Writing in Your Voice

As a writer, I need to read as voraciously as possible. The new writer in me loves toying with different fictional voices and narative styles. I just finished reading Disobedience, a brilliantly crafted first novel by young British novelist Naomi Alderman.

It was a hard process for me to find my own voice and style and of course, the process is not nearly over and sometimes not crystal clear. But every time I read a book that inspires me to write, I usually get closer to my own story that I want to tell.

In the beginning, it was all about reading the classics, but eventually I discovered that my contemporary women's fiction MA showed me the way - a singer, a generation of quilters and a daughter of a rabbi. They all have empowering journeys leading them to find their own voice as I will mine... one day.

Our of all the contemporary women's writers I have read (and I've read a lot,) Naomi's book, gave me a unique and satisfying reading experience that conclusded with the thought: my voice, like others, is rich, dark and beautiful.

I wonder why it took 36 years to reach and write this conclusion... another venue, anyhow.

So, do you write your fiction in light of the inspiration other writers give you? How long has it taken you to find your own individual voice in your own writing?

A few words on Passover cleaning ....

I'm enjoying writing at my desk in a clean study. Now, it is my best friend. The old BA papers and files have been resorted and reread through again; the discs redusted and reorganized, school books have been put in our car on the way to the school library when I return to school. I see the twenty two year old who wrote them. It's good. I'm in a better place now. More room to write, less clutter to take in...

And finally Ivry...

Welcoming his friend Ben-Ben whom he missed so much - Ivry gives great hugs!




At Paulette the hairdresser, wishing he was back home.




Here I am! Aren't I cute with short hair? Still a tearful Ivry

Happy Spring, Easter and Passover!