Knowing Your Style

Writing is personal. Even when you are writing objectively about topics unrelated to yourself, your writing is distinctly personal. It is an expression of who you are. Your style and message are subjective because they are an extension of your personality and no one else puts her thoughts together or expresses herself in writing exactly like you. This personalizing is your strength as a writer. It's what makes you different from other writers. It's what creates a unique voice in your writing that can be recognized as belonging only to you. So it is important to capitalize on this strength. One of the best ways to do this is to write like you talk and think. Listen to the rhythms and style of your conversation with others. Listen to the way thoughts organize and flow in your mind. Then write like that. Trying to write in some style that is foreign to the way you naturally think and express yourself will come across stilted and insincere. But when your writing reflects your unique essence as a person, your special view of the world, it will be authentic and meaningful and it will ring true with readers. Connecting with readers on this level will allow you to be a more effective writer because readers will feel like they know you and they will be more receptive to your message.