Creativity

Channeling Your Inner Voice

February 17, 2023 By LDSPMA Leave a Comment

Okay, I’ll admit it: I love NBC’s The Voice. It might be because of the amazing talent that presents itself on stage each week. It might be because of Adam Levine. Either way, if it’s on, I find myself dropping everything and listening. I can’t sing for the life of me, but I can imagine what those contestants must be feeling as they get on stage, hoping that one of the judges will pick their voice.

As a writer, each time you send out a query, it is your own personal The Voice audition. Readers, agents, and publishers all want the same thing—a book they connect to and can’t put down. Most often, that means a book with voice. You’ve read it on agent page after agent page: “I’m looking for a fresh, unique voice.” “I love a totally original, hilarious voice.” “I want to represent stories that have an emphasis on voice-driven narratives.” “I love strong voices.” All those quotes are from actual agents who are currently seeking clients. The bottom line? It’s all about VOICE!

What Is Voice?

Let’s look at four distinctions that can help you figure out what voice is, how to find it, and how to mold it for the purposes of your book.

Style: To be clear, style and voice are not the same thing, although they often influence each other. Style, as the dictionary puts it, is a “distinctive manner of expression.” It relates more to your words, the syntax you choose and reject, the way you compose your sentences, and the order in which you string the sentences together. Style (and, consequently, voice) can be short and to the point or long and flowing, flowery or blunt, conversational or formal. The audience to which you are writing helps determine the style. A gunslinging Western will likely have a much different style than a YA vampire romance.

Voice: Voice, on the other hand, is the unique point of view through which you see the world. There are many ways to qualify that sentence—and debate it. Is it your quirky personality inadvertently coming through? Or is it a deliberate lens you apply to a particular story? For example, you, through your narrator, might frame everything from a skeptical or cynical point of view. Or you might see everything through a lens of hopefulness, a viewpoint that will come out in the narration—expressed, of course, in the style (the words and word relationships you choose). There may be a combination of whimsy or humor or stoicism or pragmaticism or a million other permutations that flavor your personal paradigm and the lens your narrator uses. To avoid a semantics debate and focus on what’s useful, know that either view of voice (the deliberate lens or the inadvertent personality leak) will get you where you want—just focus on those unique points of view that create a colorful narrative.

Character voice vs. author voice: Since voice springs from deep within the author, it will influence, often at a subconscious level, the characters’ voices. That being said, it is important to note that an author’s voice and a character’s voice can be different. Your character does not need to talk like you do. Well-drawn characters will have their own personalities, as well as their own unique worldviews, but your point of view on life will influence how that unique character expresses his or her unique point of view (yes, dizzying)! For instance, no two authors will give the same voice to a thirties-something, dark-haired female accountant who loves sushi.

The angle: Another way to look at the lens or point of view is to call it an angle. This is easiest to grasp in terms of nonfiction. In nonfiction, the fresh angle or lens through which you look at your material is often more overt than in fiction. If you are writing about the health of the body, for example, are you looking at it with a humorous, entertaining, thought-provoking lens, or with a more scientific approach? Or are you focusing on the facts and the applicable changes one could make to his or her health? Your agenda—your purpose for writing—will largely affect your approach to the material and your choice of style. This combination of style and approach/angle can make for “a new voice.”

A good fiction example is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. She takes a much-covered topic in fiction—slavery—but examines it through the eyes of early female abolitionists who were also early feminists. The exploration of the connection between abolitionism and feminism (and slavery as it applies to the body and mind) is a fresh angle, and the character POV lens through which the story is told is also unique. Even more exciting, Sue Monk Kidd has a distinctive author voice that permeates all her books, even though the voice of each character is highly differentiated from all others she’s written (I call it her “quiet-power-poetic-wisdom” voice, and it is recognizable through her writing style but also her world views that emerge from each book). Her books would be great to study if you’re trying to understand the ins and outs of voice. Watch for patterns in her authorial “voice” (across her fiction and nonfiction) and then note how she uses fresh angles to create a compelling and original voice for each character and book.

How Do You Find Your Voice?

