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Voice: Adam Pottle on Writing with Deafness

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In Voice, Adam Pottle explores the crucial role deafness has played in the growth of his imagination, and in doing so presents a unique perspective on a writer’s development. Born deaf in both ears, Pottle recounts what it was like growing up in a world of muted sound, and how his deafness has influenced virtually everything about his writing, from his use of language to character and plot choices. Salty, bold, and relentlessly honest, Voice makes us think about writing in entirely new ways and expands our understanding of deafness and the gifts that it can offer.

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2019

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About the author

Adam Pottle

10 books24 followers
Adam Pottle's work spans multiple genres, from fiction and poetry to drama and creative nonfiction. His books include the novel Mantis Dreams, the novella The Bus, the memoir Voice, and the poetry collection Beautiful Mutants.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Taylor-Johnson.
Author 18 books19 followers
November 3, 2021
Here is an incredibly accessible book about the writing voice as understood by a man who cannot hear his own voice. Pottle writes, ‘My deafness defamiliarizes language and makes me experience words in a different way: I write according to how words feel rather than how they sound. Words are tactile. I feel like I can hold them in my hands and throw them at people; I feel like I might scratch myself on their edges; they roll around in my mouth like barbed marbles. I shove and bend and crank words to form images and rhythms that I hope snag the reader’s attention.’ The author’s voice in this particular book is one of good-natured invitation, at times light-hearted self-deprecation, so when he’s philosophising on inviting silence into our writing practice, for instance, there’s no weightiness on display, no pomp, no jargon. The heft is found in the ideas themselves. Personally, I like a bit of stylistic showing-off but also realise that it might limit the audience, might make the book of a certain type for a certain crowd and therefore not as inclusive as Pottle’s. And inclusivity is something the book demands. Like his critical musings, his activism feels everyday while utterly important: strategies and theory don’t belong in the same way as simple logic and ethics. I think this book is especially for hearing people, as a way to think about voice and silence in a way we wouldn’t normally consider, but also as a way to acknowledge the ordinary extraordinariness of Deaf and disabled people.
Profile Image for Magdelanye.
2,091 reviews257 followers
August 4, 2019


I wanted a dynamic voice, my own voice, a voice that could barrel through the air and make any room I spoke in seem like an arena, a voice that pinged people on the ears and forced them to listen, a voice that could thwack people's funny bones and crack their hearts in two....p40

A bit of megalomania or the necessary impetus for a deaf man to be heard? As much as I might bristle at the idea of being forced to listen, if he sometimes comes across as bitter and obsessive,and I don't appreciate his choice of movies, AP has something important to say and for this I applaud him.

Words are deceptive little fucks. p95
With the glee of a child watching two scorpions wrestle, I test the limits of language by fucking shit up- that is both by disrupting the structures pf English and by embracing my inability to hear properly. p88

Turns out, it's often those who hear who fail to hear those who present differently. AP acts as ardent guide to the world of undertones and echoes, of silence and other ways of perceiving the world. His work as an ambassador for the deaf has gone a long way in facilitating the inclusion of an overlooked minority to the creative mix.

Categories are useful to everyone who exists outside them. p146
What do we really need to hear? P104

Profile Image for Nicole (bookwyrm).
1,394 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2025
I really liked the second half of this book, the part under the subheading "Deafness and the Writer's Voice." That's the part with the essays that talk about how Pottle's Deafness impacts and informs his writing. There are several different essays in that half which talk about different things like "on voice," "on silence," and "on stereotypes."

The first part of the book, "Becoming Deaf," talks a lot more about Pottle's youth—and while it might be a good starting point to understand his life, it also wasn't what I was expecting. Additionally, in this half he uses a framing technique of him talking to Lemmy from the band Motörhead (who had died prior to his writing this, which made the interstitial sequences even more odd) and I was very confused about the reason for it. The narrator also didn't use voices that were super obviously different to me, and so I wasn't always sure who was supposed to be saying what in these interstitials. This first half of the book is where most of the bullying, ableism, and suicidal thoughts happen, and it was a ton darker than I had been anticipating.

