ReFoReMo Day 25: Editor Brett Duquette Voices his Viewpoint on Voice

3/25/2016

By Brett Duquette
Editor
Sterling Children's Books
Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

Voice in writing always seems to be a tough concept to nail down. But strong voice, at its core, is what unifies the point of view of a book and all the other elements (characters, plot, language, art) within. When one of these things is out of sync with the others, that’s when voice falls apart. For example, if a character is totally, completely, overwhelmingly happy with her 4th birthday party, she should be noticing brightly colored balloons, birds chirping in the sky, the mouthwatering smell of her grandmother’s homemade icing. Not, that the balloons are causing too many static shocks, the chirping birds are shrill and too loud, or that the icing is too goopy or wet. That second set of examples would be a girl who is UNHAPPY with her 4th birthday party, and would be a totally different book. That is all probably very obvious, but it illustrates the point. To have strong voice means that the components of a story are selected carefully and aligned with the point of view the book (or character) is trying to get across. Here are some examples:

Last Stop on Market Street
By Matt de La Peña, pictures by Christian Robinson
To witness strong voice, pay attention to what CJ wants. These desires are stated, examined, and then satisfied (in unexpected ways). That refrain is consistent and logical. What he wants, what he sees, how he communicates… it’s all in harmony. This interior logic, or voice, makes the message of the book clear.

Open this Little Book
By Jesse Klausmeier, illustrated by Suzy lee
This beautiful picture book lets the format be very involved in the voice. Could you imagine what this book would be like if the pages themselves didn’t get smaller and smaller? Even if they were outlined in black ink, and the view of image was continuously shrinking, it wouldn’t work nearly the same way or with the same incredible charm. Though there aren’t many words here, this book is a great example of voice. Its interior logic is perfect!

The Snowy Day
By Ezra Jack Keats
The enjoyment of snow is described and illustrated so perfectly and consistently with not a word out of place. The path that takes Peter from one situation to another is clear and logical. Nothing feels forced or pushed.

Good Question: Which Way to Freedom? And Other Questions about the Underground Railroad
By Mary Kay Carson
Voice in non-fiction picture books is also very tricky. What I love about this particular book is that despite the complexity of certain situations, the tone does not shift. Mary Kay Carson expertly maintains a clear and even voice throughout.

The Curious Garden
By Peter Brown
I could have picked anything by Peter Brown, but I will always be in awe of The Curious Garden. Brown is a master of making sure every piece of his work is aligned which makes the voice of his works unwavering.

Brett Duquette is an editor at Sterling Publishing in New York. His list includes middle grade fiction, picture books, and non-fiction. He doesn’t like sweets, but he loves donuts.

202 Comments

Myrna Foster

3/25/2016 03:31:11 am

These are great examples of voice. Thank you!

Katelyn Aronson

3/25/2016 05:01:18 am

A great look at voice and how it can make or break a picture book. Thank you, Brett, for zeroing in on such an important element of story-making and giving us these exemplary titles to study.

carole calladine

3/25/2016 05:35:00 am

Thanks, Brett. Your point of view on voice sings. Great examples. Great post.

Deborah Allmand

3/25/2016 05:39:22 am

Brett, I am only familiar with a couple of your examples. Can't wait to delve into the others as a study in voice. Thanks so much for the post!

Mona Pease

3/25/2016 05:53:30 am

Thank you, Brett, for our important voice lesson, and for including both fiction and non-fiction books.

Denise Engle

3/25/2016 06:02:48 am

Thanks, Brett, for these examples of clear voice. I now have another example of what draws me to Peter Brown's writing.

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:25:54 pm

It also doesn't hurt that he's an INCREDIBLY nice guy! He has a novel coming out (The Wild Robot) next month! I can't wait to dig into it.

Lisa Morgan

3/25/2016 06:08:33 am

Thank you Brett, for your words of wisdom and great selections. I'm familiar with all except Open This Little Book, I can't wait to get my hands on it. When you are reading a manuscript, is it obvious fairly quickly that the components just don't work together to create that powerful voice? As we revise and rework our own manuscripts, we fall in love with the elements in our story. I can see why peer editing would be an important step to help uncover anything that doesn't work well together.

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:31:48 pm

That's a good question, Lisa. It is obvious very quickly when the voice is not cohesive. When the narrator's verbiage is inconsistent (beware of an "adult" voice showing up!) it is usually a dead give away that the whole thing is a bit shaky. Also, most picture books are around 500 words... that is not much real estate. Each and every word needs to be thoughtfully placed.

Another thing about narrators is that they have a point of view too. They aren't merely there to dump exposition. Make sure that your narrator is "doing" something. Is it impish, inquisitive, ponderous, excited, dreary, unreliable, optimistic? If you have ever watched the movie Inside Out -- imagine the feelings as potential narrators. Whichever you choose to be the narrator should inform the story. Joy would be a much different narrator than Anger, for example. That's a bit simplistic, but i hope the metaphor drives the point home. Best of luck!

Rebecca Colby

3/25/2016 06:24:27 am

Voice is so hard to get right and something I struggle with so I was very excited to read your post and recommendations today! Thanks, Brett!

Andrea Mack link

3/25/2016 06:49:41 am

Great examples! Lots to think about here.

Linda Hofke

3/25/2016 06:53:48 am

I haven't read The Curious Garden yet. I will look for that one.
Thanks for the recommendation.

