Mastering Voice and Edits: Essential Advice for Aspiring Writers

Episode Summary:
In this “Ask Beth & Lisa” episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid answer listener questions on two critical topics: discovering your writing voice and navigating editorial feedback. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, they offer guidance that every aspiring author needs to hear.

Key Discussion Points:

• Defining Voice in Writing:
  Beth uses an insightful analogy inspired by her recent visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Just as Van Gogh started by imitating other artists before evolving into his own iconic style, writers too must experiment with various influences before discovering their authentic voice. Lisa echoes this, sharing how early influences like Roald Dahl subtly shaped her style before she refined her own tone.

• Voice Evolves with Practice:
  The discussion emphasizes that voice is not immediate—it emerges through trial and error, reading widely, and absorbing styles. Writers should not fear sounding like someone else at first. Over time, those influences blend into something unique.

• The Editorial Process Demystified:
  The second half of the episode tackles a question from a listener facing her first round of editorial edits. Beth and Lisa both stress the importance of checking your ego at the door and viewing your editor as a collaborative partner. Editors are invested in making the story stronger, not tearing it apart.

• Handling Editorial Letters:
  Beth suggests a methodical approach: read the entire letter, let it sit, re-read with a highlighter, and categorize the feedback by what resonates and what doesn’t. Lisa adds that open communication and asking clarifying questions can prevent misunderstandings and help protect your voice.

• When to Push Back:
  Writers are reminded that they don’t have to implement every note. Editorial feedback is a guide, not a mandate. Lisa and Beth share stories of choosing their battles wisely—negotiating to keep scenes that mattered while compromising elsewhere.

• Editing with Confidence:
  A key takeaway is that no one will fire you for pushing back respectfully. Editors know the manuscript is your story, and thoughtful discussion is part of the process. Writers should embrace revisions as a growth opportunity.

Conclusion and Takeaways:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling uncertain about how to develop their unique writing voice or overwhelmed by the editorial process. Beth and Lisa's honest reflections and practical strategies equip writers to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're drafting your first novel or revising your tenth, this discussion reminds you that voice takes time and editing is part of the craft—not a critique of your worth.

Mentioned Links:

• Visit: writerswithwrinkles.net

• Copenhagen bakery: Andersen Bakery

• Upcoming episode: Editor Joel Brigham joins the podcast on June 9 to discuss fast drafting and advice for pantsers