How to find your voice as a writer

Many writers ask themselves:

What does finding one's voice as a writer imply?

In essence, 'voice' in the artistic realm is simply the reason that drives us to practice our art, regardless of what it may be.

It's our unique view of the world, whether it's reflected in portraying a character, the way we sing a song, or in crafting a story.

The writer's voice is the unique blend of style, tone, and perspective that makes our work recognizable and distinctive. It is composed of our life experiences, the values we hold, and our worldview.

It's what will set our work apart from others.

As Neil Gaiman once said:

The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So, write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.

This is a beautiful feeling because when you find your story and your voice, you live and create art in a way that is truly your own.

It took me years to find my distinctive voice – from screenplays to novels and short stories to directing – and it's something I consider one of my greatest strengths. It's a step every creative must take if they want to stand out and succeed.

Reflect on any great artist – Michelangelo, Mozart, Elvis, Aretha, Antonioni, De Sica, Saviane, Camilleri – irrespective of their platform, each of them imprints their work with a distinctive style. Just read a few paragraphs, listen to a few notes, or watch a few frames, and you'll recognize their characteristic tone, that something that makes them unique. Even if imitated, it's hard to imagine anyone else doing it better.

As you become skilled in your creative field, your voice becomes a representation of you.

Here are some tips to help identify your voice as a writer!

What does a writer's "voice" represent?

In the realm of writing, an author's personality, style, perspective, and "voice" emerge through their words. These elements make their writing unique, through their choice of words and sentence structure, setting them apart from other aspiring writers.

When reading a written piece, you can "hear" the author's voice in your mind, even if you've never had direct contact with the writer.

An author's voice can be gentle or sharp, formal or informal, serious or humorous. This variation depends on the writer and the message they intend to convey.

Some writers have immediately recognizable and distinctive voices, while others are more subtle.

Regardless of the tone, a writer's voice should be authentic and genuine, representing their identity. This is what makes their writing engaging for readers!

What is the distinction between an author's voice and a character's voice?

In literature, there's a clear distinction between the author's voice and that of the characters.

The author's voice refers to the overall tone and style of the work, while a character's voice is how each character expresses themselves verbally.

For instance, an author may adopt a formal third-person voice, while a character's voice might be characterized by colloquial language in the first person. It's crucial to be aware of both types of voice when reading literature, as both provide significant clues for understanding the story.

The author's voice can give readers a general idea of the work's atmosphere.

Is it playful or serious? Dramatic or humorous?

Furthermore, the author's voice can provide insights into the author's opinions about the theme they're addressing.

On the other hand, each character's voice can reveal details about their personality, motivations, and character development. A shy character might speak softly and gently, while a more confident one might express themselves with authority.

Paying attention to both the author's voice and those of the characters can contribute to a better understanding of the story.

How to Find Your Voice as a Writer

1. Be Inspired by Artists You Admire

It's interesting to note that at the beginning of our artistic journey, whether it's in film, music, writing, or drawing, we tend to emulate the authors we admire most.

We study their work and try to imitate their styles, techniques, and even themes. We absorb nuances and subtle differences. We grow in recognizing their various facets and what sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Then, along the way, if we persevere enough, we begin to allow our distinctive writer's voice to emerge.

Continuing to create and write novels, audiobooks, and screenplays, our narrative voice becomes increasingly central!

As writers, it's beneficial to read books and scripts by the authors we admire most or watch films by directors and screenwriters who captivate us.

Not only will we appreciate their work for what it is, but we'll learn tips and tricks almost without realizing it. We'll recognize patterns and understand what works and what doesn't, often observing recurring techniques.

Later on, when we feel comfortable enough, we might try to mimic the word choice or writing style, partly or entirely, integrating into our work the aspects we love about their style. We might experiment with adopting another writer's sentence structure or their specific use of vocabulary (not copying their words or actual content!).

This approach significantly helps in developing one's personal writing style. However, it shouldn't be a conscious effort.

Read as much as possible the works of writers who

fascinate you. You'll find that, almost without noticing, some of their writing techniques will seep into your style!

This is the charm of reading!

2. Draw from Personal Experiences

Much of what we define as a writer's voice is connected to our lives and the experiences we've lived through. Even the experiences of people who preceded us play a role in this context, whether they're friends, family, or strangers.

One of the most effective ways to find your voice in writing is to draw from your personal and family experiences. After all, these are the stories you know best.

Recall a moment when you faced a challenge or overcame an obstacle.

What did you learn from that particular experience?

How did it change you?

Alternatively, you might decide to write about a family member or an ancestor who inspires you. What lessons can you draw from their life story?

By tapping into your life experiences or those of your loved ones, you can write with authenticity and passion: two crucial ingredients for any good piece of writing.

