Fiona Ford: Finding Your Voice and Trusting It

'Voice' is one of the most sought-after qualities in fiction, yet it’s often the hardest to define. Agents look for it, readers respond to it, but many writers feel unsure what it actually is, or how to develop it without forcing it.

In this workshop, we’ll demystify voice and explore how it works on the page. We’ll look at how voice emerges through a combination of character, narrative perspective and language choices, and how even small shifts in wording and rhythm can transform a piece of writing.

Through focused, practical exercises and shared discussion, you’ll explore how voice shapes tone, mood and meaning, and learn how to recognise and strengthen the voice you already have. The emphasis will be on experimentation, reading work aloud amongst your peers, and developing a sharper ear for what makes writing feel distinctive, natural and engaging.

In this workshop, we will explore:

• What we really mean by “voice” in fiction
• The relationship between character, narration and authorial voice
• How small language choices shape tone and atmosphere
• Why writing can feel “flat” and how to bring it to life
• How to recognise and trust your natural voice on the page

Fiona Ford is a novelist and journalist, with many titles including her bestselling wartime Liberty Girls series (Penguin Random House), The Good Time Girls (Embla), and contemporary fiction (writing as Hannah Treave), The Notekeeper (Canelo) and The Holder of Hope (Canelo). Fiona is represented by Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann.

Alongside Fiona’s fiction work, she also writes for individuals, organisations and brands, helping them tell their stories through press releases, web copy, ghostwritten blogs and more. With several years’ experience as a journalist and commissioning editor, Fiona knows how to shape words that connect with readers and audiences alike.

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