Comments on: Voice: An agent’s perspective

By: In the Blogosphere: 1/18-1/22 « Ricki Schultz

In the Blogosphere: 1/18-1/22 « Ricki Schultz — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:58:40 +0000

[...] but not least, The Last Will of Moira Leahy author Therese Walsh of Writer Unboxed asks her agent, Elisabeth Weed of Weed Literary, about voice—something not easily defined, yet something every agent [...]

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By: Kristan

Kristan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:40:32 +0000

Thanks, Therese & Elisabeth! I’ll definitely check those out. One of my favorite writing professors (and now friends) also recommended Olive Kittridge. :)

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By: Elisabeth

Elisabeth — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:38:56 +0000

Hi Kristan,

Good question re: examples of great third person voice. It was food for thought as the last few books I’ve read have been first person. However, I think Olive Kittridge is a perfect, brilliant, awe-inspiring example. I am also a huge fan of Amanda Ward who combines two parts third person and one part first person in her compelling novel, Sleep Toward Heaven. And on a lighter note, a favorite book of mine (and an easy read) is Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand. She captures three very different women’s voices, all in third person.

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By: hope101

hope101 — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:15:08 +0000

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that all the writers with a voice-y book brandish a special type of courage. Picking a great story is hard enough, but choosing to be that original in word choice and sequencing… I think what this post says to me is the importance of sincerity.

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By: Therese Walsh

Therese Walsh — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:47:55 +0000

Kristan, I loved the book Monkeewrench by PJ Tracy, and this link will take you to a chunky excerpt of its opening pages (modern, third-person): http://www.bookbrowse.com/excerpts/index.cfm/book_number/1198/Monkeewrench Definitely one of the best mystery/suspense books I’ve read.

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By: Therese Walsh

Therese Walsh — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:43:06 +0000

Kristan, I think Elisabeth will be by tomorrow to answer your question!

Thanks so much, Ray. :)

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By: Ray Rhamey

Ray Rhamey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:32:30 +0000

Thanks, Teri, for this confirmation of my view of what works with agents (and editors). Also, Elizabeth is spot on regarding the voice of a certain author named Therese, mentioned above. It was a big part of what made the novel such a good read.

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By: Erika Robuck

Erika Robuck — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:17:55 +0000

I loved hearing an agent’s perspective on voice. I’ve been thinking a lot about it from this series of posts.

When I saw Tracy Chevalier (author of Girl With a Pearl Earring) speak last week, I was struck by her intense, quiet dignity. I realized that the voice in all of her books can be described that way, as well. Writing what you know doesn’t have to mean writing about gymnastics if you’re a gymnast–it means being true to yourself and your voice. That authenticity will come through and make a more effective story.
.-= Erika Robuck´s last blog ..Notes on a Reading: Tracy Chevalier =-.

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By: Kristan

Kristan — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:53:43 +0000

Thanks for this great post! It’s awesome to see into your process of requesting and weeding out manuscripts.

One thing I’m curious about… I feel like all this stress on voice is leading to a lot of 1st person narrations, and most of the examples of good voice (including the 3 you link to) are 1st person. There’s nothing wrong with that, but then what does good 3rd person voice look like? Is there anyone doing that right now? Just wondering…

(Also perhaps wondering because I’m often torn between 1st and 3rd person when writing, haha.)
.-= Kristan´s last blog ..Working and waiting for dreams =-.

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By: Jamie

Jamie — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:30:54 +0000

Excellent post…thanks Elisabeth and Therese…and excellent recommendations for finding voice…Last Will and Dark Places are two excellent books!

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