How to Find Your Voice as a Writer

It’s just like learning a language—at first you imitate, and through imitation you eventually find your unique way of speaking.


If you haven’t yet found a couple of writers that you’d like to imitate—find those writers (it might take years). When you’ve found your model writers, try writing about your life—the people around you, work, school, sickness, whatever—but write as if one of your models is writing. The process is slow, but if you keep playing around with other voices, other styles, sooner or later your voice is going to start to emerge. Be patient.


Don’t try to be fancy. If you wouldn’t comfortably use a word in conversation, don’t write it on the page.


Write the way you talk in your best moments. When you’re on a brilliant tangent. When the words are flowing and easy and fun—that’s how you want to write.


Experiment. Try to uncover your natural temperament. Are you long-winded? Funny? Wild? Are you good with wordplay, description or dialogue? Learn your strengths and your weaknesses.


Read often and widely. What kind of stuff excites you? What bores you? Why does something excite you? What can you learn from it? What can you learn from stuff that bores you?


Ask yourself, “What’s my story?” Ask yourself, “What can I write that my neighbor can’t?” Answer these questions.


Did I mention that finding your voice will take a very long time? It can take a lifetime. Best of luck!


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