In essence, your memories, intense emotions you've experienced, and your unique perspectives on the world are your treasure trove. When you write from this place of genuine sincerity, your work not only resonates deeply but also appears spontaneous, like a conversation between old friends.

So, how can you tap into this source of authenticity? Here are some engaging activities:

Journaling: Nothing beats the ancient practice of putting your thoughts on paper. Maintaining a regular journal allows you to have a dialogue with yourself, clarifying and deepening your connection with your emotions.

Writing unsent letters: If there's something unsaid that weighs on your heart, put it in a letter. It's therapeutic and can unlock emotions and perspectives you might not even realize you have.

Composing personal essays: Share your journey, your successes, and your battles. These glimpses of your life are cathartic for you and can be relatable for readers.

Each of us possesses a unique perspective on the world and our own journeys, shaped by our personal and familial experiences. These experiences contribute to creating our voice in creative writing.

3. Know Yourself

The more you know yourself and the world around you, the more authentic your art becomes, allowing you to pour your true self into your work.

The voice of an established writer requires a certain amount of self-assurance and self-confidence, qualities that are gained through self-awareness.

To deepen your understanding of your perspective, reflect on these questions:

• What makes me happy?
• What makes me angry?
• What gives me hope?
• What am I good at?
• What do I want to improve about myself?
• If I could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
• If I had to change one thing about myself, what would it be?
• How would I live today if I knew the world would end tomorrow?

You can enrich this list with countless other questions, and I encourage you to do so. Use these questions as a starting point and expand upon them limitlessly.

Remember, none of these answers is definitive. They are valid for the present moment, and it's normal for them to change over time. It's part of being human.

The deeper you delve into your desires, needs, dreams, failures, and flaws, the more these answers to questions like these will influence the creation of your voice as a writer.

As Robin Williams once said in the role of John Keating in "Dead Poets Society":

You have to work hard to find your voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it.

4. Focus on Observing People!

Don't limit yourself solely to literature and fictional cinema.

Gather as many cues as possible from real people in real life.

You'll likely end up basing your characters, at least in part, on individuals you know: those who inspire or repel you, people you find interesting or fascinating in everyday life, whether they're historical figures, politicians, celebrities, or ordinary individuals seen on the news.

They could be real people in your family environment or your social circle. They could also be strangers you encounter on the street, in the subway, or at your favorite restaurant. There's no wrong choice here.

The world is full of wonderful and complex individuals, each with distinctive traits, habits, and unique lifestyles. To access this wealth of human experiences, you only need to pay attention.

Observing other people can help you adopt the perspective of a character in the story who is different from you. And the more you observe, the more you realize that what makes us similar outweighs what sets us apart.

The more you immerse yourself in this process, the more your audience can identify with your distinctive voice.

5. Write Regularly

If there's a secret key to mastering the art of writing, it's consistency. Like any skill or muscle, your ability to write becomes stronger with regular exercise. You can think of it as watering a plant, nourishing it every day to make it bloom in its season.

You might ask: "What if I don't have inspiration?" Here's a friendly secret: professional writers rarely wait for inspiration. Instead, day after day, they sit down to write, considering writing both as art and discipline. By dedicating time to writing, you train your mind to produce even when the muse seems to be on vacation.

Establishing a routine brings numerous benefits:

1. Builds discipline: Just like going to the gym, the more you stick to a writing routine, the more it becomes a habit. Over time, it won't seem like a daunting task anymore; it will instead be a part of the day that you eagerly look forward to.
2. Improves skill: The more you write, the better you become. You'll discover nuances in your style, voice, and tone. You'll experiment, falter, learn, and grow.
3. Amplifies creativity: Contrary to popular belief, constraints can increase creativity. When you have a set time to write, your brain starts preparing, collecting ideas, and creating stories even before you sit down.

To start this journey, take small steps. Dedicate ten distraction-free minutes each day. Use this time to write about anything: your day, your dreams, a random thought, or a fantasy story. As the days pass, you'll feel the desire to dedicate more time, immersing yourself deeper into the world of words.

6. Seek Feedback but Trust Your Instinct

As writers, we often pour our souls onto the page, making it somewhat nerve-wracking to hand our creations over to critique. However, this cycle of feedback, as daunting as it may be, represents an invaluable step in our growth journey.

Navigating the world of feedback: whether it comes from peers, mentors, or editors, every piece of advice you receive is like a signal on your writing journey. While some point in a clear direction, others may seem conflicting. It's essential to listen, but equally vital is discerning which feedback aligns with your vision.

The power of constructive criticism: there's criticism that cuts and then there's criticism that carves. The latter shapes, refines the rough edges, and enhances your writer's voice. When someone offers constructive feedback, they provide you with a fresh perspective, revealing aspects of your work that might have gone unnoticed before.