Embrace What Makes You Extraordinary.
Part of finding your voice entails learning to appreciate your individuality. “We are all, each and every one, unique in the Universe. And that uniqueness makes us valuable” (James A. Owen, Drawing Out the Dragons). James has it right. The more you come to understand that, the closer you get to understanding your voice and how to use it most effectively. There are many talented authors out there, and sometimes, as you read an amazing book or story, you may feel that spark of longing to create something just as moving for someone else. Too often, we think the only way to do that is to sound like the author who inspired us. But as much as an author speaks to your heart and mind and soul, remember: the world already has that voice. What it doesn’t have yet is your voice. Get to know yourself—pay closer attention to what engages your curiosity, intellect, passions, and so on. Have others tell you what interesting, quirky, endearing, and annoying qualities they notice in you. Write down snippets of thought you have about the world around you.

Discover Your World.
Your voice is shaped by what you know and what you experience, so get out and learn. I don’t mean that you need to move to Fiji or climb K2 (unless you want to, of course). But visit the world around you, from museums and plays to natural wonders and sports events. Take a class. Try an activity totally outside your comfort zone. If you typically spend the weekend tailgating, attend the opera—and vice versa. If you get the chance, live in another state or country, even for a short while. Volunteer. Travel. Serve. Study. Work. Play. In short, live. Exploring—and challenging—your views and experiences will expand your voice and allow you to tune in to others’ views vicariously, enabling you to write characters with their own unique voices.

Read.
Read history, travel, psychology, mythology, economics, business, biography—read anything and everything. Reading not only expands your world but your knowledge about the world. Learn to look at things differently, and then experiment with showing that in your writing. Find authors you love and study them. What do you admire about their voices? Are you drawn to humor? Maybe there is a natural comedian in you just waiting to get out. Do you love the probing, expansive qualities of deep nonfiction? If you love it, it is probably because there is some of it inside of you.

Write.
Author Sarah Beard (Porcelain Keys) said, “I think I found my voice about halfway through my second round of revisions on my first novel.” I’ve also heard it said that you have to write four or five novels before you find your voice. And then there are people who just have a natural voice right out of the gate. No matter what camp you fall into, you will never find your voice unless you’re writing. If you’re struggling to find it in your story—or simply to recognize it—try some writing prompts. There are dozens of books and sites out there that will give you ideas for pushing your creativity from its comfort zone. This is the space where insights are most often born. (Do them with a friend and compare how your voices—your unique points of view—differ.)

Finding your voice might be one of the hardest things you have to do as a writer, but don’t make it harder than it needs to be. The most effective way to kill your voice might be by trying to make it something it isn’t. Be yourself. It’s your voice; set it free!

Do This Now

Read what you’ve written and ask, “Does that sound like me?” If there are places where the answer is no, then fix them. Next, pay attention to how you talk. Are there certain things you say that are just you? I can’t hear the words “I know, right?” without thinking of my oldest daughter. If you need to, record yourself. If you still can’t hear your own unique vocabulary, ask others what they hear in your voice.

Do a free write. One of the best ways to find your voice is by not holding it back. Just let yourself write and see what comes out. Don’t try to correct yourself. Don’t think; just write. A lot of times, your first try just may be your best work.

Love your story and your subject matter. Chances are, you can tell the authors you gravitate toward really like (or care about) what they’re writing. There is a certain enthusiasm in their writing, and it reflects in every word. This doesn’t mean you have to write only about butterflies and rainbows. Maybe you get a thrill out of scaring your audience. Maybe you love the workings of the human mind. Maybe you’re a history nut. Even hard, scary, painful things in life need to be explored with conviction and passion. Write about what you love, or what you care deeply about, and your inner truth, joy, and purpose—your true voice—will manifest itself.

(Written by Sabine Berlin with Heidi Brockbank and Angela Eschler. Reposted with permission from Eschler Editing.)

Inspiration & Service in the Creative Process

April 14, 2022 By Steve Dunn Hanson 3 Comments

Some years ago, I became friends with a man who was a Biblical scholar and a prominent Protestant minister. For several months we discussed the gospel. He agreed with almost every key doctrine and accepted my invitation to meet with our missionaries. When the day arrived, the elders did their best to look relaxed but were obviously intimidated. Then my friend said, “Elders before you begin, I want you to know everything you are going to tell me, I already believe!” With an almost audible sigh of relief, the elders proceeded with confidence.

