By Darlene L. Turner @darlenelturner

Voice and style can make or break an author’s novel, so how can we make it stand out from all the rest? Style is the technical aspect of the story while voice relies on character, point of view, and attitude (can be referred to as tone). How can we give the reader a voice they’ll remember or a style that will keep them reading?

The following are aspects of voice and style I’ve been learning about from other authors. Every writer should think about these before they start to plot their novel.

Voice

The challenge can be to write in a voice that comes across as unique and authentic. Let’s think about the following.

Character and attitude

The tone of your story will set your novel apart if done correctly. Your characters need an attitude as it can add emotional stakes and give the reader what they want—a cleverly woven story. The author needs to show how the character is going to deal with the issues haunting them. How will their attitude show? It will become their distinctive voice.

POV

Most thrillers are written in first-person past tense or third-person past tense POV. Why? Some feel first-person reads well and is a friendlier voice. Normally first-person is the voice of the hero. Think Patrick Bowers in Steven James’ series. He puts the reader right into Patrick’s life.

Is there a downside to using first-person? The author must stay in that person’s POV for the entire novel, so it’s hard to show scenes with other characters. Also, the reader may get tired of all the “I’s” throughout the chapters.

What about third-person? Seeing the events through the eyes of a character is like a movie camera rolling while reading. It puts the reader directly into the story. They feel what the character feels, sees what they see, etc.

Which POV is right for the author? Why not try both out on some beta readers? Give them a snippet in both POVs and have them decide which they like better. Once decided, the author can better plot their novel as it will come naturally.

Style

How can style work hand-in-hand with voice? These are technical choices authors make to weave their tale. Here are some examples of how style can enhance your story.

Flashbacks/Background

They can add suspense for the reader. However, use these sparingly. Too many flashbacks or background information can pull the reader from the story, but placed in the right spot can have them turning the pages. We’ve been told not to include background info in the first fifty pages. If it’s necessary to add them early, just give hints to entice the reader.

Setting

Every story needs a powerful setting. Perhaps it’s a sleepy town now plagued with intrigue or a supposed haunted mansion. The setting is a character of its own.

Dialogue

This can make or break a novel. Dialogue needs to be authentic, but we also don’t want to include hum-drum snippets of a conversation—for example: “Hi. How are you?” “I’m fine, thank-you. You?” We know these types of questions are in our everyday conversations, but they will bore the reader. Keep dialogue snappy and moving the plot forward.

Rhythm

The use of short and long sentences can enhance the pace of a novel. Need suspense? Use short, choppy sentences to thrust them right into the action. Need to give the reader a break? Use longer sentences and paragraphs to slow the pace, giving them a chance to think through all the clues. However, don’t add too much detail. You know what they say—less is more.

These are just some areas to consider when writing a novel. Practicing in different POVs and using the above information can make the author’s style and voice authentic. Why not try this today?

What are your thoughts on voice and style?

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. She has two books releasing in 2021: Abducted in Alaska (March) and Lethal Cover-Up (August).

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.