Laura Purdie Salas link

3/25/2016 07:13:30 am

Ack--the eternal struggle over voice! Thanks for these recommendations. I've packed them up to study over lunch. Have read all but one before, but they'll be fun to revisit:>)

Lucky Jo Boscarino

3/25/2016 07:15:18 am

Something just clicked. I couldn't figure out why I disliked a particular PB I read last week. Now it is clear, the voice was inconsistent and made the whole story feel incomplete, even though the illustrations were spot-on and lovely. Thanks, Brett.

Terri DeGezelle link

3/25/2016 07:17:05 am

Voice, voice, voice we each have one why is it so hard to explain and get down? Brett your explanation and selections are spot on. I just picked up Curious Garden and you're are correct everything works. Thank you for the words of wisdom. For me, sometimes I just have to wait for the voice of a story to find me

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:37:18 pm

I love to play writing games. Terri, you might have fun trying to do the opposite of waiting. Instead of starting with a plot or a story, maybe set the voice first. Take a situation -- track and field day -- then put a totally bonkers voice to it -- detective noir, and see what happens. It might be total garbage, but that's not the point. Demystifying voice is the point. You can chose the elements. Who is the narrator, what does the main character want, what is the situation. Jumble it all together in some exercises, so you feel confident making choices (instead of having them divinely inspired.)

Charlene Steadman

3/25/2016 10:11:43 pm

I will definitely give this a try because I also find voice challenging. This will be a great activity for my critique group.

Tanya Konerman link

3/25/2016 07:18:30 am

Last Stop On Market Street is a great mentor text for voice. I haven't yet read The Curious Garden, but your praise lets me know I must! BTW, if you're ever in southern Indiana, you CANNOT miss the most amazing donuts you've ever eaten at H&R bakery!

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:40:52 pm

I'm a pretty harsh critic. You know how a chef's skill is tested by how they make scrambled eggs? I judge a donut shop by how they make an old-fashioned.

Janet Smart link

3/25/2016 07:20:39 am

I am familiar with a couple of these books. The Curious Garden looks interesting - I love the cover!

Sue Poduska

3/25/2016 07:33:14 am

Voice is so hard to pin down. Great examples like this help. Thanks!

Beverly Marsh

3/25/2016 07:41:14 am

Brett, I look forward to reading your recommendations to see how each voice unifies all the elements.

Sue Heavenrich

3/25/2016 07:46:08 am

Good points to remember about voice. Of these books, The Curious Garden fascinated me the most. Maybe because the garden had a "voice" in the story?

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:41:36 pm

The garden is definitely a character here.

Stephanie Gray

3/25/2016 07:49:10 am

A group of books that, on the surface, maybe don't seem to be connected but after reading your post, make perfect sense as a unit on voice. It had been a while since I read Snowy Day, but looking at it next to Last Stop on Market Street, I can't help wondering if Robinson's illustrations were in part inspired by Keats. Thank you for taking time to share your insights with us.

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:42:44 pm

I had that same feeling. I hope it was. I love it when artists communicate with each other through their work.

Kathy Halsey

3/25/2016 07:49:46 am

Whoa, shut the door, Brett. This is th best explanation of voice that I've read in a long time. All elements must work together. I am also thrilled to see a shoo tout to a fell Ohio writer, Mary Kay Carson. Thank you.

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:43:28 pm

I'm glad you like it, Kathy! Mary Kay Carson is a dream come true!

MD Knabb

3/25/2016 07:50:43 am

Voice is challenging. Thank you for these exemplary examples.

Sara Gentry

3/25/2016 07:52:53 am

Thank you for the suggestions. I am not familiar with Open This Little Book. Sounds intriguing. I can't wait to read it!

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:44:14 pm

It's magical. I hope you love it.

Melissa Stoller link

3/25/2016 07:55:12 am

Thank you, Brett. These are wonderful mentor texts to study and your examples and thoughts are so helpful - voice is so hard to perfect but I will use your advice throughout my writing and revision process.

PatHaap

3/25/2016 08:05:39 am

I've read several, but not all of these. Great examples!

Linda Schueler

3/25/2016 08:06:20 am

Great explanation of voice. Thanks!

Cathy Breisacher

3/25/2016 08:07:11 am

These are outstanding selections and I really like the information you provided on each one and how they demonstrate a strong voice. Many thanks!

Eleanor Rubin link

3/25/2016 08:17:37 am

Finding "A Snowy Day" in your good list helps to make "Voice" understandable. The clarity of connection between character, voice and images is classic and powerful.

Robin Currie link

3/25/2016 08:23:54 am

What a grea way to explain what has been a mysterious concept! Thank you!

Tina Cho link

3/25/2016 08:29:20 am

I'm taking note on these, and I'm thrilled my critique partner, Mary Kay's book is listed!

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:45:38 pm

Tell her I say, "Hello!" I'm such an unabashed fanboy!

Laura Renauld

3/25/2016 08:33:46 am

Thank you for deconstructing and giving examples of the ever elusive "voice". I've never heard it described as unifying all the elements of a story. Very helpful!

Michele Manning

3/25/2016 08:33:55 am

Voice is that ever elusive concept, yet you know it when you read it. Your explanation is one of the best I've heard - thank you. It's another layer I now know how to look for whenever I read a story.

Amy Murrell

3/25/2016 08:35:19 am

I don't know all these books. I haven't read The Curious Garden or Open This Little Book yet, but I love the others. I, too, love everything I've read by Peter Brown. I agree that voice is incredibly important; and that, if it's inconsistent, it is immediately obvious in a bad way. I just starting writing children's book less than a year ago. I certainly struggle with many things, but this is something that I know I do well. I've gotten feedback from editors about it even. I think it's because I'm a child psychologist who knows that children are complex and beautifully capable of change. Your mentor texts (the ones I know) are great examples of that, so thank you, Brett. - Amy

Darlene

3/25/2016 08:37:15 am

This post has helped clear up some of my questions about voice in PB. I love that Snowy Day is one to study. Thanks, Brett!