Serve God by Serving Others

Although my friend did not join the Church, my experience with him was profound. In one of the missionary sessions, he picked up his Book of Mormon and read aloud King Benjamin’s words, “And behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). He explained that to view helping our fellowman as a literal and direct service to the Savior was a fundamental principle among early Christians. Over time, this understanding was lost. Today, too many professed Christians fail to actively practice that belief. That this truth is stated so clearly in The Book of Mormon affected my friend deeply.

Years ago, he corresponded with Mother Teresa of India. She and her co-workers would regularly visit a muddy, smelly field at night. They would stand in a line holding hands and stretch out so they could barely touch one another’s fingers. Then they would drop their hands and slowly walk forward—listening carefully for the sound of a baby—a baby thrown away by its mother. Once they’d hear the cry, they’d dig through the muck and rescue the child.

To view helping our fellowman as a literal and direct service to the Savior was a fundamental principle among early Christians.

This saintly woman walked through the sea of humanity flooding the streets of Calcutta, searching for those who were dying. Her workers carried them back to her home to wash and feed them. She would sit with a stranger’s head upon her lap for hours to give comfort and consolation in his or her last moments of life.

My friend wrote Mother Teresa a letter asking how she could do this day after day. How could she continuously serve under such horrible, revolting circumstances? Her reply simply stated, “Dear Pastor, don’t you understand? When I am holding a baby covered with slime or a ragged beggar’s head in my lap, I am holding Jesus Christ.” Mother Teresa lived what King Benjamin taught. She followed his direction to “take upon you the name of Christ. . . . (and) remember to retain the name written always in your hearts” (Mosiah 5:8,12; Emphasis added).

Create in the Name of the Savior

What does this have to do with the creative process? After all, there are practical guidelines to help us be effective writers, musicians, artists or any creative endeavor with which we are involved. Who hasn’t heard these principles for success before? Study what others who are successful have done. Get tutored by experts. Be open to honest critique. Practice, practice, practice. Don’t quit! Etc. Etc.

Mastering technique, however, is not the same as creating something meaningful or life-changing. If our desire is to do that, King Benjamin and Mother Teresa’s perspectives and examples regarding our relationship with the Savior is key.

The Apostle Paul said this in his letter to the Colossians, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17; Emphasis added). As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as creators, ALL should include the art we create, the novels we write, the music we compose, and so forth.

Receiving & Recognizing Inspiration

I strive to consider all my efforts as opportunities to magnify Jesus Christ. When I write, I want to bring about His purposes. I try to remember to do it in His name. Admittedly, I lack consistency here, but when I do this, it opens the door for inspiration. My writing becomes more meaningful…because it isn’t just me creating!

How does God’s inspiration come? In my experience, the timing and process vary significantly. Usually, it is a slow, imperceptible flow of ideas, though at times I might have a eureka moment. Often, I simply remember something I’ve read, heard, or experienced that is relevant to what I am trying to convey. Either way, we must seek inspiration if we are to receive and recognize it. We should follow Paul’s admonition and do what we do in the name of the Savior. Then we need to listen and humbly receive that gift with gratitude.

We must seek inspiration if we are to receive and recognize it.

As creators seeking inspiration, we can apply God’s guidance from Doctrine and Covenants: We “must study it out in (our) mind.” Then “if it is right, (the Spirit) will cause that” we will “feel that it is right” (See D&C 9:8; Emphasis added). As we feel it is right, we are given means to convey that feeling and spirit to those who read, see, or hear what we produce.

Through this process, we are as blessed as those whom we seek to bless. When we strive to uplift those who experience our work, and when we do what we do in the name of Jesus Christ, we become more like Him. As covenant-keeping creators, that is our eternal quest.

Steve Dunn Hanson

Steve Dunn Hanson is the author of several books, including inspirational and adventure fiction and self-help non-fiction, which have been traditionally published and self-published. In addition, he has had articles published in The Ensign, and writes poetry and hymns. He and his wife, Joyce currently live on a scenic hill in northeast Washington.