Balancing feedback with instinct: here's the precious key: while feedback is invaluable, your instinct is irreplaceable. There will be times when advice contradicts your internal compass. In those moments, take a step back. Reflect. Remember that the heart of the story is yours, and while external contributions can guide, they shouldn't overshadow your innate writer's voice.

In the dance of writing, feedback is the rhythm, and instinct is the steps. One leads while the other moves. Embrace both, but never forget the magic that happens when you trust your feet to find the rhythm.

7. Understand that Your Artistic Voice Will Always Continue to Change and Adapt

Even though I've written both screenplays and stories, feeling that I've established my voice in my work in many ways,

I'm still exploring my writer's voice and feel it's constantly changing in small ways.

Your literary voice should evolve as you grow as an individual! This not only prevents you from remaining stagnant as a creative but also enhances the quality of your work.

Our experiences shape us, and as artists, these challenges can serve as fertile ground to take your work to new heights.

As a result, most artists spend their lives seeking the next step in the evolution of their creative voice. Think of your favorite artist, and you'll likely discover this to be true.

Consider Picasso, an excellent example of someone who changed voice, tone, and style as an artist multiple times throughout his career.

Picasso went through many phases of evolution and experimentation in his artistic journey: the blue period, the yellow period, and so forth.

Each period was characterized by a completely different artistic style, demonstrating that he never settled for possessing just one unique voice—a way of seeing life and his work—but instead strived to obtain a completely different voice at each stage of his life.

The results speak for themselves: his vast body of work was immense, and both the artist and the audience were enriched by it.

It might simply be a matter of evolution saying, "I'm not who I was anymore. I'm different now, and I need my art to reflect the person I am now, as opposed to who I was 20 years ago."

So, never stop seeking, changing, and growing.

True growth and personal development come from the search, not the destination.

FAQs on Voice in Writing

How does voice manifest in writing?

Voice in writing is like your special magic, the literary equivalent of your fingerprint. It's shaped by your personality, the words you choose, your upbringing, and the stories of your life. There's no universal guide to finding your voice in writing; it's about exploring and experimenting. When you find your distinctive voice, cherish it: it's what makes your stories unique and authentically yours!

What are the two types of voice in writing?

Voice is an essential element of writing but can be rather elusive. In general, there are two types of voices writers can use: literary voice and authorial voice. Literary voice is the unique perspective that a work of fiction takes on the world, expressed through setting, characters, or the narrator's point of view. Authorial voice, on the other hand, is the personal perspective an author brings to a work of non-fiction, highlighted by how they structure their argument or use language. Ultimately, literary and authorial voices are essential tools that writers can use to engage their readers.

What is meant by a character's voice?

In literature, the "voice of a character" refers to the distinctive way in which a character communicates, including vocabulary, grammar, and phrasing. It provides insights into the character's personality, history, and beliefs, influencing the atmosphere of the story. Some characters, like Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" or Scout Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird," have voices so extraordinary that they become fundamental to the story's appeal.

What is narrative voice?

Narrative voice refers to the perspective from which a story is told. The two main types are first-person and third-person. First-person offers a closer and more personal view, immersing the reader in the character's experiences. However, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent voice in an entire novel, and first-person narratives can sometimes feel like a long monologue. Third-person provides a broader and more detached overview of events, allowing for a multifaceted narration. This can make the story more complex and nuanced, but if not handled well, it can create confusion or detachment.

Conclusion: How to Find Your Voice as a Writer

Artists, by their nature, are often solitary individuals. We shut ourselves off from the world to practice our art and to better understand ourselves. However, the artists who truly thrive and grow are those who also open themselves to the world around them.

Discovering your writing style and authorial voice can pose an enduring challenge for any creative, especially for a narrative writer. Through study, observation, practice, reflection, and awareness of internal changes, one can soon arrive at the discovery of their distinctive voice that makes them unique compared to others.

While there isn't a single formula to find your unique voice in writing, there are some points that might be helpful in finding and developing your authentic voice.

Firstly, reading widely and exploring various writing styles can be beneficial. As you read, pay attention to the elements that capture your interest and take note of the techniques you'd like to experiment within your own writing.

If you encounter writer's block or a creative impasse, don't hesitate to take some time off and immerse yourself in the art of others. Visit an art gallery, watch an engaging film, or read your favorite book. Often, this can be a great way to discover new literary voices and get your creativity flowing again!

Moreover, don't be afraid to experiment with different voices and tones until you find what feels most natural to you.

Lastly, remember that your writer's voice will develop as you gain more experience and confidence. Feel free to revisit these suggestions along the way if you feel lost.

Write and build imaginary worlds in a way that feels natural and comfortable to you, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Through experimentation and exploration, you'll develop a unique writer's voice that is entirely yours.

So, step through this threshold and discover your writer's voice today, immediately recognizable in your creative works!