This is a different kind of post for me. I'm free writing. No idea where I'm going. No plan to create a catchy opening, informative middle, then sly ending to circle back to the original idea.
I'm typing without a net.
First thing that comes to mind is to give an update on last weeks post, "Ears Wide Shut."
I finished listening to my second novel, Always Remember Me, using text-to-voice. In doing so I learned a few things about my writing.
1- "Good Grief, Will you ever learn how to type?" Over and over I found typos, omitted words, and just outright misspellings. Word can only do so much to catch my screw ups and the wacky nature of the English language ain't helpin'. While I'd hope that multiple reviews and the use of an editor would reduce those instances, I have to say I really wasn't surprised. These edits fixed problems in my upcoming novel that I would have been ashamed of if they had made it into the final product. Reviewing my first book, Absolution's Curse, found even more errors which I've corrected in a newly uploaded version. I can hold my head a little higher.
The second discovery did startle me.
2- "That inner voice sometimes works against you." We all have a style. We're told to find our voice and embrace it. I've tried to write casually, letting the words and meaning flow as an extension of my thoughts. Sometimes it works but hearing an external voice read the sentences back reveals instances where I'd be better suited to alter my style.
I'm not saying I need to change my voice or abandon what I think makes my writing unique, but I do believe hearing the text provides a new perspective. Hearing your creation in a new dimension can only help.
3- "Sometimes advertisements in free versions aren't so bad." I downloaded a free version of "Natural Reader". This stops the voice after about five minutes and pops up a box inviting me to purchase the full version. At first this was very annoying, which I'm sure is the idea, but I soon discovered a hidden benefit. By making me click on a box at regular intervals, it required me to keep my focus on the screen. I couldn't lose myself in the voice or let my eyes wander to sports sites to see how the Braves were doing. I can usually keep focused for about five minutes before my mind slides sideways. A sharp cut in this voice helps bring me back to the job at hand.
I plan to incorporate text-to-voice into future projects. Plot, write, review, edit, listen. I look forward to seeing how it will help me grow.
Now, how should I title this post?
"Ears Wide Shut, Part Deux"? - A link back to my first post about text-to-voice.
"Write Free and Edit Hard?" - A callback to the opening line about free writing without a net.
Or maybe I should reference back to how I'm now experiencing my story in multiple dimensions; sight and sound. Hmm, what would do that?
That wasn't bad for an unplanned post. And yes, it is text-to-voice approved.
C.L. Blanton
