Author Voice
I said last week that author voice impacts how you describe the world and the characters in your story.
We’ve practiced describing the setting.
We’ve practiced describing the characters.
Now we’re going to take this into the real world.
I said that by writing or storytelling, you get to develop your author’s voice. But I also said that trauma makes our voices silent.
So let’s talk about how you get back your voice, by using story.
The mental image I’ve been trying to get you to work with for your setting, should be in your head as a safe zone. You can go there and know that even though the place is currently only in your imagination, that this is a spot where you are in control.
This control is a good control. You have chosen to be in this space and it should have nothing that is going to upset you or make you feel unsafe.
You have the mental image setting and its safe. You are in control. This means, in this spot - you have a voice to say what needs said. You can imaginitively, or verbally in this setting say, “I need ———.”
Once we realize there’s going to be no consequences for speaking our need in that space we can go furthur, and say to the character we have in the scene. “I need ——-. Can you give it to me?”
And then let the character respond with a yes. (I’ll give you an example below.) Then continue to tell the story of what it would be like to successfully receive that need.
Again, no one has to ever see this. And you are learning. The point is not to polish until it meets extreme perfection - the point is you experiencing the emotions and healing you need.
Here’s a scene from The Mist Walker:
Erinys struggled with her sudden vulnerability. “May… I… ask… to feel protected? I… I just want to rest on your shoulder.”
(Above is the ask. Below is the yes from the character.)
“Of course my lady - that’s easy.” Mason Jaymes allowed her to come close.
She hesitated.
“Its all right,” Mason soothed, seeing the fear grow in her green eyes. “Whatever you’re thinking of - that’s not here and now. You know I won’t hurt you?”
“Do I?” Erinys wondered softly.
He watched her for a moment. “Beautiful, please stop allowing fear to control you. Rest now. Tomorrow’s problems can solve themselves.”
“I am… not a… problem? This is not inappropriate?”
“My shoulders are yours to cry on. We’re both fully clothed. Nothing is going to happen to you. I know my limits and I will always ask to see if I am welcome. You saw me with a child earlier. If I can handle baby spit up, I can handle a woman’s tears.”
“I am… not too much?”
“However could you be too much for me to handle?” he asked, in disbelief, a small smoke tinged chuckle in his throat. “I’m an illegal arms dealer, Beautiful. I’ve handled much more dangerous things and people. Handling danger is my job… except now. Now, its my job to protect you.”
She leaned against his shoulder, feeling oddly secure. “Thank you.”
He shifted his head slightly, facing her as she tried to hide. “Thank you for trusting me.”
The Mist Walker will be published on Amazon October 2023!
Here’s a sneak peek on Wattpad: The Mist Walker!
Perpetual Disclaimer for this series:
I am not a counselor or a mental health professional. I am going to attempt to avoid things which will cause alarm or harm, but I can't know what will trigger each individual. If you need to speak to a mental health professional please know that there are resources available.
Your stories are amazing!
Chronic Writer