Verbiage N' Shit

An author's voice is often talked about, but is not always easy to see. Like, what makes something part of an author's voice? What isn't part of an author's voice? Does your voice determine what words you can and can't say? Does it determine how you have to construct your sentences?

The best answer I have is that your authorial voice is the collection of words, phrases, and structures that you most commonly use. For example, I always use lists of three. They have a certain rhythm that appeals to me. If I give a lengthy list of examples, it will not sound right coming from me because it will be inconsistent.

In general, then, your voice can only be determined and understood by having a prolonged experience with your writing. An unknown writer could have any voice.

The one exception is that there are certain classes that words belong to, and using words from different classes almost never sounds right. If anybody said, "I shall astound you with my verbiage n' shit", it would just be wrong. It might come off as hilarious or horrifying, or just plain weird, but in any case, it wouldn't be right. Those words and that phrasing simply do not work well together.

Although common advice to writers is to "find your voice", I would worry less about what that is and try more to find your comfort zone. Find a way to tell a story that people enjoy hearing. Find a pace and rhythm you are comfortable maintaining and collect words you enjoy using. Your "voice" will be a consequence of the development of your language and communication skills.