I am in the process of writing my first novel manuscript, but I am having a big problem: keeping my voice and style consistent from start to finish. Sometimes I find the voice leans towards detailed description, other times it leans towards fast-paced, rapid-fire dialogue. This makes me worry that when readers approach it, they will find it disjointed and lacking coherence.
I have tried a few ways, such as:
- Reread and edit immediately after writing each chapter.
- Take notes on the "tone" of the characters and the atmosphere of the scene.
- Compare the newly written paragraph with previous chapters.
I would like to ask those of you with experience:
- How can I practice or control my voice better when writing long works?
- Are there any supporting tools (such as software, checklists, or rereading techniques) that you find useful?
- Is it a good thing that the tone changes slightly as the story progresses, or is it necessary to maintain absolute consistency?
Thank you, everyone!