Finding Your Writing Voice: 5 Tips from a Creative Storyteller

I started writing my first novel when I was 18. I never published it and probably never will, but it wasn't a wasted experience. After 80,000 words, I had taught myself a great deal about writing and storytelling. More significantly, I had developed my own writing voice. One that would grow and develop over the next decade.?

I have written several new stories over the years and each time I go back to read one of my older works, I'm always struck by how my writing voice has changed.

This is not to say my writing was worse back then, but it is more so reflective of who I was at the time, where I lived, the experiences I'd had, and so on. My 18-year-old writing voice was very distinct from my 25-year-old voice or my 30-year-old voice, etc.

Your Writing Voice?

But what exactly is a writing voice and how can you develop it so that it's as distinguishable and recognisable as your speaking voice while also still growing and evolving as you do?

Your writing voice is your individual style of writing, which encapsulates your vocabulary, unique point of view, tone, syntax, flow, rhythm, and even punctuation.

People say you should write as you speak, but that's a lot easier said than done. For many of us, it takes some time to understand what that means before being able to put it into practice.?

When you first start writing, you might find your work is generic or lacking in personality. You may find that you are writing words and phrases as they "should" sound without infusing any of your personality into them. This is perfectly fine in most cases.

But if you want to develop a signature writing voice as a storyteller that sets you apart, here are a few things you can try to do just that:

1. Write. A Lot.

The first step to developing your writing voice is to practice. Think of writing like a muscle that needs to be trained. At the moment, it might be a little weak and floppy. It doesn't sound like much of anything, but with training, you can grow that muscle into something powerful. The more you write, the stronger you become as a writer.?

Write often, about any and everything, until writing becomes the most natural thing in the world.?

You can start a journal or use a word-processing app on your phone or computer to capture your thoughts if you're not ready to publish online.

Create a daily writing routine to help you stay consistent.

2. Read. A Lot.

Reading is fundamental. But you already knew that. When it comes to improving your writing and learning to develop your own voice, you'll want to read widely. Read everything you can get your hands on.?

This is an exercise in the study of how other writers do what they do. Take note of how they convey emotion. Assess their word choices and sentence structures. Think about how you might incorporate certain techniques in your own work.

If writing is a muscle to be trained, reading is the protein shake you take to help that muscle grow. :)

3. Tell An Old Story In A New Way

It is far easier to write a story when you already know how it ends. Trying to create a story from scratch while also thinking about developing one's writing style can be a bit challenging when you're first starting out.?

But what if you just retold a story you already know, in your own words?

I'm not recommending that you copy someone else's story and pass it off as your own. This is more for your personal practice. Retelling a story in your words is a great launching point for discovering your writing voice because it allows you to add your own personal touch voice to a narrative that already exists.

Bonus: You can also take it a bit further by telling the same story from a different perspective.

4. Show Your Range

I love a good crime thriller. That is, I love reading them. I'm not so great at writing them. Similarly, you might like reading a specific genre or writing in a particular style, but that doesn't mean it's the only style you should write in. Don't be afraid to experiment. Challenge yourself by writing in different genres or about themes you never considered.?

Try adding humour, or tell a love story set in a dystopian world or anything else that might be outside your comfort zone. Who knows, you just might surprise yourself.

5. Be Kind To Yourself

Don't expect perfection the first go around. Every first draft sucks, and there'll come a point when you'll want to throw in the towel because everything you've written sounds like utter trash.

But I want to encourage you to persevere. Sure, you'll make mistakes from time to time, but every new sentence you write, and each new story you tell, is bringing you one step closer to finding your voice and becoming the master storyteller you're striving to be.

Good luck and happy writing!

Author: Ackelia Williams, Scientist-turned-Copywriter | Creative Storyteller

Ackelia traded in her lab coat for a laptop and now helps people unlock the power of storytelling in business and everyday life. Originally from the Caribbean, she now lives in the UK with her family but plans to embark on an adventurous life as a digital nomad in the near future.

If you’re looking to hire a freelance copywriter or want to discuss how she can help you tell your story, email info@ awcopywriter.com or book a free call here .