Darlene Koppel

3/25/2016 08:48:30 am

Very good information re: Voice and mentor texts. Thank you.

Alan Elliott link

3/25/2016 08:53:01 am

Brett -- thanks for the great insights on voice.

Karla Valenti

3/25/2016 09:03:40 am

Thank you so much for providing your insights on these great mentor texts. It's very helpful to understand what makes certain texts really shine!

Karla Valenti

3/25/2016 09:04:24 am

Thanks for sharing your insights on these great mentor texts. It's very helpful to understand what makes certain texts really shine!

Lisa Connors link

3/25/2016 09:06:20 am

I love these examples of voice! Thanks!

Sharon Putnam

3/25/2016 09:06:41 am

Terrific post, Brett! Thank you for giving us such wonderful examples of voice in picture books. I can’t wait to read The Curious Garden and A Snowy Day. I especially liked that you also included nonfiction in your selections.

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:51:05 pm

Nonfiction for children is perhaps the most complicated writing of all. Voice is so important in non-fiction. It keeps information accessible. If the voice is off, not only is it hard to learn and remember information, it is further complicated by a book that (because of inconsistent voice) is keeping the reader out.

Sheri Radovich

3/25/2016 09:09:48 am

Thank you for your examples of voice, I am only familiar with two of these and will research the other three. Voice is a difficult thing to get just right.

Annette Bay Pimentel link

3/25/2016 09:17:10 am

Interior logic of book=voice. Such an interesting definition! One I will be thinking about a lot from now on.

Linda Thomas

3/25/2016 09:19:31 am

Thank you, Brett, for your thought-provoking explanation of voice! And also for including one of the classics, Snowy Day, on the list of PBs. I look forward to studying the others!

Linda Chavez

3/25/2016 09:23:21 am

Thank you for this helpful advice. Looking forward to looking through the lens of voice as I write and revise!

Jaclyn Kruzie link

3/25/2016 09:27:06 am

Great advice, Thank you Brett!

Cecilia McCarthy

3/25/2016 09:29:27 am

Thank you for your insights on voice and for the list of examples to read.

Gabrielle Snyder link

3/25/2016 09:30:03 am

Brett, I like how you've described voice in terms of the interior logic of the story. That's given me a new, more concrete, way to think about voice. And thank you for these wonderful examples!

maria gianferrari link

3/25/2016 09:30:43 am

I haven't yet read Good Question or The Curious Garden. Will hunt those down right away! I love how these are all so different in approach and tone.

Thanks, Brett!!

Mike Karg link

3/25/2016 09:32:55 am

Thanks for the selections, Brett!

Mary Worley

3/25/2016 09:36:13 am

This is a good way to explain voice. The book list is varied enough that it will help to really study them all again. Thank you!

Rita Lorraine Hubbard link

3/25/2016 09:38:39 am

Thanks for the list!

Sharon Giltrow

3/25/2016 09:54:19 am

Thanks Brett for reminding me about the importance of voice and how a character talks and acts.

AJ Irving link

3/25/2016 09:59:14 am

Excellent mentor texts. Thank you, Brett.

Lori Dubbin

3/25/2016 10:00:26 am

Thank you for nailing voice, which is not only hard to articulate and explain but also hard to get right in a story. Can't wait to look for the harmony in all these mentor texts.

Mary Jo Wagner

3/25/2016 10:00:58 am

"To have strong voice means that the components of a story are selected carefully and aligned with the point of view the book..." This was the *strongest* point for me. Thank you!

Therese Nagi

3/25/2016 10:01:29 am

Brett thanks for giving great examples of mentor texts. I'm going to reread Last stop on Market Street.

Anna Forrester link

3/25/2016 10:05:10 am

Lots of good, helpful nuance here re: voice -- thanks for a great post and for considering voice in the context of all these other aspects of a PB.

Martin Segal link

3/25/2016 10:06:44 am

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and mentor texts, Brett! I look forward to rereading The Curious Garden with a focus on voice!

Marianne Kuzujanakis link

3/25/2016 10:08:26 am

Thanks Brett! Wonderful selections.

I also love the adjectives you use in your book descriptions - unwavering, not forced, clear & even, and logical. That is the essence of voice. Thanks!

Susan Deo

3/25/2016 10:10:44 am

Thank you, Brett, for an excellent discussion of voice. I'm looking at the whole idea of voice, especially in picture books, with much more clarity now and can hardly wait to delve into each of these mentor texts. Thank you also for your specific comments on each book. These will help as a guide to reading and studying them again. Can hardly wait to get home from work and begin!

Jarm Del Boccio link

3/25/2016 10:16:53 am

Thanks for pointing out these examples of perfect voice, Brett!

debra daugherty

3/25/2016 10:17:25 am

Having read THE SNOWY DAY, I understand what you are saying about voice. I'm looking forward to reading your other four examples.

debbie mccue

3/25/2016 10:20:25 am

Thanks for your post with your focus on voice. I will be reading some new books and re-reading some books with new eyes. Also, thank-you for including a non-fiction book. I need a mentor text like this.

