One of the biggest jobs of a ghostwriter is finding the client's voice. Have you been listening in on the election speeches? You betchya Sarah Palin's speechwriter had better be able to pull a folksy style out of the hat if she and Senator McCain pull of a win in November!
Voice is one of the basic elements of writing. But how do you make a piece of writing have a voice of its own?
- Syntax (sentence structure): the simplicity or complexity of sentences throughout the piece can begin to define a style of communication
- Diction (jargon): Sarah Palin's, "You betchya!" is a great example of how jargon can be immediately recognizable. Beyond that you can make your tone informal or formal by your choice of words.
- Punctuation: Some people really like to emphasize! things to get a..... point across. Knowing how to use punctuation to create a unique voice is a great tool for Internet writers.
- Character development: how do you convey the actions, speech, and thoughts of the character you are writing about. Each character should have it's own web of development.
- Dialogue: the speech of your characters can break up a long narrative, advance a plot, develop conflict or develop character.
So what do ya'll say? Wanna try something of your own? Let's try this...
Write a short story about a fishing expedition. Write it twice. The first time, pretend you're Joe Biden telling to his legislative cronies around a lunch table in D.C., and the second time pretend you're Sarah Palin at her next family reuninion.
Have fun:)
Here's a little excerpt of the Vice Presidential debate to get a handle on the voices...
