Who are your favorite writers, and what do you like about them? We all have an author we enjoy reading because we admire their style. For many, a clearly defined voice is part of the appeal of many famous authors. So how do they do it? More importantly, how do you find your writing voice?
A key element in writing, your writer’s voice is necessary to discover and develop. Here’s how to do just that.
Why Your Writing Voice Matters
Writing voice can mean many different things in literature. Technically, it can refer to the combination of vocabulary, tone, structure, and point of view that make up your sentences and paragraphs.
More subjectively, your writing voice refers to how you see the world and translate it into words. Your writing style often conveys your personality, attitude, and character. This distinct quality is what makes your writing unique from the work of other authors.
A strong writing voice establishes consistency across your body of work so that it flows smoothly. Finding your writing voice also allows you to connect and build relationships with readers. With a strong and consistent writing voice, your readers understand your overall message.
Now that we’ve established its importance, how can you find your writing voice?
Keep Writing and Practicing
It may seem obvious, but developing your writing voice doesn’t come by accident. It takes a lot of time and practice to become great at any craft. Writing is no different, and finding your writing voice takes up much of that time.
Struggling to get your voice in tune? Don’t do it alone. Learn with other aspiring authors through a writing course. These offer a great opportunity to hone your skills, expose yourself to different styles and voices, and become a better writer.
Know Your Readers
As a writer, it is important to know who you’re writing for. When you know and understand your audience, you can connect with them better through your writing. Keep in mind that it helps to be as specific with your target readers as possible.
Home in on your target by imagining your ideal reader. Create a fake persona, just like a character in your story. Describe the reader in detail, then tailor your writing to them.
Some readers want you to write like you’re talking to a friend. For them, this makes your writing more engaging. Other also expect you to bring your story to life like they can experience the events themselves.
You can also use genre to help define your ideal reader and fine tune your voice and style.
When you get stuck with your writing and when editing your work, refer back to your ideal reader. Let them guide your story and style.
Experiment with Various Writing Styles
If you stay inside your comfort zone, you’ll never discover your abilities and potential. Trying out different writing styles is a valuable way to find your voice.
To do this, you don’t need a master plan. You just need to write in various genres and mediums for different audiences. Write as much as you can about as many subjects as you can. Challenge yourself to write topics you may be unfamiliar with.
The further* you push outside of your comfort zone, the more you’ll learn about writing. The more you’ll learn about yourself. Later, this will help you figure out what you’re most comfortable with and what works best for you. You’ll develop your voice.
*Learn the difference between farther and further.
Know Yourself
Knowing yourself is easier said than done, but it can make a huge difference in finding your writing voice. If you know who you are, you can be yourself when you write.
This allows you to be honest with your readers. And the more honest you are with readers, the more they’ll respect and appreciate you.
Simple activities can help you get to know yourself better.
- List three to five words that describe yourself as a writer. Through this activity, you can gain insights into the writing voice you’re likely to possess.
- Ask friends and family about your writing. Tell them to be brutally honest! Take note of how their comments, and don’t write them off. By understanding how other people view you or experience your writing, you can better define your writing voice.
When you realize what your audience responds to, it will be easier to hone your storytelling skills.
Become A Better Writer
Your writing voice is a vital element of your storytelling abilities. It has a significant impact on how you tell your story and how your readers experience it.
Like good writing, developing a writing voice takes time. The process involves lots of practice and years of experience. Be patient with yourself and put in the work. Do this, and you’ll develop a writing voice that captures the hearts of your readers.
Ready to have your writing voice be heard? At Argyle Fox Publishing, we provide a straightforward process to help you do just that. Send us your work to get started.