Suzanne Poulter Harris

3/25/2016 10:21:15 am

Thank you for helping to define "voice" with these great mentor texts. Two of my favorites are here - THE SNOWY DAY and THE CURIOUS GARDEN. Looking forward to re-reading while examining voice.

Heidi Yates

3/25/2016 10:24:22 am

Great examples of voice. Thank you Brett!

Nancy Rimar

3/25/2016 10:25:43 am

Voice is so difficult for me to understand so looking forward to reading your suggestions.

Judy Cooper link

3/25/2016 10:28:28 am

Looking forward to reading these books with your insights on voice in mind. Thank you.

Angie Quantrell

3/25/2016 10:46:41 am

I love the comments on each book. This helped me to see what Mr. Duquette was showing about voice. Thank you so much!

Emily Johnsen

3/25/2016 10:50:42 am

Love your post, Brett! These are great examples of voice, not to mention a really awesome collection of picture books. I especially admire non-fiction with great voice!

JEN link

3/25/2016 10:53:02 am

Great recommendations on voice. Finding that It factor, often comes down to voice.

Mary Boehmer

3/25/2016 10:57:52 am

Thank you for sharing with us! The Snowy Day has been a long time favorite and now I have new favorites:) Happy Reading!

Karen Condit

3/25/2016 10:58:12 am

Thanks for your helpful thoughts about voice, Brett. Thinking of voice as "interior logic" takes some of the mystery out of this rather abstract element in writing. (Although, 'Open This Little Book' shows voice can be quite concrete!) I see better why some stories just don't resonate with a clear, strong voice. Like you said, seems obvious, but it's rather complex given all that needs to come into play when engaged in the craft of writing. Great post!

L. Michelle Quraishi link

3/25/2016 11:02:04 am

I appreciate the way you've illuminated the connection between a character's desire and the voice of the story. Handy advice I will apply to my WIP today--thank you!

Rachel Hamby link

3/25/2016 11:02:24 am

Hmm, you don't like sweets, but you do like donuts. That almost sounds like a riddle. :). Thanks for sharing these titles, Brett.

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 12:54:07 pm

I could eat a mountain of old-fashioned cake donuts... but once you put icing on it, i'm outta there!

Amanda Sincavage

3/25/2016 11:06:04 am

I think the trickiest part of voice is maintaining it through revisions!!! Thank you for your thoughts on this great selection of books -- I did a class that explored The Snowy Day using reader response and it made the imagery and voice really pop! And I was wondering when we were going to explore Last Stop on Market Street and The Curious Garden!

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 01:01:45 pm

If you are having trouble with voice in revisions, try thinking of your piece as a layered cake. Each time you revise, try to do so thinking of only one layer. Layers can include:

The plot layer: What is happening? Is it happening logically? Is it happening in the correct order?

The character layer: Are my characters static or dynamic? Do my dynamic ones authentically change? Is the rationale of this change "real" or does it feel forced? Do my characters feel like flesh and blood, or are they cardboard cutouts of an idea? Is this a real kid or is this what people THINK kids should be like?

The language layer: Have i chosen the best words? Are my sentences beautiful? (NOTE - beauty is not length. Beauty is not a string of modifiers, or at least not necessarily. The most beautiful poem to me goes:
So much depends
upon

A red wheel
barrow

Glazed with rain
water

Beside the white
chickens.

-William Carlos Williams)

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/26/2016 01:38:40 pm

One of my most favorite poems—ever.

Lynn Davidson link

3/28/2016 01:18:11 pm

This is wonderful guidance! Thank you.

Marlene Rohr link

3/25/2016 11:08:39 am

Thanks for these great examples of voice in PB's. I appreciate the diversity of titles you have chosen. Snowy Day has been a long time favorite, and I recently read Last Stop on Market Street. Looking forward to reading the others as well.

Anne Appert link

3/25/2016 11:11:16 am

Thank you so much for this very thoughtful post. We hear a lot about the importance of voice in our reading, and this makes it clearer to know what this means. Can't wait to read the selections. Thank you!

joanne sher link

3/25/2016 11:12:27 am

Every one of these is a masterful example of voice. I hadn't read two of these, and one in a long time (I am sure you can guess which one) - and I am thrilled to have feasted on each this morning. Masterful every one - as are your comments and analysis. Thank you! This post is a keeper.

Linda Kujawski link

3/25/2016 11:25:56 am

Brett, thank you for this list of mentor texts. I have read THE SNOWY DAY many times and it always makes me smile. I look forward to reading all of these amazing books with an eye on voice. What a helpful post!

Virginia Law Manning link

3/25/2016 11:29:23 am

I can't wait to read these books again thinking about Voice. Voice is something I'm trying to explore and discover in my writing so your post was a welcome guest in my inbox!

Lori Gravley link

3/25/2016 11:30:13 am

So many people take voice as an "I know it when I see it" sort of thing that it's nice to see an examination with specifics about what makes voice wor (or not). Thank you.

Cathy Mealey link

3/25/2016 11:35:40 am

Love that there is a NF title in the mix! Adding GOOD QUESTION to my reading list ASAP. Thanks.

Donna L Martin link

3/25/2016 11:42:00 am

I've already read many of these selections. Great choices to illustrate your point!

Noelle McBride

3/25/2016 11:46:44 am

Thank you! These are great mentor texts to demonstrate voice. I am learning that voice can also be present and supportive of a nonfiction text as well. I can't wait to search for more!

Karen Brady link

3/25/2016 11:50:26 am

Great post on voice--what it is and why it's important! Wonderful examples, too. I especially liked The Curious Garden. Thank you, Brett!

