I don't think I'm particularly funny, but have been told that my presentations at various events are equally educational and entertaining. I think my cookbook writing voice is passionate, genuine, and maybe a little bit humorous. Or maybe that's just what I want it to be!
I’d say my writing voice is opinionated, often self-deprecating, and (hopefully) humorous. Now that I’m diving into Ayurveda—a whole new world for me—I’m trying to keep that original voice while also evolving to be more educational and approachable. Not sure if that makes sense, but let’s just say that wearing this new hat is making me rethink how I want to express myself. Turns out, there are more nuances to this than I expected.
Sure, it makes sense. I like the sound of that writing voice. If it helps, I like to think about how to write with a strong voice as "you on too much caffeine." LOL.
Hmmmm.... this got me thinking. After a total of 17 years at a publishing company (magazine) where I practiced and was encouraged to NOT have a "voice", I still tend to back into a generic third person when writing headnotes and other text. I only use first person if the tip is something I do but others may not need to try. I'm inspired to add a few more anecdotes to my next project.
Oh yeah, I can relate to this. I hardly ever got to write in my own voice either, unless I was writing the editorial at the front of a magazine. But it's really fun to develop your own voice and express it. I hope you'll try it.
I completely agree with you about Chrissy Teigen's book. It was recommended to me by a friend whose taste in food I trust. First of all, it's great fun to read and she does have a delightful sense of humor. It's the recipes, though, that really captured me. I wanted to cook almost every dish, which is unusual for me. The recipes were well-tested and everything I made was delicious.
I look nothing like Chrissy T (fortunately for both of us), but there may be a slight overlap on the Venn diagram. My voice is snarky, knowledgeable, fun and friendly. I try to keep my books entertaining and engaging--especially since there's a lot of process involved, with a little history on the side. My blog posts might leave some people wanting to smack me. Oh, well.
Thanks for your rich and generous newsletter, Dianne!
Your piece on Voice really resonated—it’s a great nudge to stop and think about how we sound on the page, and why it matters.
I asked a couple of people who know my writing best. My copy editor said it’s rich in passion and poetry, weaving together history, food, drama, and a life of travel. I’m choosing to believe her! My husband, keeping it simple, said it’s friendly, poetic, and knowledgeable.
Thank you so much for the lovely shout-out to my Substack. I really appreciate your support 🌸
This is a good one! As a former news journo, very used to structure and keeping ‘me’ out of my writing, I have struggled to find my own voice. I think I will go with warm, funny, nerdy
This is so timely—I’m on my way to Kathy Gunst’s Finding your Voice foodwriting workshop this weekend! Your post is the perfect warmup, and the links were all such good examples. Thanks, Dianne.
TY. I’ve seen Chrissy in person on Rachel Ray ~ what a force! And so genuine. Love. And TY for the writing tips. Question on your Voice slide you shared ~ Is one to narrow to a few? Or embrace many? I’d always been instructed 1 or 2. Please advise?
Yes, it’s best to narrow the description of your voice down to a few adjectives. Three is good. Good to know about Chrissy — that doesn’t surprise me at all.
I don't think I'm particularly funny, but have been told that my presentations at various events are equally educational and entertaining. I think my cookbook writing voice is passionate, genuine, and maybe a little bit humorous. Or maybe that's just what I want it to be!
That sounds like a great combo of adjectives, Lisa. I guess you could be entertaining without being "funny," but maybe you're funnier than you think.
Apparently!
I’d say my writing voice is opinionated, often self-deprecating, and (hopefully) humorous. Now that I’m diving into Ayurveda—a whole new world for me—I’m trying to keep that original voice while also evolving to be more educational and approachable. Not sure if that makes sense, but let’s just say that wearing this new hat is making me rethink how I want to express myself. Turns out, there are more nuances to this than I expected.
Sure, it makes sense. I like the sound of that writing voice. If it helps, I like to think about how to write with a strong voice as "you on too much caffeine." LOL.