In short, while the first section of the book might be necessary for properly understanding where Pottle was coming from in his writing career, I wasn't expecting the darkness it contained. The whole reason I picked up this book was for the second section of the book alone.
Profile Image for Sharon Jean M.
224 reviews
April 22, 2025
Good nonfiction book on Pottle's journey in being Deaf, as well as learning to write. I would have been upset if Adam made this any longer as it would have been completely unnecessary. Great length to get the story across.
Profile Image for Phi.
57 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2025
This was really interesting. Part auto-biography, part meditation on writing. As someone who writes and edits professionally, in addition to studying languages (including ASL) in my spare time, this book was a delight. So many new perspectives or ideas that I had not considered.

Adam Pottle remains insightful, fierce and compassionate in his writing, as I have come to expect of his work.

1 review
March 20, 2020
Adam Pottles “Voice” is an incredible read with a brilliant story that is crafted from cover to cover. The reader is taken on a journey whilst reading the first main section of the book titled “Becoming Deaf,” this part of the book is where Pottle introduces not only himself as someone who is deaf and is able to identify as Deaf but his journey through life in general. The second part of the book is titled “Deafness and the writer’s voice” this part of the book is just as important and outlines the journey Pottle goes on while coming to terms with deafness and using it as a powerful tool in his writing. This text explores the idea of not only creation of arts but the creation of identity reflected within arts. Pottle speaks on the fact that the Deaf community is a tight knit group and he considers the fact that he struggles fitting in, pondering if he was more immersed in Deaf Culture if his writing would be stronger. Pottle says “Deafness is like a country. It doesn't have borders or land, but it has its own habits, customs, language, its own way of telling stories”. I think this quotation allows the reader to understand the depth of Deaf culture in general, the culture does not surround just one set of ways or laws, it is based on the people, the stories and the relationships that are created within.
As someone who has a large appreciation for Deaf Culture and Sign Language I was very excited to start reading this book, and I was not disappointed at all. I am hearing and I feel thankful to get a glimpse of what Pottle intends to share with his readers, who are presumably on the spectrum of hearing, hard of hearing and Deaf. I think this book can be beneficial for anyone to read, considering its honest yet intriguing language and Pottle’s ability to allow the reader to feel the ups and downs Pottle explains during the book. Pottle explains his frustrations with becoming Deaf, the repetitive scene where he is doing a hearing test reveals this. Ranging from when he was six to more present day. He even uses the test in one of the poems he wrote that he shares in this book. Throughout Voice, Pottle shares his frustration with not only becoming Deaf but also struggling to find a Deaf identity. He truthfully shares the controversy over cochlear implants on page 9 stating “Implants are the Confederate flags of hearing privilege, a symbol of an individual’s desire to conform to the hearing world rather than embrace the beauty of Deafness.” He blatantly explains his thought process of getting implants himself, opting out due to the fear of an overwhelming experience that could potentially hurt his writing.
Before cracking this book open I think it's important to consider this question first: What do you know about Deaf Culture? I believe it's important to reflect on this considering Deaf Culture is so different from the hearing one, I personally am a part of. Pottle, during this book speaks about the Deaf community and Deaf culture in general and shares his feelings about being stuck in between two worlds, the hearing world and the Deaf world. He exhibits the fact that he feels as though perhaps his writing as a Deaf author may not have reached its full potential considering he is not a part of the Deaf community. Before reading this book I think it's important to understand that there is so much more to being Deaf, than it may seem from a hearing perspective. It's about the culture, the rich history, the art, the language and the friendships and community that relating over these things can create. Being in Pottle’s situation must be hard growing up in a family where both his parents are hearing, so it was incredibly interesting to hear why Pottle may feel hesitant and may not know how to fully immerse himself in Deaf Culture. Perhaps before reading I would suggest doing a bit of research yourself on the importance of Deaf Culture!