Manju Howard

3/25/2016 11:52:50 am

Thank you, Brett. I still refer to my notes on voice from a lecture you gave at a SCBWI conference.

Trine

3/25/2016 12:00:45 pm

Thank you. It is very helpful to have good examples especially as I work on voice in nonfiction.

Angela Turner

3/25/2016 12:08:53 pm

Though I like all of the books listed here I really appreciate that you included a nonfiction selection. I think we forget that voice is just as important in nonfiction as fiction. Thank you for such a thought provoking post.

Rosie Pova

3/25/2016 12:10:29 pm

Voice discussions are one of my favorite! Thanks for sharing this list of examples.

Jess Townes link

3/25/2016 12:22:19 pm

Fantastic examples of strong voice! I think Peter Brown has such a mastery of voice, and The Curious Garden is a great example because it is a slight departure from some of his other work, but every bit as strong. Thank you for sharing these!

Joy Main

3/25/2016 12:28:35 pm

Thank you Brett. I recently read 'Last Stop On Market Street' and it made a big impression but I didn't really know why. Your post made me realise that it's the absolutely unifying voice and interior logic that makes it work so well. Something to aim for...

Keila Dawson link

3/25/2016 12:30:06 pm

Voice sure is hard to explain but is one element of a story that grabs on an won't let go! Thanks for the recommendations.

Cassie Bentley

3/25/2016 12:32:12 pm

I love Peter Brown's work and will study books by him. He does align the stars with all the elements of story. Maybe that's what editors talk about when they say "I know it when I read it." Everything is aligned.
Your post has been very helpful, thank you.

Lauren Kerstein link

3/25/2016 12:54:21 pm

Thank you for helping me look at voice through new eyes. You highlighted the fact that voice emerges out of multiple elements including, but not limited to: tone, character desires, format, character observations, consistency, interior logic, communication/ communication style, and alignment between point of view/ story components. Thank you for this enlightening post and mentor text recommendations.

Sherry Howard link

3/25/2016 01:11:21 pm

It's so easy to forget the filter of MC POV for a moment in a story. This is a great reminder to NEVER FORGET!

Charlotte Dixon

3/25/2016 01:13:06 pm

Thank you, Brett, for these examples of voice. Two of the books are in my personal library and I'll add the others. I recently watched Inside Out. I was mesmerized to the very end and wanted more-LOL I am striving to find all the elements and make them sing.

Heather Pierce Stigall link

3/25/2016 01:22:44 pm

Thanks for the recommendations and post. I look forward to reading the two "new" (to me) titles and re-visiting the others while keeping your post in mind.

Karen Bell

3/25/2016 01:25:10 pm

thank you for your insight and mentor text suggestions. The Snowy Day has been a favorite for a long time. Love Last Stop On Market Street and Open This Little Book. Still looking for the remaining two books.

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/25/2016 01:27:48 pm

This is the first time I've heard this: voice unified all the other elements of the book. Brilliant! And I agree. Excellent post!

Anita Jones link

3/25/2016 01:29:03 pm

Wow...I've written about four pages in notes on your words about voice.
This was great information! I like what you said about how a strong voice, "unifies" all the important elements. I also was listening when you pointed out that all the elements must work together...or the "voice falls apart!"I think that's why, although I absolutely hate the revision process, I understand that it's the only way I can I rid myself of all the unnecessary stuff that doesn't make my stories stronger!! Thanks for the suggested reading to help reinforce these ideas. I want them planted firmly in my head each time I write! I loved Open This Little Book, but after what you've outlined for us, I see "WHY" I love it! The Snow Day is in my own book collection...because I adore it....and NOW, I know why!! I'm reserving all the rest of Peter Brown's books I can find...only because I think his work is amazing....and NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY!!!!! Wow again. Thanks Brett!

Brittany Orrico link

3/25/2016 01:52:24 pm

Thanks, Brett! Mary Kay Carson's books are always wonderful. I'd love to hear a few more nonfiction examples of you have any favorites.

Valarie giogas

3/25/2016 01:54:20 pm

I love when the daily posters give reasons/things for us to think about in their choices. Thank you for your thoughts on these fun books!

Maria Marshall

3/25/2016 02:00:43 pm

Brett, thank you for both an amazing post on voice and the mini tutorial within the comments. You have been very helpful, especially your comments on editing in layers.I can't wait to read "Good Question" and I too am glad you offered a non-fiction example. Thanks.

Melissa Rutigliano

3/25/2016 02:06:41 pm

This is interesting for me as I work on my current MS, in which the MC/1st person voice actually changes his demeanor, his attitude, and his overall feeling throughout the story. I am working to create proper emotion throughout this change, but also stay consistent with a changing character's character-if that makes sense! It proves to be quite a challenge, especially when I initially struggled with whether or not to let him tell his own story, or narrate it from the outside. I've taken note on how his voice should be strong enough to unite all elements, because there are A LOT of elements since he makes a complete 360 in personality and outlook on life. This is good advice, and leaves me to ponder where to go from him....
Also, I appreciate the variety in your suggested texts, all being unified themselves on the subject of Voice. Open This Look Book intrigues me-it sounds like an adventure I really want to experience!

sue twiggs

3/25/2016 02:06:44 pm

Brett,
Thank you for this timely post on voice. i am especially interested in your non-fiction selection as I am working on two non-fiction books. a critique I recently had said I had a good voice for my PB character and I am delighted. thanks for these selections. I love Snowy Day and Last stop on market street. Both have a softness and clarity like a sky blue winter day.

