of the same advice.
Conversational Writing: 10 Tips by Leo Babauta
http://writetodone.com/conversational-writing-2/
Here’s a great little list of ideas and examples for improving your writing. While it’s aimed at short story writers, this Seton Hill University professor’s suggestions can apply to any kind of writing.
Short story tips: 10 ways to improve your creative writing
sharon p. lynn 