I'm not talking about the tone of voice when you speak. That has a completely different interpretation compared to the tone of voice in writing. Your written words sound different to each person. It's something to remember.

Years ago a friend suggested I read a book. A book written in German. I have read many books in the language and it never bothered me. Until this particular book I can't even remember the name of but I remember the tone of voice. It was strenuous and draining. Not long, but it bored me to death. The writer managed to turn a rather interesting subject into a dull affair.

It wasn't the subject matter, it was the writer's tone of voice.

When you read and write, you use our own tone of voice. The reader, however, uses theirs. They cannot hear your voice and depending on the subject, it might be twisted around against you. Sometimes you try too hard to use words unfamiliar to you. I tend to look for explanations and translations rather than different words for the same meaning.

Tone of voice has two different aspects to it. The voice, which is your, preferably, conversational way of keeping the reader engaged. Your tone is a different matter. It shows your personal perspective on subjects. You and I might not look at one subject the same, but if your tone leaves room to interpretation, to question, rather than stating a final fact, then I'll keep reading. No one likes opinions shoved down their throat. They always have to have room for questions, meaning, you also need to provide certain explanations for your (your character's) views.

If you write, "The sky is green." that is a finalized statement. You didn't leave any room for discussion nor did you give the reasons why you believe so. To you it simply is. To the reader not so much. This is a minor subject matter compared to the actual things we deal with on a daily basis, but still.

If you used something like:

"Jessie gazed into the sky and the only color she could see was green." A very small change but it leaves room for the reader to think, to question, to wonder.

In order to convince a reader that something is what it really isn't and make them believe it you have to circle around them. Give them room to process. To consider, to adjust.

If we're a society who questions everything, who doesn't like being told what to think or believe because of free will, then you also have to use the same outlook when it comes to your writing. It's a gentle push, what some would call guidance, to lead people where you want them to go. If I tell you that you should do or believe something you won't do or accept, I have failed. But if I guide you, explain to you, give my reasoning, and make you question everything you know up until now, even if what I told you is a complete lie, then I have succeeded by using my tone of voice to get you there.

'Til next time!