Writing Exercise: The Writer Behind the Words: The Art of Cultivating Voice (Callum Samsons Notes)

Setting: The invitation to the story for the reader. (In terms of voice) o Setting is used to carry the story & character from where they are now to where they are going. Metaphors & Similes are commonly used for settings but should not be overdone. o Be unique but not contrite in your use of them.

Do not use them to jar the reader out of the setting, unless it is your intention to do so. Use the five senses to give substance to the setting. Avoid Pathetic Fallacy, that is overuse of personification. Use a macro or micro viewpoint to begin setting the scene, gradually coming into proper focus.

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Character: o Do not use adjectives to describe your character, instead allude to the qualities of a character through context.

Tone: 1. 2. o

Ex. She had to tilt her head upward to see his face. Instead of he was tall.

Tone is what the dog hears. Tone is what you hear through motel walls. Word choice is the first way to impact tone. Remember to use words your character would use.

Sentence length also affects tone. Longer sentences allude to softer tone while short sentences hint at harsher tones.

Repetition of the similar syllables affects tone.

Visual Perspectives: o Camera: Whether you are close or far away from the scene.

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Physical Position in relation to other character & the scene. Body Language and Habits transcribed to written or spoken language. This more than anything can help allude to a characters relationships.

*Do not transition too abruptly* Rhythm: o Do not underestimate the value of rhythm even in works not meant to be read aloud. Have others read your work to you or record yourself in order to evaluate the rhythm of your work.

*Every piece of writing is made up of Scenes (Real Time) & Summery (Exposition) in tandem.*