“Voices” on the Page: Why Some Engage, Some Enrage, and Some Are Simply Forgettable

You have a story to tell, and your scenes-and-dialogue game is strong. But what about your “voice”? According to one agent, 90% of pitches fail because the voice feels overly familiar—perhaps even boring—instead of strong and unique. For CNF writers, your voice can be as important as your story. In this session, we will study examples of voice-driven memoir, essays, and columns, and discuss why some voices make an impact—and some fall flat. Attendees will leave with a heightened understanding of this critical element of CNF and the tools to become that 1 in 10 writer whose voice is unforgettable.