The way in which Pottle discusses tropes that are often found in literature was very interesting to me, I think this concept is really important to place focus upon considering the tropes that surround disability that are spread in formats such as television, movies and Canadian Literature. Pottle describes the tropes as a store of stereotypes -- “Most writers shop at this store. It costs them a simple pittance, a few measly synaptic sparks for characters they’ve seen and used dozens of times before. They don’t put in the time and effort to save up their synaptic sparks and spend them on truly original characters, those who do things differently, those who seem like real people instead of characters.” (116). This quote is important for multiple reasons, first it identifies the fact that these characters are not real. He gives examples of “the antisocial scientist, the cripple who wants to die, the drunk indigenous man” (115) and I think it's important to point out where these stereotypes come from in the first place. Many of them are built on a foundation of ableist and racist ideas built upon assumption. Oftentimes, the author that feeds into these tropes can't actually identify with what they are writing about which is what pottle is speaking about when he writes that they do not use their own synaptic spark. If an author is writing about someone who is blind and they have never actually spoken to someone who is blind then the tropes they build upon will most likely be imprecise and offensive. Another important aspect of this passage is that it touches on the fact that these characters are used over and over again, not only are they offensive and often unrealistic but they also are boring. Rather than challenging the way they think authors tend to take the easy path and use stereotypical disabled characters, even if that means spreading inaccurate and hurtful stigmas surrounding them.
Something I value very much in Pottle’s writing is the fact that he explicitly is so willing to learn, it's something that many authors lack especially considering when they use tropes and stereotypes. Pottle expresses his want and need to learn about perspective, Deafness and political stances considering this is what his work entails. He speaks on the importance of language which is an especially important concept to talk about today. He mentions that the use of language can show prejudice towards certain groups, which can relate to language surrounding many things but lead me to think about ableist language. The fact that it surrounds us but it might not be so obvious. Certain sayings are so embedded in our daily lives so it may not be easy to see how problematic they could be, an example of this would be saying something like “the politician was blind to the problems the people were facing”. Pottle makes an incredibly important point about art which is being made in today's society, he states “We can no longer say that books are just books and films are just films and albums are just albums and paintings are just paintings that exist completely outside of politics. Any act of creation carries with it circumstances of that creation: who’s in power, what the artist is worried about, which other cultural texts are being produced” this quote struck much interest in me considering i've been pondering the idea of “Political is Personal” considering this theme has been introduced to me in multiple classes. It rings true with Pottles work, he talks about how he writes forms of art (books, poems, plays) about things that make people uncomfortable. However, making art that makes people uncomfortable is what is important when making art, it brings up things that folks may not normally want to speak about but it also gives a voice to those who may not have it. Everything Pottle creates is built on a foundation of his values, his views and his life and perspectives that come along with that.
Overall, Voice was an impactful, honest and beautifully written book. I feel as though I learned a lot from reading this text including things about identity and creating art in general. I think that it's important that someone who is Deaf is writing from the perspective to be Deaf, not only to overcome any tropes or stereotypes but also to spread knowledge that some hearing folk may not have come into contact with otherwise. After reading Voice, I am excited to read more work by Pottle including “The Bus” which is another piece that he mentions, which sounds like an incredible read. I think that there are many intersecting characteristics of people that could benefit from reading this whether you are interested in Deaf culture, writing or autobiographies at all. I would highly recommend this read to anyone, not only will you learn a lot but it will make you question what you know about culture, deafness and writing.
Profile Image for Pam.
562 reviews
April 16, 2019
The book was a bit different than I anticipated. It is divided into two parts: one has to do with Potter's frustrations in being Deaf. The second, which I found more interesting, reveals insights into how writers in general, and Deaf writers in particular, find their voices for writing. I was particularly touched by his section on silence and his spot-on insight. Pottle is coming to the Festival of the Written Arts in August. I look forward with his presentation.
Profile Image for Marion Agnew.
Author 6 books8 followers
July 28, 2021
I reviewed this at River Street Writing. Here's an excerpt:

"And wow, this book. It combines creative nonfiction, memoir, and sage writing advice. Searingly honest, it’s full of rage and beauty and a palpable, energetic love of the written word. It’s transparent and full of longing to be “heard.” It commands and rewards a reader’s reflection."

Read the full review here: http://www.riverstreetwriting.com/blo...
Profile Image for Monica.
192 reviews14 followers
December 25, 2020
I can’t believe it took me so long to read this book. I liked it more than I thought I would and I will say that the book grew on me the more I read. I was also quite surprised that my favourite parts and quotes came from the second part of the book about writing. I did not think it would interest or resonate with me as much since I do not consider myself a writer but, there are some things Pottle shares that are really thought provoking. He is also a beautiful writer and it was a pleasure to read this.

When I look back at where I put sticky notes as I was reading, I keep debating which was my favourite part so, I’ll share a few quotes that really stood out to me:

*the entire section “On Silence” was amazing

“We can no longer say that books are just books and films are just films and albums are just albums and paintings are just paintings that exist completely outside politics. Any act of creation carries with it the circumstances of that creation: who’s in power, what the artist is worried about, which other cultural texts are being produced.” (p. 99)

“For disabled people to the heard, they must be either a hero or dead. These narratives impose an oppressive silence on Deaf and disabled people, and within that oppressive silence they experience systemic abuse, neglect, segregation, and dehumanization.” (p. 110)

This last quote really hit me hard. This is the first book I think I’ve ever read by a deaf or disabled author which, I am embarrassed about. I’m glad the reading challenge I did this year brought me to read this book and I am glad this book is going to make me look into other deaf and disabled writers so I can read their writing.
Profile Image for Magdelanye.
2,091 reviews257 followers
August 4, 2019
I wanted a dynamic voice, my own voice, a voice that could barrel through the air and make any room I spoke in seem like an arena, a voice that pinged people on the ears and forced them to listen, a voice that could thwack people's funny bones and crack their hearts in two....p40

A bit of megalomania or the necessary impetus for a deaf man to be heard? As much as I might bristle at the idea of being forced to listen, if he sometimes comes across as bitter and obsessive,and I don't appreciate his choice of movies, AP has something important to say and for this I applaud him.

Words are deceptive little fucks. p95
With the glee of a child watching two scorpions wrestle, I test the limits of language by fucking shit up- that is both by disrupting the structures pf English and by embracing my inability to hear properly. p88

Turns out, it's often those who hear who fail to hear those who present differently. AP acts as ardent guide to the world of undertones and echoes, of silence and other ways of perceiving the world. His work as an ambassador for the deaf has gone a long way in facilitating the inclusion of an overlooked minority to the creative mix.

Categories are useful to everyone who exists outside them. p146
What do we really need to hear? P104


395 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2019
Adam was at the Sunshine Coast Writers Festival 2019. His presentation was powerful and moving. His book is a memoir of his life. He was born partially deaf and hearing is now diminishing as he is aging.
Some statements were depressing and certainly made me think - Deaf and disabled people are rarely heard in Canada even though we pride ourselves on diversity. Deaf and disabled people are not wanted in our society. If a pregnant women learns of one of these, the woman often choses to abort the fetus. Maybe this is so.
Adam claims he wouldn't be a writer if he wasn't deaf. His imagination, capacity to observe, his comfort with silence and solitude has grown out of his deafness. Somedays he is grateful for his deafness, other times, he resents it.
Profile Image for LC Reading.
1,399 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2019
This is a sort of combination memoir and craft book, and it is so very good. Pottle is deaf and his deafness informs how he writes and the way he explains that is just so important for every writer to grapple with. I was going to try and summarize how/what he says, or quote pieces, but just. Go read it. If you're interested in words, sounds, language, if you're a hearing person and want to understand that there are different ways of experiencing the world than the one you're used to, if you want to have your mind opened up - go read this book. It's really good.
Profile Image for Alexis.
Author 7 books147 followers
June 3, 2019
A short, but powerful book about writing, deafness and culture. Pottle talks about his childhood, what it's like being deaf, and how his deafness has influenced his writing. This is a very thought provoking book. Recommended.
1 review
August 5, 2019
Exceptional writing. Raw and real. Authentic glimpse into a Deaf man’s discovery of what kind of Deaf man he is / was / will be ...with the power of the the pen, making ripples throughout his life ... Loved the book.
Profile Image for Susan Oloier.
Author 31 books45 followers
December 2, 2020
Raw and beautiful. In addition to providing insight into the world of deadness, the book also stirred memories of my son's struggle with deafness and made me understand him a little deeper. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
226 reviews
September 2, 2020
Basically couldn’t put it down. Excellent writing advice. And vivid memoir.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
98 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2026
Absolutely brilliant. I loved reading about both Pottle’s personal journey and his literary one. His writing is electric and the subject matter essential. Read it.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
Author 44 books306 followers
January 3, 2020
This slender book is divided into two parts. The first half is more of a coming-of-age story; the second is more about writing.

As the mother of a deaf child, I found the first part quite illuminating. I feel like I understand my daughter a bit better.

It was so interesting to read about how Pottle's writing was influenced by closed captioning, and how he feels words in his mouth.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews