Finding Your Own Voice as a Writer

Have you ever read a story or article that was so painfully pushed you had to set it down? Your own, personalized voice is one of the most powerful, as a writer, you will ever have.

We all have our favorite author, those personal heroes/heroines of literature that we idolize, enjoy, and admire. Some of you may enjoy serious, thoughtful, deep, no nonsense pieces, while others delight in fun and easy going prose. You can learn a lot from those that have reached the goal we are yearning to accomplish, but in order to have the chance to climb the 'Writer's Mount Olympus'. You have to find your own style, your own voice, and your own Niche.

Write about what you know.

What is our passion? What do you strong opinions on? Where does your experience lie? What do you enough know enough about to be an expert? Write about the things that light your soul on fire or share how you have overcome personal challenges. Write for your-self, for your pleasure if you write fiction. When you read your first draft, ask your-self: "Would I have continued reading after the first page, chapter? Does it flow freely, draw you in, and make you curious?" If you like a certain topic, there is a good chance someone else will too.

Write in keeping with your personality.

If you are a very serious, closed up person you may find it difficult to write in an amazing, carefree way. If you are timid-speeches might cause you difficulties. Someone with a disgusted outlook on sexuality would do best to stay away from erotica. If you have a smart aleck, fun laughing personality it more and likely will come out in your writing.

On the flip side:

You can create your alter ego in your writing. Perhaps the mousey girl has a temptress just waiting to explode all over the page. The quiet professor will keep you in stitches with his wit. The serious police may be the next Stephen King.

Conversational or impersonal

Is it easier for you to write as if speaking to your friend, co-worker or loved one, then you might wish to chose conversational (my personal preference). Invite the reader to interact with you, to comment, let them know they are special to you.

If you are good at barebones, unembellished stating of facts you might choose to keep it impersonal. Your piece is forceful; it drives, and herds the reader to a predestined conclusion, you may wish to keep it impersonal. Write in third person. Neither you nor your reader are involved.

Maybe you are Bi-lingual.

Sometimes you have more then one voice. You might be a natural teacher, but you are an easy go lucky fellow/gal. There are times to be serious and others not. I have two separate voices, just as I do in my personal life. Read some of my articles and see if you can find them.

In closing, I want to mention that finding your voice is easier than you think. Trust your-self and do not listen to those that doubt you. Be your-self and don't be surprised if your styles change as you do.