On BBC One tonight (in the UK) it’s the final of The Voice. I’m sure you must have encountered this multinational television franchise in one of its different guises. And if you haven’t, where have you been hiding? Basically it’s a singing contest with a twist. The auditions are blind, meaning the judges don’t see the auditionees, only listen to their voices to decide whether or not to put them through to the next round.
I watched an interview the other day in which one of the judges, beautiful Danny O’Donoghue, said:
I guess it goes past the voice itself, there’s people who are technically gifted, and there’s other people who sing form the heart, sing from the soul.
You don’t have to sing every note that was ever invented to get your point across or sing a great song.
It struck me that Danny could so easily be talking about writing.
We writers spend inaudible amounts of time honing our craft, learning the grammatically correct way to construct sentences and a whole host of other rules that produce technically perfect prose. But is it enough?
Not really.
We have to bare our souls, our hearts, and that doesn’t mean flexing our extensive vocabulary. Sometimes, actually more often than not, simple words are the most powerful when they’re strung together with honesty.
One of the most impactful books I’ve ever read is riddled with repeated words and phrases, excess verbiage, adjectives, and pronouns galore, but it had depth and sincerity that swept me along, leaving me breathless, elated, and terribly sad all at the same time. Never before had my breath hitched when reading a book. Yes, actually hitched. And in that moment I couldn’t give a toss about grammar.
I’m not saying that craft isn’t important. Of course it is. But equally important is voice, talent, heart, soul, or whatever it is you call that elusive quality. Couple the two together and OMG, you’ve got the whole package.
Tonight as I watch The Voice, I’m not voting for the most technically gifted singer. I’m voting for the singer that strips everything else away and moves my soul. 
Couldn’t agree more. Though I’m surprised by tonight’s result, I have to say. I thought maybe Bo would win. They were all equally worthy, though, which is refreshing to see in a final.
And yeah, some of my favourite reads have been full of a style that usually set my twitch into action, but I’ve been oh, so glad when I’ve pushed through and fallen in love with a new author/book/series/characters.
I think they played too much on Bo’s sob story, the same with Tyler. Though I wanted Bo to win, Leanne’s voice was incredible. She conducted herself with poise and dignity throughout the competition.
My number one rule for writing: KEEP IT SIMPLE. Love your post, Amaleen! It’s amazing what moves us enough to write and get our voice out there. Cheers!
Yes, simple is definitely best in everything, not just writing.
Thanks for commenting, Sharon.
Well,
I’m taking a breath.
I was just reading out this too. I see myself with this dam blocking what I want to convey, with each word I poke a hole in it. I would like to let go; let the water (words) flow free, but I’m held back.
I think the moment I am able to do that, not only will I be a good writer but I will feel a freedom few experience.
Keep your fingers cross.
Oh, I’m being rude, please come with me.
When you learn the rules of writing, it’s difficult to think past them. I found myself second guessing everything I wrote at the beginning, asking myself if it was ‘correct’. I’m pleased to say I’ve pushed past this (mostly). I’ve learnt the power of editing. It allows you to write crap, then clean it up.
It took me a long time to truly understand this.
Well, you are very good now. So I guess it works.
We have this show in the US, too. The contestants are often overshadowed by the judges: Christina agulara and Adam Levine, etc. I agree that emotional connection is more important than technical prowess. Enjoy!
I’m not sure that happened in the UK series. The judges got slammed for being too supportive.
Adam Levine, how wonderful to get to watch him every Saturday night.
Oh, yes, I agree. Sometimes, if that book sweeps you along, everything but the story falls away. I think as writers we can be even more highly critical when reading. So when you do get carried away, you know that the story is fantastic.
Yes, you’re so right. I find it terribly hard to read and not mentally edit when reading :-0.
Am I greedy to want both voice AND perfect prose?
Probably.
But you’re right. If I had to choose, I’d take voice. We can learn the rest
I’m greedy, too! But voice is key. Absolutely!
Awesome post, Amaleen! And so true!
Thanks for stopping by, Michelle.
Lovely post. And it begs the question, Amaleen…what *was* that book that made you hitch your breath?
Well, I don’t want to start a debate about whether or not the book I love is good or bad, so I’ll keep that to myself.
But I am surprised no one else asked the question. 