Voice - What Does That Even MEAN?

Voice. Doesn't it sound sort of pretentious and indefinable? Does your writing have a "voice"? Can "voice" be taught? Where does it come from? What exactly does it even mean, really?Voice in your writing - whether that's screenwriting, poetry, prose or non-fiction writing like essays, memoirs or articles, refers to a particular, unique style in the writing. It means that no one but you could have written the material in question because it has a particular rhythm, point of view and flavor.It's still a little ineffable until we think about writing examples which (purposely) are totally devoid of "voice". When is the last time you read the newspaper, for example? This is straight journalism - you aren't intended to identify with the writer, just to glean the facts. What about National Geographic Magazine? Anyone still read that... [read full story]