Lynn Alpert link

3/25/2016 02:10:59 pm

Wow - you just explained voice in such a simple way - I think I FINALLY get it. Thank you so much Brett! And your comment about editing in layers is gold.

Carol Nelson

3/25/2016 02:12:28 pm

Thanks for the great insights on voice. The replies to the previous comments are also a wealth of information. Snowy Day has been one of my favorites for years.

Alice Fulgione

3/25/2016 02:17:47 pm

Thank you for the great voice suggestions!

Kristi Veitenheimer link

3/25/2016 02:32:49 pm

More great suggestions to add to my stack!

Sadee Schilling

3/25/2016 02:47:24 pm

So interesting, I never thought about how the "interior logic" of a book--including page turns, pacing, special paper engineering, etc.--was part of "voice!" Makes perfect sense. Thanks for this great discussion, Brett!

Natalie Rompella link

3/25/2016 02:51:29 pm

Peter Brown is awesome. Another great example of voice are the Francis the Badger books. Who didn't become Francis while reading the books?

Diane Asyre

3/25/2016 02:52:17 pm

Voice creates an atmosphere that you live in while you read. It's part of the total experience that, if it's missing or unreliable, causes a reader to flounder.

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 03:57:53 pm

And, if you are trying to sell a manuscript, the last thing you want is for an agent or editor to "flounder" or get taken out of the work. If the rest of the story is very strong, they may think it's a fixable issue, but you want the work to be its strongest self before submitting.

Denise Benavides

3/25/2016 02:53:18 pm

Never realized how voice makes the symphony of the story. Thanks for the book choices. I liked all the little books inside the "book"

Vicki Reinhardt

3/25/2016 02:55:58 pm

Thanks so much! More great reasons to add more book titles to my list! =) I love recommended books! And these look wonderful!

Maria Johnson

3/25/2016 03:13:14 pm

Great voice exploration! Saw an art exhibit of Ezra Jack Keats which was amazing to experience. Heard an art director lecture on why Last Stop on Market Street, was so brilliant, before it won all its awards.
See that you have quite a collection of authors in your Good Questions series. Thanks for all your valuable insight.

Claire Noland link

3/25/2016 03:20:47 pm

These are all such great books. I am going to go back and read them looking for the things you pointed out. Thanks!

Susan Zonca

3/25/2016 03:21:08 pm

I so appreciate your description of voice. Sometimes I feel I totally get it and then...it slips away. Love the "writing games" you mentioned in response to another post. Time to ink some paper.

Lydia Lukidis link

3/25/2016 03:25:30 pm

Great recommendations. Nailing down voice is indeed difficult. I'm having trouble understanding if we can have a consistent voice throughout man books, or if we should keep voice distinct for each book? The more I write, the more I see that I have my own unique style, but I wonder if I should always be changing the voice to suit the characters?

Brett Duquette

3/25/2016 03:55:43 pm

Take a series like Harry Potter. Each book has a slightly different tone (continuously getting darker and more adult), though they all feel related. The voice is very similar throughout the series, but still it grows and changes in subtle ways. So, you may certainly have a way that you like to structure plot or string together sentences, but each work will have it's own "feel" which is really a mystical way of saying it's voice should be its own. EVEN with the same character, the events and OTHER characters will affect the world of the story and thus the voice will be unique. Take a peanut butter sandwich, If you add bananas to it, or if you toast it, or if it's creamy peanut butter, smooth, organic, etc... it's still a peanut butter sandwich and tastes MOSTLY the same, yet slightly different.

Does that make any sense?

Jilanne Hoffmann

3/26/2016 01:41:15 pm

I've been reading through your thoughtful comments and think you are a wonderful teacher. Thanks for adding more insight to the discussion!

Shelley Kinder

3/25/2016 03:27:55 pm

Looking forward to reading your recommendations. Thank you for a thought provoking post.

Meena

3/25/2016 03:51:49 pm

Great selection. Thanks for the input.

Ellen Leventhal

3/25/2016 04:01:57 pm

Great selection of books. Voice is one of the first things that jump out at me when I read kid lit or adult books. Who can forget Scout's voice in To Kill a Mockingbird? Thanks for the post!

Sue Ganz-Schmitt link

3/25/2016 04:08:56 pm

Beautifully laid out for us Brett! Great mentor texts - so varied but wonderful how you explain the voice impact in each book. The birthday party example will help me with my own birthday related book I am working on now!

Elizabeth Duncan link

3/25/2016 04:18:53 pm

Thanks for the thought provoking comments on voice in writing and the accompanying texts.

Sue Gallion link

3/25/2016 04:35:28 pm

Brett and all, what a valuable discussion. Your questions for revision using the layers of plot, character, and language are going on a sticky note on my desk.

I tend to think of voice in terms of the manuscript or text. But it's the coherence of voice in all elements, including art and design, that gives a book authenticity, isn't it? This is where the editorial magic happens ...

Monique Wakefield

3/25/2016 04:37:18 pm

Thank you Brett those great mentor text.

Megan Taraszkiewicz

3/25/2016 05:21:43 pm

Thank you for this post. These are great selections!

Brenda Huante

3/25/2016 05:52:53 pm

Thank you so much, Brett. Great advice!

Sandra Jenkins

3/25/2016 06:35:41 pm

What a clear and helpful description of voice. I like your suggestion to dive in and figure it out instead of waiting. Thanks, Brett.

Val McCammon

3/25/2016 07:29:44 pm

Thanks for great info and mentor texts about voice, Brett.

