Crafting Identity: The Significance of a Writer's Distinctive Voice
Horses, rodeos, Stetsons and Wrangler jeans. Heck, yeah!
Today’s post strikes a chord with me, as it deals with the very essence of what makes a writer unique - their voice. Early in my writing journey, I encountered individuals who insisted I changed my voice to achieve success as a published author.
Thankfully, I didn’t. But I did hone it.
I love to sing. Off key, loudly and to the dismay of my husband, on long road trips.
I’m no Adele. But my writing voice, which by the way is loads better than my singing voice, is as unique as my horrible rendition of "You Look Good" by Lady A.
Just as the soul-stirring vocals of Adele have the power to touch hearts and broaden horizons, your words possess the ability to move people and open their minds to new perspectives. Your voice is an expression of who you are, as unique as a vocalist’s pitch. But how can you grow and enhance this powerful capability? Let’s examine the layers of a writer’s voice further.
In the music realm, Adele brings her remarkable singing voice to life with emotion-filled strength and range. It gracefully ranges through distinct notes, conveying all sorts of feelings with a combination of strength and fragility. Similarly, literature has talented figures who leave lasting impressions with their narrative style and exploration of love and relationships.
Nicholas Sparks is renowned for his emotionally evocative and heartfelt romance novels, blending tenderness with nostalgic elements. Nora Roberts combines romance with mystery and suspense, featuring strong heroines and intricate plots. Sarah MacLean’s witty historical romances showcase sharp dialogue and playful tones, while Colleen Hoover delves into raw emotion and intense relationships. The dynamic duo Christina Lauren crafts contemporary romances with humor, relatability, and steamy storylines. These writers captivate readers with their unique voices, captivating storytelling, and exploration of love and relationships.
Much like these authors have their own unique styles, so do you. The way you write is determined by the words chosen, the sentence structure used, and the expression conveyed. It reflects your character and conveys your desired meaning. Moreover, your voice goes beyond your writing style; it encompasses your point of view, beliefs, and the themes you cover. It infuses your work with your values, interests, and an overall resonance that can hook readers in for a transformational experience.
Your writing has the power to build a bond with your readers, due to its distinctiveness that reflects your sincerity. This strengthens your reliability and establishes your literary personality, attracting loyal admirers who comprehend and value your viewpoint. Your words can promote social reform, challenge preconceived notions, stimulate thoughtfulness, and cultivate understanding between opposing cultures.
Believe it or not, self-reflection and experimentation are vital components of the process. So is reading. Consuming books like they’re your favorite food will help jumpstart your inner narrator and get those words flowing.
I know this will probably strike fear and panic into you, but don’t be afraid to let people read your work, even if it’s a first draft. Getting feedback from reliable sources, such as colleagues, mentors or editors, is so helpful, not only for your writing, but for your confidence as well. After you share the beautiful words you’ve crafted, next time won’t be so hard. I once told someone that I would rather stand buck naked in a stadium full of people than let anyone read my stories, and I meant it.
Spending time honing, perfecting and developing your skills will aid in discovering your individual style and you can’t do that without feedback. Unique writing styles help you stand out from other authors and make your words memorable. Don’t worry if you feel like you don't have the “right” voice; there is no wrong way.
Practice writing in different voices and genres to develop versatility. Challenge yourself to explore various tones, settings, and character types. Consider your target readers and customize your tone to resonate with them. Adapting your voice doesn’t mean losing yourself; it’s about finding the perfect harmony between genre expectations and creative expression.
Deepen your knowledge of storytelling by reading across different genres and authors, noting their unique word choices, narrative structures, and writing approaches. Establish a regular writing habit, dedicating specific time slots each day for practice. This was one of the most difficult hurdles for me to get over. Everything came before my writing. I had to set boundaries and limitations for my family and for myself. Writers are huge procrastinators and there’s always laundry.
Experiment with diverse themes, topics, and writing styles without fear of judgment. Through persistent writing, you will uncover your original writer's voice.
Your writing should be an echo of the episodes of your life that have shaped you. Why do I love writing cowboys? Because I spent my teenage years in west Texas. Horses, rodeos, Stetsons and Wrangler jeans.
Heck, yeah!
I digress.
Think about your aspirations and values. Be transparent and true, sharing your genuine thoughts and feelings. Harness your feelings and write with real fervor, focusing on themes that excite you. Steer clear of imitation and embrace your singularity and personal outlook. If you don’t, you’ll be miserable. Most of all, stay true to your voice and cherish its originality.
Understand that finding a unique writing style is something to relish, like a bottle of wine or a juicy steak. It calls for patience and dedication. Test and try various methods, keeping your own values and morals intact. Rely on the fact that your writing voice will come in due course. Celebrate the strength of your individual voice, capable of eliciting emotion, arousing curiosity, and changing the world.
Embrace the writing journey, with its joys and struggles. Create something unique. Remember, your voice is the melody that adds soul to your words, making them dance in the minds of your readers.
I invite you to join me every Monday as I explore the layers of a crafting authentic love stories. Here's to nurturing and celebrating our unique writing voices, and to the incredible stories we are yet to tell.
Keep writing. Discover new ideas and above all, have faith in your voice!
From the Heart’s Ink Blog. Originally posted September 2023.