Voice Lessons: Uncovering and Claiming Your Unique, Creative Voice

This week, I'm excited to introduce you to my old friend and acclaimed thriller author, Geoff Loftus. Geoff’s impressive works, such as the Jack Tyrrell series and history-meets-business novel, ‘Lead Like Ike,’ have captivated many readers. In this episode, we dive into Geoff's transition from standalone novels to the Jack Tyrrell series, inspired in part by ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens.We explore the depth of writing thrillers, where themes of love, courage, and justice seamlessly blend with action narratives. Geoff also shares his ideas on personal growth in storytelling and the impact of his own life experiences on his characters. Furthermore, we delve into the craft of maintaining a unique narrative voice, using humor and character differentiation, and the importance of choosing the right format for your story. Tune in for a rich conversation on creativity, narrative technique, and the quest to find and hone your unique voice in writing. This episode is filled with practical tips and heartfelt anecdotes to inspire your journey as a creative writer.Key Topics:Geoff’s initiation into thriller writingHow he moved from writing standalone novels to a 10-book thriller seriesThe challenges of coming up with a full series vs. a standalone novelHow ‘A Christmas Carol’ inspired his Jack Tyrrell seriesDifferentiating your writing voice between different genresUsing voice in screenplaysDistinguishing voice between characters in novels and screenplaysEvery page of a book is dozens of choices coming togetherHow Geoff uses a distinct and unique writing voiceUsing your voice to achieve different outcomesPicking a format that suits your message and tailoring your writing voice to itConnect with Geoff online:Website: https://geoffloftus.com/The Jack Tyrrell seriesOther books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B003AR7NH8/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=1112e52f-33c8-406d-abde-276c864670b1&ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_bylnFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/geoffloftussaugatuckFind more from Jill:Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.comWebsite:https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coachingSign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: Write to  jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM infoSpecial thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

Welcome back to Voice Lessons. I’m thrilled to introduce you all to my friend and award-winning writer, Judy Reeves. Judy and I first met nearly 30 years ago in London, and from that very first conversation, it was an instant connection. Judy was the first person who introduced me to the concept of writing practice and voice, which has shaped the way I write ever since.  In this episode, we explore the intricacies of discovering and claiming your unique creative voice. We dive into Judy’s world as we discuss everything from her inspiring work, including her latest memoir 'When Your Heart Says Go,' to the significance of writing practices and the impact of different writing styles on one's voice. Together, we reflect on the journey of writing and the courage it requires to truly own your voice. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned storyteller, Judy shares valuable lessons on process over product, finding inspiration in others' works, and saying 'yes' to the muse. Join us in this intimate conversation filled with practical tips and heartfelt anecdotes, and learn how embracing your originality can shape your literary journey.Key Topics:What does “voice” mean in writing?Addressing imposter syndrome when uncovering our unique voiceLosing authenticity when we’re trying to hard to write as someone we’re notWhat it means to do a writing practiceHow often we do our own writing practicesTips for writers to uncover and claim their unique creative voicesHow a regular writing practice helps you surrender to the pageThe benefits of reading your own writing aloudDoing timed writing prompts to boost focus and creativityHow to read like a writerJudy’s most influential writers and authorsFocusing on process over productHow to “say yes to the muse” Judy’s latest memoir, “When Your Heart Says Go”Connect with Judy online:Website: https://www.judyreeveswriter.com/Books: https://www.judyreeveswriter.com/booksJoin Judy’s Workshops: https://www.judyreeveswriter.com/teaching-eventsMonthly Newsletter: https://www.judyreeveswriter.com/contactInstagram: @judyreeveswriterFind more from Jill:Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.comWebsite: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coachingSign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to  jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM infoDiscover more about the San Miguel Writer’s Conference here: https://sanmiguelwritersconference.org/Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Voice Lessons! I’m thrilled to introduce my friend, the multi-talented Kathleen Hooper, who hails from Colorado and has made a significant impact as a voice artist and musician. Kathleen’s artistic story begins with her early love for music, cultivated through family gatherings and church performances, leading her to a vibrant career in music with the Denver University Idiosyncrasies and the indie folk duo, LVDY. We dive into Kathleen’s latest solo album, 'Come Back to Me,' which launched on September 6th. This album is a profound testament to her personal and artistic growth, born from both joyful and tumultuous experiences, including a heartbreaking end to an engagement. Kathleen shares how music became a healing tool, allowing her to channel grief into empowerment. We also discuss practical exercises like humming to reconnect with your voice and the importance of seeing your voice as a friend rather than a source of anxiety. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and vocal empowerment, showing that singing and expressing from the heart is accessible to everyone. Join us and discover how embracing your voice can foster confidence, healing, and deeper connections in your life. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just starting, Kathleen’s story will inspire you to sing more boldly and embrace your creative gifts wholeheartedly.Key Topics:How your voice can help you reconnect to your power and self-expressionPracticing and bringing voice into our daily livesHow humming can be healing both physically and emotionallySing like nobody is listening or judgingBecoming friends with your voice and openly embracing itKathleen’s early entry into singing as a hobbyHow Kathleen learned to embrace her voice as a gift from GodCommitting to life as an artistKathleen’s first venture into writing songs and her first solo albumChanneling grief, anger, and sadness as a vehicle for creative growthConnect with Kathleen online:Website: https://www.awakenvoice.com/Instagram: @kathleenhooper, @lvdy.musicListen to LVDY on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DzMHeC4ssNzaRB9OYowgz?si=972IeA2xSBmEBt7tIDbS_wCheck out Kathleen’s solo album, Come Back To Me: https://open.spotify.com/album/5ppsZprSuGxkAex5KOCGQG?si=40uBiGxBTDycDCywpWOGDwFind more from Jill:Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.comWebsite: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coachingSign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to  jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM infoSpecial thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

Welcome to Voice Lessons, the podcast that helps you uncover your unique, creative voice, reclaim the artist within, and confidently transition to your next chapter in life — the creative chapter.Launching in October 2024, join me every other Tuesday to learn more about creative artists of all kinds, what areas of craft they are currently experimenting with, and, in particular, what they have to say about the role of the artist’s voice in their work. Together, we’ll also learn their tips and tools for transitioning into the creative chapter of life, as full or part-time creative artists, whether hobbyists or professionals.Tune in wherever you get your podcasts to start uncovering and claiming your unique, creative voice. Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!