Friday, September 2, 2011

What is an Author's Voice?





Hey y'all! I'm dancing a happy jig about joining Naughty Author Chicks! Of course, it's exciting to be with these amazingly talented authors, but mostly I'm stoked to now be legitimately naughty.


I debated what I should write about for my first post and decided I ought to introduce myself first- you know - 'cause I'm southern and we have this whole hospitality thing going on. Don't worry, I'll make it quick. Casey Crow was raised on a red dirt road in small town Alabama, but found my way up Highway 43. My claim to fame is Miss University of Alabama and working as a NASCAR spokesmodel (yes, Jeff Gordon is even more hot in person). In addition to writing, I'm a pageant coach and dance teacher with two little children, although according to the wisdom of these 8 and 6 year-olds, they are "big kids." I write erotic and spicy contemporary romances with my debut release, CAN'T FAKE THIS, coming out Dec. 6th with Loose, Id. I wish I could take credit for coming up with my tagline, "Sexy, Sassy & Southern," but it was the brainchild of my mentor, the incredible, RITA nominated Cynthia Eden as she decribed my voice.


So what is an author's voice? Wikipedia says it's "the literary term used to describe the individual writing style of an author, considered a combination of syntax, diction, punctuation, character development, and dialogue." In English? It's the tone or the way a book "sounds." My voice is sexy because my heroines know what they want and go after it, which yields intensely passionate sex scenes. The sassy comes into play because these girls are fun and flirty and southern because they have the slow drawl of sweet molasses. Here is an example from one of my works to illustate voice.


HUSTLER'S DREAM


(After Channing and Brandon finish a game of pool.)


He finished off the other four stripes and nailed the eight ball straight into a corner pocket before circling the table toward her. "You lost, babe. Maybe the shaft isn't straight enough for you." He leaned on his stick like he was Moses leading the Hebrews into the Promise Land.


Her gaze sure as heck didn't go to the upper end of the pool cue that would slide through her fingers like velvet. No, she locked in on a far more promising shaft before meeting his eyes. "You are aware that has a double meaning?" She stroked her own stick. Slowly.


He visibly gulped, and she tried hard not to smile as she moved back and pointed her cue at his cock, squinting one eye. "It's not the straightness I have a problem with. It's the hardness."


He snorted and pushed her stick aside to take two steps closer. "All shafts are not the same. Some..." He brushed his dick against her stomach. "Are ready to play with, but others just need a little polishing."



I hope that showed my "Sexy, Sassy& Southern" voice. Now, think of your favorite author and why you like her. Most likely, her voice appeals to you. Is it flowery and descriptive? Quick and intense? Dark? Debbie Macomber's is sweet and comfy. She makes you feel at home. Okay, that's her tagline, but dang it, it's true. Kristan Higgins' is light and quirky. All good writers have a distinctive, recognizable, unique voice. Who stands outs to you?


14 comments:

Michelle Polaris said...

Welcome to the Chicks Casey! That excerpt certainly showcased your voice and was hot. Why do I have a sudden urge to go play pool?

Casey Crow said...

Thanks Michelle. Let me say again how honored I am to be apart of NAC! I used to play pool in high school and college. I picked it up again when I started the Hustler's Dream manuscript. It was such fun, but definitely not like riding a bike. I'm pretty pitiful at it now.

Paige Tyler said...

Hey Casey! So glad you're a Chick! Loved the excerpt! I agree with Michelle about having he urge to play pool.! LOL!

*hugs*
Paige

Wynter said...

Way steamy excerpt. Love it! Welcome to the chicks, Casey. It's great to have you aboard.

Casey Crow said...

Thanks Paige and Wynter. Just waiting for that ms to sell! LOL

Jillian said...

Great post, Casey- I can hear your sweet molasses voice saying the words. Can't wait for your debut release!

Casey Crow said...

Thanks for stopping by Jillian!

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

Love your voice, Casey!
And welcome to the NAC. It's always good to meet another naughty author.

Callie Croix said...

Welcome, Casey, from a fellow newbie here at NAC. I love that you're southern and proud of it!

So neat to hear that Cynthia's your mentor. She's such a sweetheart!

Casey Crow said...

Thanks Ashyln and Callie. Can't wait to meet all the Chicks in person!

Keena Kincaid said...

Now why am I not surprised to find you among the Naughty Chicks? I look forward to your blogs, Casey, and more fun excerpts like the one you included.

Jina Bacarr said...

Welcome, Casey!! So good to have you here at NAC.

Your excerpt definitely has that sexy, Southern style. Makes you want to stay awhile with the characters...

You're so right about voice. It's personal, so much a part of "you." Like an actor finding the character's quirks, the way they speak, react to other characters. That's what makes their performance memorable for the audience. Same with voice. Yours is terrific!

Naima Simone said...

Hi, Casey!
I'm late! But I still wanted to take my chance to welcome you to Naughty Author Chicks! You have a wonderful voice and the excerpt was hot!! Can't wait to read more from you!

Casey Crow said...

Hey Naima, Jina, and Keena - y'all snuck in on me! Sorry I'm so late in saying a big thank you for the kind welcome.