Develop Your Writer's Voice

Writers are often advised to develop their voice, their own unique imprint as an artist. But what exactly is a writer's voice and how do you develop it? Developing your voice as a writer means discovering your own personal style that is distinguishable from other writers. If you think about the writers whose work you enjoy, each one has a unique voice that you recognize almost immediately when you hear or see some of their work. A writer's voice involves tone, perspective, cadence, rhythm, slang, dialect, speech patterns, etc. that are unique to that writer. These are the distinctive qualities that reflect you as a person and make your writing style yours alone. The more in tune you are with these nuances of your personal style, the more that style will be reflected in your writing. Style is something that can't be forced. It must come naturally. So, when you're writing, think about how you talk, how you express yourself, what your particular slant on life is, and be aware of how this can be expressed in your writing. Probably the best way to develop your writer's voice is to write about what you care deeply about. When you're writing about your passions and commitments, your natural voice comes through because it's being carried by your emotions. You don't have to think about style. It just pours out of you with fluidity and candor. This is the type of writing that best defines you and makes you an original writer that readers will both recognize and be inspired by.