Im confused by CT’s head note. Did she get hash browns or home fries?
She got hash browns. It's a recipe for hash browns.
Hmmmm.... this got me thinking. After a total of 17 years at a publishing company (magazine) where I practiced and was encouraged to NOT have a "voice", I still tend to back into a generic third person when writing headnotes and other text. I only use first person if the tip is something I do but others may not need to try. I'm inspired to add a few more anecdotes to my next project.
Oh yeah, I can relate to this. I hardly ever got to write in my own voice either, unless I was writing the editorial at the front of a magazine. But it's really fun to develop your own voice and express it. I hope you'll try it.
what a headline!!!
I hope that means you liked it. I guess we have our stereotypes of what celebrities are going to be like, right?
I was just coming here to say that!
I completely agree with you about Chrissy Teigen's book. It was recommended to me by a friend whose taste in food I trust. First of all, it's great fun to read and she does have a delightful sense of humor. It's the recipes, though, that really captured me. I wanted to cook almost every dish, which is unusual for me. The recipes were well-tested and everything I made was delicious.
Yes I heard that exact same thing. It surprised me how rich and caloric the recipes are. She must take a tiny bite and leave it at that.
Resonant. Instructional. Sometimes crass. Most times nostalgic and kind.
Ooh what a great combo of adjectives. I like it.
Thanks, Miss Dianne!
I look nothing like Chrissy T (fortunately for both of us), but there may be a slight overlap on the Venn diagram. My voice is snarky, knowledgeable, fun and friendly. I try to keep my books entertaining and engaging--especially since there's a lot of process involved, with a little history on the side. My blog posts might leave some people wanting to smack me. Oh, well.
I hope it's not every time that they read you that they want to smack you -- that wouldn't be good. But otherwise, your voice sounds great to me.
Oh, no. Just a few people, and only occasionally. Really, it's inevitable. But I'm always good natured and never profane.
I cheated and asked my husband how he would describe my voice because it’s so hard to see yourself sometimes! But I agree with this assessment:
Personal, knowledgeable, occasionally humorous, and empowering
Oh I don’t think that’s a cheat. Whatever helps you develop your voice is fine with me. Thanks Heather!
Thanks for your rich and generous newsletter, Dianne!
Your piece on Voice really resonated—it’s a great nudge to stop and think about how we sound on the page, and why it matters.
I asked a couple of people who know my writing best. My copy editor said it’s rich in passion and poetry, weaving together history, food, drama, and a life of travel. I’m choosing to believe her! My husband, keeping it simple, said it’s friendly, poetic, and knowledgeable.
Thank you so much for the lovely shout-out to my Substack. I really appreciate your support 🌸
Wonderful, Sanaa. I like this experiment. It turned out well. And you're welcome for the shout-out.
This is a good one! As a former news journo, very used to structure and keeping ‘me’ out of my writing, I have struggled to find my own voice. I think I will go with warm, funny, nerdy
Yes me too. I felt very uncomfortable when my first personal essay came out in Salon. I felt exposed.
I like those three adjectives together, Shell.
Wow, Dianne! Great piece and thanks for including me!
You’re welcome Kate. My pleasure.
Thanks for the shout-out Dianne! It's tough for some, but we all have to find our own voice.
This is so timely—I’m on my way to Kathy Gunst’s Finding your Voice foodwriting workshop this weekend! Your post is the perfect warmup, and the links were all such good examples. Thanks, Dianne.
TY. I’ve seen Chrissy in person on Rachel Ray ~ what a force! And so genuine. Love. And TY for the writing tips. Question on your Voice slide you shared ~ Is one to narrow to a few? Or embrace many? I’d always been instructed 1 or 2. Please advise?
Yes, it’s best to narrow the description of your voice down to a few adjectives. Three is good. Good to know about Chrissy — that doesn’t surprise me at all.