Like a broken record

[wayfaringwordhack]

I don't know how many of you follow Query Shark (query_shark ), but yesterday she said something that made me sit up straight and think "uh oh."

First a quote:

The Sharked: My completed 60,000 word manuscript, NODDING PINES, is a work of literary fiction that tells the story of a broken family through the three unique voices that comprise it.

The Shark: Writing three unique voices is like going to the Writing Olympics. Just cause you look good in a Speedo doesn't make you Michael Phelps. When someone offers me a novel in three voices I cringe. Then the first, actually the ONLY, thing I do is watch how they use language. If the query letter is over written and pedantic, I have zero confidence you are the Michael Phelps of the Shark Pool.

First sign that elevates an eyebrow: that comprise it. (you don't actually need those words for a complete thought.) If you're writing three voices, you'd better have a very keen eye for extra words.

As all you Bobs know, I'm currently working on a trilogy. Told from 5 different POVs. And I have a self-confessed problem with voice.

::is in deep...water:: But then, I already knew that. ;-) Come on in, y'all; the...water's fine.

Comments

[clarentine]

Thank god my default is first person single voice. *g* I only have one novel with more than one narrator, and that book has two.

Of course, that said, the only rule in writing is, does it work? If yours works with five voices, then it works. La!

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*nods* Of course, the Query Shark doesn't accept fantasy, and I don't think all agents(especially those who rep sci-fi and fantasy do) have the exact same prejudice. But the crux of the matter, which you hit upon, is "does it work?" I'm struggling to make it work is the only answer I have to that. :P

Actually, thinking about it, none of my projects has a single POV. o.O I guess I believe in challenging myself. ;-)

[clarentine]

I'm struggling to make it work is the only answer I have to that.

That's the only answer you need, as far as I'm concerned. Challenge away! (Or is that aweigh? As long as it's not awash.)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Yeah, definitely not awash!