Friday Speak Out!: The Writer's Voice

by Lauren Garner

We breathe every moment of the day, and often times, we speak with that same breath. As human beings, we never notice the sound of our voice or how it carries into another persons' ear. It just does. However, when we are sitting at our desks, laptops are open, eyes glued to the screen with our eyebrows furrowed because nothing is coming out. No words are written and no inspiration is flowing, and why is that? On a normal day-to-day basis we can communicate so profusely, but when it comes to putting your pen to paper, it's almost like you forgot how to write. It's not that you don't know what to say, it's because you don't know how to say it. You haven't discovered your voice.

To begin knowing your voice, you have to know yourself. Begin by taking a few minutes to describe yourself in three to five words. Are you funny, smart and outgoing? Or maybe you're sassy, independent, and beautiful. There is no wrong answer in this game unless you aren't being honest with yourself. Once you are done with this, ask your friends and family to describe you in a few words. Take this data and apply it to your writing.

What is that book series that you couldn't put down, or that one writer that has stolen your heart? Whoever it is, look to them for their support and guidance. All of them started out exactly where you are now and they're great mentors. Figure out what their voice is and you'll find yours, too. It wouldn't hurt to turn to your favorite musicians and things you watch such as movies and TV shows. All of it is a beautiful inspiration.

The most important part is to not force it. Write because it's fun and you love doing it. A lot of new writers think that finding their voice is the hardest part about writing, and this can cause them to become discouraged. Sometimes they'll even throw out a masterpiece because it just isn't right to them. Think of a writer's voice as being like the cheese in a grilled cheese. You wouldn't eat the sandwich if it was just bread, would you? So why would you read the book if it doesn't have any personality? Your voice is what tells people, "No one else could have written this."

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Lauren Garner has been a writer since she was a little girl. Throughout her life, she was known for always carrying her notebook around working on her latest story. With many different topics that interest her, the main goal in Lauren's life is to help others. In her free time, she writes for her blog, www.l1ttler3d.com and works on her short stories and novels.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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