Melanie Ellsworth

3/25/2016 08:36:10 pm

Thanks, Brett. I enjoyed what you wrote about starting with a narrator or a voice and seeing how that drives the story. I love the introspective voice in The Curious Garden; the text and narrator both seem to be content to just be themselves and do their thing.

Lenne' Musarra

3/25/2016 08:48:19 pm

I have thoroughly enjoyed this post, mentor books and the discussion. Voice was mystical before but now I get it. Thank you for the image of cake layering and the importance of checking for plot, character and language congruity. I also liked the suggestion to play word games to demystify voice and get comfortable making choices instead of relying on divine inspiration...which is wonderful, but can take a long time and maybe take you on a fruitless journey.

Celeste Gerard

3/25/2016 09:05:55 pm

Thanks for the wonderful recommendations. I have always loved The Snowy Day.

Lauri Meyers

3/25/2016 09:07:03 pm

This is really helpful, Brett. I hadn't defined voice in that way before. This is opening my eyes that voice isn't word choice and tone, but more of the web which makes the whole book sing.

Dee Leone link

3/25/2016 09:28:31 pm

Thanks, Brett. These are great examples. I want to know where you find doughnuts that aren't sweet? Say hi to Ada and Christina for me.

Patricia Nozell

3/25/2016 10:17:12 pm

Great insight to share & wonderful mentor texts that illustrate it. Thank you so much. I can't wait to re-read these texts to see how each of the components works with the others to create a strong voice.

Ashley Bankhead

3/25/2016 10:26:27 pm

Thank you for these great examples of voice.

Joana Pastro

3/25/2016 10:30:08 pm

Thanks for the great post. I will be checking out those mentor texts.

Lynn Davidson link

3/25/2016 10:46:28 pm

Thanks so much, Brett, for these examples. I haven't read any of them but I will ask for them at my local library. I'm especially interested in finding out more about Peter Brown's writing, specifically since you have me curious about the Curious Garden. :)

Carol Cole link

3/25/2016 10:58:44 pm

Brett, what great examples of voice. I really liked your advice to start with an idea or situation and then choose a voice to tell the story; rather than starting with the story or plot. I still struggle to find my voice although I've been told by editors and agents at conferences that my ms have a good voice.

Mary Warth

3/25/2016 11:33:32 pm

Thanks Brett for the thoughtful post. I also enjoyed the comment you made regarding voice being like a character from Inside Out. That made so much sense to me. I want to get right into my WIP and edit for voice!!

DeLeon

3/25/2016 11:48:21 pm

Thank you, Brett. Great subject. This is something to think about... My story's plot, character, language, etc. must be aligned with the message I am trying to convey. I enjoyed reading your suggestions and I identified a strong voice in each example.

Natalie Lynn Tanner

3/26/2016 12:01:10 am

Brett: I love the books you selected to show the power and importance of voice in writing. It is so important to remember that the voice/narrator can make or break a story. It is important to acknowledge that the voice really is one of the characters in the story, and should have the same amount of attention given in developing it as other characters are. THANK YOU for the reminder!

Lotus Ivak link

3/26/2016 08:11:53 am

Hi Brett, Thank you for your thoughtful comments around voice. Very helpful.

Jill Jeffries

3/26/2016 08:28:14 am

I appreciate your thoughts and mentor text examples as I struggle with voice. Thanks also for the reminder that NF books also need strong and consistent voice.

Christine Rodenbour

3/26/2016 08:40:35 am

Thank you for the great insight into strong voice!

Karen Bell

3/26/2016 08:50:18 am

Thanks for your post about a strong voice in pb. I really enjoyed Open This Little Book.

Pamela Courtney

3/26/2016 11:41:14 am

I cannot wait to pore over these book recs to study and analyze how voice is handled in each. This is what I need to understand and hone in my writing. HUGE THANKS!!

Bev Baird

3/26/2016 12:00:06 pm

Wonderful post - full of great examples of voice. Thanks!

Sydney O'Neill

3/26/2016 12:12:35 pm

This post answers many questions I had about voice. Thank you so much!

Ali bovis

3/26/2016 03:30:36 pm

Thanks so much for this amazing post about voice and all the terrific mentor texts!

Sherri Jones Rivers link

3/26/2016 03:43:14 pm

This is a post worthy of holding onto. Thanks for the great insight and your teacher qualities that help us understand in simple language.

Traci Bold link

3/26/2016 03:47:23 pm

Brett, you gave excellent examples of strong character POV. My favorites that you posted are LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET and THE CURIOUS GARDEN. The others are great too but I love the style of the first two.

Jennifer Cole Judd link

3/26/2016 07:10:58 pm

Wonderful post. LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET really exemplifies a text with perfect voice. It is a joy to read aloud and my heart swells every time I do--it is so rich and musical and satisfying. Can't wait to read the others. And I will be paying closer attention to diction that creates dissonance in my manuscripts--I've always found the definition of "voice" a little elusive, but this is post really helps. Thank you!

Bethany Roberts link

3/26/2016 10:23:47 pm

This has got to be the best explanation of voice I've ever read. Thanks so much for your post and also for all the gold nuggets you've added in the comments!

Kelly Rice Schmitt

3/26/2016 10:25:13 pm

VOICE! I find this to be possibly the most important characteristic setting apart the amazing writing that really sings from titles with an interesting plot but not enough heart. Thank you for your specific example of the descriptive elements needing to line up with the characters mood/ tone of the book. I really enjoyed this reading list. Thank you!

