Best explanation ever!!! As a professional seamstress in my 20’s and 30’s (before becoming an art teacher), sewing for clients was all about making their “camel”. But as I branched out as a designer, that’s when my “camel” was seen and heard —it still had to be something people wanted and needed (like agents and editors in writing) to wear, but fun and unique! Taking a look at some of my flat stories and thinking more in terms of voice to see if a new spark could lead to something fun and unique! I’ve also been playing with a character that wants out of my head, and this is just the fuel I needed.
BTW, if you ever need sewing advice, feel free to ask!
Oh, yeah, this is so interesting, thinking about sewing for someone else and having to create something that works in THEIR voice, using your skills, and then how satisfying it must be to create things in your voice (camel).
A character who wants out of your head is such a great place to be in!
I really enjoy your distinctive voice Julie. You have really crazy, cool story ideas and you tell those stories in wonderful ways. When I was a kid I fell in love with everything Roald Dahl wrote. He was one of the first children's authors (Dr. Seuss is my other fave) who didn't treat kids like simpletons. I always felt like Roald and Dr. Seuss were winking at me saying "Let's ditch these stuffy adults and make some mischief!"
This is one of the best explanations of voice I've ever seen! And now I definitely want Goodnight Moon meets Die Hard.
Ha, yeah, that was one where as soon as I came up with it for my little fake list of possibilities, I was like, "wait...maybe?"
"Die Moon" or "Goodnight Hard" -- either one sounds promising, honestly!
WAIT, SERIOUSLY. I'm surprised no one has written Goodnight Hard yet.
"Psstt...Julie" -- Jiminy Cricket on your shoulder
Gosh darnit Jiminy.
Loving the tips on developing voice. I’m at that stage in one of my manuscripts that’s written, but not yet me.
Good luck! I have been there so many times.
Best explanation ever!!! As a professional seamstress in my 20’s and 30’s (before becoming an art teacher), sewing for clients was all about making their “camel”. But as I branched out as a designer, that’s when my “camel” was seen and heard —it still had to be something people wanted and needed (like agents and editors in writing) to wear, but fun and unique! Taking a look at some of my flat stories and thinking more in terms of voice to see if a new spark could lead to something fun and unique! I’ve also been playing with a character that wants out of my head, and this is just the fuel I needed.
BTW, if you ever need sewing advice, feel free to ask!
Oh, yeah, this is so interesting, thinking about sewing for someone else and having to create something that works in THEIR voice, using your skills, and then how satisfying it must be to create things in your voice (camel).
A character who wants out of your head is such a great place to be in!
I really enjoy your distinctive voice Julie. You have really crazy, cool story ideas and you tell those stories in wonderful ways. When I was a kid I fell in love with everything Roald Dahl wrote. He was one of the first children's authors (Dr. Seuss is my other fave) who didn't treat kids like simpletons. I always felt like Roald and Dr. Seuss were winking at me saying "Let's ditch these stuffy adults and make some mischief!"
Great article about finding my voice.
I didn’t connect with this story’s 🐪
I meant to say more before posting…brilliant, Julie! This will be my go to statement from now on.
You've got to have a strong camel!
Thanks for this great explanation. Voice is the make or break it thing in any writing!