Visit Steve Dunn Hanson at https://stevedunnhanson.com/

7 Reasons Why You Should Try New Things

April 28, 2021 By Brittany Passmore 1 Comment

By Brittany Passmore

Have you ever been scared to try something new? It’s an understandable fear and one that I relate to keenly. However, I’ve recently begun to look at trying new things in a different way and realized that new experiences can bring us incredible benefits.

I’m not asking you to climb Mount Everest or make a drastic change in your career. All I’m saying is that you and I should dabble occasionally in new and different hobbies that peak our interest. For instance, maybe you’ve always wanted to try rock climbing or learn how to paint.

If you think these activities might distract you from whatever creative profession you’ve chosen, let me suggest that they’ll actually make you a better creator than a worse one. New experiences can be incredibly important for your professional and personal development, even if they have nothing to do with your creative work! Here are seven ways that trying new things can help you flourish.

1. Gain New Talents and Skills

When you try something new, you’re likely to learn a new skill because of it. Even if you only try that new thing once, you’ll likely be using skills that you haven’t focused on practicing before. And although these new skills might not be needed for your specific profession, you may find ways to apply them and expand your creativity.

2. Meet New People and Network

Whatever new activity you try, you’ll probably be able to make new friends and add valuable people to your network. You never know when you might be grateful to know someone active in another profession or hobby. Plus, one day, others might be grateful to know you and ask for your expertise!

A girl with brown hair and glasses dips her paintbrush in water. Experimenting with art can be a way to try new things.

3. Gain Valuable Experience

You won’t just learn how to do something new if you try it. You’ll also gain valuable experience that can propel your own career. Trying new things can be hard, but learning to adapt to new situations allows you to better adapt to the difficult situations that arise in your own field. Start trying new things, and you’ll find the curveballs in your own creative pursuits are easier to dodge.

4. Gain Unique Perspective

Your new experiences as you try new activities can help you look at the world differently. Everyone has their own perspective on life, and that perspective is influenced by the things we love and do. So, when you understand a new activity or hobby, you’ll also come to understand the people who love and do those things. This perspective can help you better connect with people as you create your own work.

Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson once gave an excellent example of how trying something new helped him gain a unique perspective that helped his writing. He took an art class to learn about drawing. Although he doesn’t consider himself a professional artist by any means, understanding how artists look at the world in order to create helped him write stronger characters that had similar perspectives.

5. Find Inspiration

Your new perspective may also help you find inspiration as you create. You might be struck by the emotions you experience as you try something new, which could translate into how you use emotion in your next creation. Or you might connect to an idea, an experience, or a person in a new way that brings new meaning to your life and your work.

6. Spark Joy in Yourself and Others

If nothing else, trying new things should bring you and others joy. Have fun while you try new things! Get excited and share your excitement with others. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover a new hobby. Even if you find you don’t want to try that new thing again, at least you will have created a happy memory for yourself and maybe for others.

7. Curate the Attribute of Bravery

Finally, as you try new things, you will develop important attributes like bravery. Trying new things can be scary and overwhelming at times. But when we find the inner strength to finish what we started, whatever the result, we become braver and more confident. That bravery is important to your professional creative work too! Your increased bravery will help you take risks and put yourself out there.

At first, the advice to try new things might seem like a distraction from your work. But in the long run, taking courage to enjoy new experiences can actually improve you and help you find more joy and success in your creative pursuits. So, what are you waiting for? Make a goal to try something new!

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Brittany Passmore graduated from BYU with a major in editing and publishing. She works as a freelance editor specializing in science-fiction and fantasy. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, Brittany loves to be a stay-at-home mom to her toddler and dabble in her musical hobbies of piano, flute, guitar, singing, and practicing yoga.

Website: https://brittanympassmore.wixsite.com/passmoreedits

7 Character Traits of Creative People

March 10, 2021 By Trina Boice 2 Comments

By Trina Boice

Have you ever wondered what drives creative people? What makes them different? Hanging out with other LDSPMA members energizes me, inspires me, and encourages me to tap into my own creativity more! You can develop your own innate creativity by incorporating the following seven traits into your daily life.

1. Creative people are focused

Highly creative people usually have high levels of energy and stay focused on their project for long periods. Even when they are out of the studio or away from the computer, their minds are still thinking about their creative work. To take advantage of the ideas that tend to constantly flow, keep a notebook nearby or reserve a spot on your cell phone where you can instantly record your flashes of inspiration.