Donna Cangelosi link

3/26/2016 10:48:04 pm

What a great explanation of VOICE, Bret! Thank you so much for sharing your insights and this great list of picture books. I'm looking forward to re-reading them with your explanations in mind.

Leah Heilman Schanke

3/26/2016 11:32:23 pm

I find voice challenging to understand. This post was very helpful in gaining a better understanding. The Snowy Day is one of my all-time favorites! Thank you for the comments on the individual selections.

Jena Benton

3/26/2016 11:48:53 pm

Great examples! But how can you like not like sweets and still like donuts? Is that a consistent voice? LOL! ;)

Tracey Brown

3/27/2016 12:31:35 am

Thanks, Brett for your explanation on voice. Looking forward to reading all of the mentor texts with this in mind.

Linda Carpenter link

3/27/2016 05:39:43 pm

Many thanks for the great insight on voice. There are a couple of these books I have not read yet and will get right on it. Last Stop on Market Street has been a great reference on voice. I love that book!

Lisa Williams

3/27/2016 06:09:17 pm

Thank you for this thought-provoking piece on voice. It gives me a lot to think over and review/edit in my own writing.

Juliana Lee link

3/27/2016 09:07:10 pm

I feel like voice is one of the hardest story elements to get right (at least it is for me). Thanks for the suggestions above for awesome voice mentors.

Holly Samson Hall

3/28/2016 09:10:19 am

Thank you for these wonderful mentor texts and your helpful insight!

Lynne Marie link

3/28/2016 09:35:09 am

Perfect examples, thank you!

Cindy Cornwall

3/28/2016 11:47:12 am

Voice is so important, yet elusive. Thanks for the practical advice on how to capture and shape it. I love Peter Brown's work: just discovered Mr. Tiger Goes Wild through ReFoReMo. I'm going to request all of his books that I haven't read. Will also be looking for Open This Little Book and Good Question:Which Way to Freedom.

Angela De Groot

3/28/2016 12:19:08 pm

Great post on voice - ALWAYS helpful!

Anita Banks

3/28/2016 03:00:42 pm

Awesome list. Thanks.

Gabrielle Schoeffield

3/28/2016 07:10:05 pm

Thanks, Brett for the insight!
I hope one of these days the light bulb will go off in my head and I will finally see the light!

Pam Jones-Nill

3/28/2016 08:58:54 pm

Great picks. Thanks.

Shelley Marshall

3/29/2016 03:13:50 am

These are insightful thoughts and texts you share with us about VOICE and they will truly guide me in my writing. Thanks so much Brett.

Susie Sawyer link

3/29/2016 01:39:44 pm

Excellent suggestions and texts! Continuity is so very important in all aspects of our mcs. Thank you Brett!

Wendy Greenley

3/29/2016 04:53:20 pm

Aiming for that voice that rings true and consistent. Hoping you aren't someone who wants bacon on their donuts. Of course, that just means more of the good ones for me.

Dina Ticas

3/29/2016 07:47:17 pm

If all the writing elements that a person can tackle, this has got to be the one that is the hardest to do well. Thank you for the great mentor text suggestions.

Dina Ticas

3/29/2016 11:18:42 pm

Not sure if my comments went through because I had spotty wi-fi coverage...so I'm going to try to remember what I wrote ;)

Voice is just about the most difficult literary element to master. I want to challenge myself to develop a voice--something I'm known for. Thanks for a great selections. I had never read "The Curious Garden", but I think I'll include it in my Plant Unit from now on. Such a great mentor text for developing a character (in this case, determination).

Cassie Bentley

3/29/2016 11:21:04 pm

I love The Snowy Day and cannot wait to read The Curious Garden.
Thank you for you insight.

Kimberly Marcus link

3/30/2016 08:01:42 am

Thank you for your thoughts on voice. Also in the forefront and sometimes illusive but the mentor texts you chose really define what you are speaking to. Thanks again!

Brook Gideon link

3/30/2016 08:41:58 am

Wonderful books, I am going to get them all from the library! Thank you for clarifying voice in a way no one has to me!

Cheryl Kim

3/30/2016 12:37:44 pm

Thank you for this insightful post on voice. I loved how you gave examples of strong voices across genres.

Suzy Leopold

3/30/2016 04:54:56 pm

Creating a compelling voice in a picture book can be challenging. Thank you, Brett, for the excellent tips and the list of outstanding titles.

Ann Magee

3/30/2016 08:47:52 pm

Love how you described strong voice as unifying the point of view and character-plot-language-art. YES--that's it! Thanks, Brett.

Christie Allred

3/30/2016 09:39:48 pm

Thank you for the mentor text suggestions with excellent voice. The concept of voice is a little hard to understand, and good examples can help. :)

Kristen Browning

3/30/2016 10:31:41 pm

Thanks for your explanation of voice and for your reading selections. I will have to re-read a couple of them and will have to find WHICH WAY TO FREEDOM and OPEN THIS LITTLE BOOK. I'll keep your suggestions in mind as I revise my WIPs, as well.

Carrie Pearson link

3/31/2016 07:31:53 am

Voice is so hard to describe, but you've done it! Aligning all facets of the story must be the key. Thank you.

Kathy Cornell Berman

3/31/2016 11:08:18 am

What an amazing post and discussion. Thank you Brett for shining a light on voice.

Helen Dening link

4/1/2016 06:36:10 pm

Thank you for your fantastic explanation on voice and your extremely helpful comments. I will read the selections and my work with more awareness of voice unifying all the elements of the story. Thank you!

ReFoReMo Day 25: Editor Brett Duquette Voices his Viewpoint on Voice

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