Hmmm, I had to scan my blog to find examples of writing that were like and unlike my voice. The more recent posts are a more accurate portrayal of my voice. The older posts are definitely me trying to sound like someone else. Knowing your audience plays a key role in being able to pen your voice.
Assignment: Choose five words to describe your voice or what you know of your voice. You can list them or write them out in a paragraph. I know, here I go with the lists again. Then take two or three excerpts of your writing and see if your writing matches up with what you know of your voice. Pick out a few ways that the writing lets your unique voice shine through and a few areas on which you could improve. What keeps you from writing in your own voice?
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My voice is a work in progress. I try to write like I speak and think, so that I maintain some sort of accuracy and consistently for myself. Unless necessary, I don’t think to be overly flowery or descriptive. I tend to ask many questions, allowing myself and readers opportunities for self-reflection.
This post, I Never Wanted to be Typical, is not really me. It kinda is, but truth be told, I was trying to stay quiet about my true self and instead, working at making myself look impressed. It was a writing contest entry for Today’s Parent magazine. They were searching for new bloggers/writers either to feature as a blogger or potential article writers. The post is true, but it’s missing a big chunk of me–my spirituality. Not that my beliefs need to be posted every single time I write something, but if I’m writing about me and trying to “sell” myself to someone, a few words–about the major thing that makes me, me and affects how I view life and how I aim to love everyone–need to be included.
On the flip side, these posts on trust and grit and temptation looking good from far are more like me. I was honest and true to myself. I shared some of the lessons learned and the points that most impressed me. The ability to speak freely and openly makes a world of difference. I didn’t have to work at hiding part of myself.
What keeps me from writing in my voice is fear. When I start worrying about people’s impressions and opinions of me, it holds me back. When I get more concerned over attracting numbers and hoping to one day be discovered and landing a nifty writing contract, it confuses my mind. Once I decided Who I was writing for and why, the words flow a bit more freely and steadily. Trusting God doesn’t guarantee that things will work out according to my fantasies. It does mean that He will supply my every need.