2. They hold onto a sense of wonder

Creative people are often brilliant, but they don’t think they know everything. Just the opposite, they retain a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. They are committed to lifelong learning.

3. Creative people work hard

Creative people, whether songwriters or artists, speakers or writers, usually work long hours on a project and get into “the zone.” They let their loved ones know what they need for support, so that when they’re in “the zone,” they won’t be bothered or interrupted. Know how to design an effective workspace with music or silence, food or drink, aroma or light. Creatives are persistent and determined and totally focused on their work. They also know they need to take a break!

4. Creatives are not loners

Research suggests that creative people often combine the best of extroversion and introversion. While most people tend to favor one or the other of these personality types, creative people combine elements of both. They find ideas and inspiration in their social interactions and then retreat to the studio to work their creative magic.

5. They are open and sensitive

Creatives tend to be very empathic and sensitive. They are open to all the possibilities of the world and find inspiration everywhere. Sensitivity is necessary to be able to create artistically but can be a double-edged sword, leaving the artist vulnerable to criticism and rejection.

6. **Creatives can daydream and be realistic**

The traditional picture of the daydreaming artist isn’t necessarily reflective of the creative mind. Creativity is grounded in imagination and daydreaming, seeing the possibilities and wondering ‘what if?’ But creative people are also very practical, and the next stage is testing the ‘what if’ idea to see if it works. Creative thinking is essential for innovative problem solving that works in the real world.

7. Creatives seek to be a light in the world

Creative desire to share their gifts with the world to make it a better place. They want to share their insights and perspective in order to lighten another person’s burden or add joy and depth to understanding.

So, what are YOU going to create today?

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Dr. Trina Boice is a #1 best-selling author of 31 books and an author coach at www.FromBook2Business.com. She teaches online for Brigham Young University (Idaho campus), is a film critic at www.MovieReviewMom.com. Trina is the Marketing Director at LDSPMA and loves rubbing shoulders with all of you amazing creatives!

Common Roadblocks to Getting into Creative Flow

February 10, 2021 By Trina Boice Leave a Comment

By Trina Boice

You know the feeling. There’s a deadline looming, and your mind has gone completely blank. Nothing, nada. It’s like your brain has frozen. Luckily the latest research shows us the most common roadblocks to getting into creative flow and how to move past them and get on with the job.

Fear of failure

Most people are afraid of failing because they see it as a one-way street to disaster, rejection, and a stain on their reputation forever. The fear of failure means you’re less likely to take risks, and you put off even starting. And those are two things that can kill creativity stone dead. Redefine creativity as a series of experiments, with failure as a kind of course-correction and an inevitable part of the process.

There’s not enough time

The ticking clock is another creativity killer. If you’re like most people, your schedule is probably crammed, and you feel like you’ll never catch up. If your checklist just keeps growing, you won’t be able to relax in the creative process and let the ideas flow.

A surprising way to find more time is to quarantine some chillout time in your daily schedule. Prioritize some downtime to listen to music, meditate, or just sit quietly. You’ll feel much less stressed and open to the creative flow.

You’re still staring at the screen

Sitting at your desk, staring at the computer or the blank page is not a good way to get creative. If you’ve been trying to write or problem-solve and it’s just not happening, the best thing you can do is go for a walk or do something else first. Get out of the environment that’s keeping you stuck, and your mental gears can disengage and relax enough to be ready when inspiration strikes.

You’re feeling negative

Negative thinking can stop creativity in its track. If you’re sitting there frowning, and thinking you can’t do it, you’re pretty much guaranteeing that you won’t be able to do it. Pessimism and negative self-talk set up a vicious cycle of gloom and low energy.

Reject that self-defeating attitude and give yourself a pep talk. Reframe your task and just promise yourself you’ll write down whatever comes into your head, just to get the process started. Be willing to create garbage to get the creative juices flowing again.

Remember, first drafts are invariably not your best product, because that’s what a first draft is for! You’ve done good work before, so you know you’ll do it again. Tell the muse you’re ready to get past these common roadblocks to creative flow and get writing!

The world needs your brilliance!