A time long ago, when I actually thought of myself as a writer, I bought a book that was recommended by my online writers group. That book was and still is the best book in my library on the craft of writing. While the book is actually about self-editing for fiction writers, it also uncovers the mysteries of what it takes to craft an exceptional story. While the books focus is on fiction writing, any writing genre can benefit from the information found in this one little book.
Self Editing for Fiction Writers
How to Edit Yourself Into Print
by Renni Browne and David King
This book covers subjects like Show and Tell, Point of View, Dialogue, Monologue, and Voice. I had a hard time understanding the show verses tell concept until I read this book and voice, what the hell is voice and what does it have to do with writing? The authors left their explanation of Voice to the end. I’m guessing it’s because Voice in writing is hard to define and they don’t actually define it. Instead of offering a definition of Voice, they offer examples and the writer can draw their own conclusions on what Voice is or isn’t in relationship to their writing style. Here is an excerpt of their first example:
An early seafaring novel by a celebrated nineteenth-century novelist begins with this paragraph:
It was the middle of a bright tropical afternoon that we made good our escape from the bay. The vessel we sought lay with her main-topsail aback about a league from the land and was the only object that broke the broad expanse of the ocean.
Years later the novelist wrote another first-person seafaring novel that begins:
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago — never mind how long precisely — having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world …
The opening of Omoo is intriguing and gives a clear and vivid picture of the waiting ship. The opening of Molby Dick is irresistible. What makes the difference? The answer, of course, is voice. And judging by the writing style in these two Herman Melville novels, even the greatest voices develop over time. Certainly at the time when he wrote Omoo, Melville had not yet found what John Gardner (in On Becoming a Novelist) has called “his booming, authoritative voice.” In the Molby Dick opening, Gardner points out, the rhythms “lift and roll, pause, gather, roll again.” The authority is unmistakable.
Of course, the writer’s voice in a novel generally belongs to a character. The voice in Molby Dick belongs to Ishmael as much as it does Melville. But character voice and authorial voice are intimately connected….
They go on to offer more examples from well known authors. Then they write this:
A strong, distinctive, authoritative writing voice is something most fiction writers want — and something no editor or teacher can impart. It is, however, something any writer can bring out in himself or herself. But oddly enough, you can’t bring out your writer’s voice by concentrating on it.
There is much more to this chapter and well worth reading. Renni Browne is a well respected editor and founded The Editorial Department, a full-service editing and copywriting firm. The firm is now run by Ross Browne, Renni Browne’s son. David King is a senior editor of the firm as of the time their book was published. There are more excerpts from their book on the website, as well as tips, information on workshops and seminars, samples of their work, a free critique program, and a good list of resources. I wish this site had been online when I was actively writing and looking for more resources.
So if anyone passes by and wants to discuss Voice, I’m all ears. Leave a comment and let your Voice be heard! 
Just a note to say you have a great Website. I enjoy perusing your archives. If OK with you I would like to establish a link from my new site www.ettuoldman.com to yours.
DonS
Sure Don, no problem, glad you found something useful in my neck of cyber-space.
First, thanks for the kind words about the book. When you write for a niche market, you don’t get a lot of feedback. (I’ve long given up on getting that call from Oprah.) So it’s nice to see the book is being enjoyed.
Second, if you don’t mind my mentioning it, the other co-author also has an editorial business. You can find out more at www.davekingedits.com and also read a few more articles on writing I’ve written over the years.
Thanks,
Dave King
Dave, your book was highly recommended on a writers forum where I used to spend a lot of time. If I remember correctly, it was also recommended on Zoetrope, before it morphed into its current incarnation. I’ve had the book since 1997 and think it’s still a book every serious writer should have in their bookshelf.
I’ll take a look at your other resources and may add them to my resource directory asap. I’ve just been too busy with web development for others to take care of my own site.
Edited to add: Dave, I took a look at your site and added it to my writing resource directory. I’m wondering if you have considered having a blog for your “Ask the Editor” section of your site? It would allow your site to become more interactive and you could monitor all the questions before they become live on your site or have someone do it for you. If you would like to discuss what blogging technology could do for your site, leave a message and I’ll contact you.
P.S. I think I’m going to get the new addition of your book. I have no idea why, since I’m not actively pursuing a writing career. But, maybe I will someday and your book will come in handy.
Plus, I’d like to see what has changed with the updated version.
With everything that’s been written about the book in both editions, yours is the first comment I’ve seen on the voice chapter–which was one of the most challenging and interesting chapters to write.
Thanks so much for the attention. I spent some time on your website and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’m sure writers appreciate it.
Renni, thanks for stopping buy and leaving a comment. I’m so glad you approved of my little review of your book. Voice is a mysterious concept to most writers but when you read a story with a powerful “voice” you’re hooked until the end, sometime long after the story ends, though most readers would not define the initial “hook” as the voice. It’s an interesting and intriguing subject.
Thanks for the kind words about the book it is really good !
Hey, Dave King…
Just want you to know that I use your book VERY FREQUENTLY NOW to some of my more aggressive writers!
Nice work!
kevin
Sorry, Kevin, but I removed the link to your site. I really dislike the Site Build sites with all the affiliate marketing and the in your face text ads that get in the way of the content. Had you actually written a comment on Dave and Renni’s book that might have benefited my readers, I might have left the link. For a copywriter, you sure didn’t have much to say. Sadly, it appears that your only reason for posting was to drop your link and hope for some search engine love.
Might have to give this a go. Don’t know if it will help me in what i do. Who knows. I used to be a journalist, now writing product descriptions for a website.
I agree that voice is the most challenging and ultimately rewarding element of writing. The example from Melville’s writing amply illustrates the evolution of voice. As a fiction writer, I struggle with finding not only my unique voice but one that is strong and resonates as noted. I think practice helps so that’s what I do - lots and lots of practice. I am going to check out your book, however, I hope you make it clear that a professional editor is a must when publishing a book. All writers owe it to their fellow authors to publish well-written and produced books regardless of which path they choose to use.