Confident writers have the courage to speak plainly; to let their thoughts shine rather than their vocabulary. ~ Ralph Keyes
1 – RELAX
Just like your style of clothing is an expression of self, your writing voice is highlighted through your expression with words. The best way to find your writing style and voice is to relax and let it flow. I truly believe that this one tip will take you more than halfway to finding your unique style.
When you’re tense, your breathing becomes shallow, you tighten your muscles and limit blood flow, and your ability to create diminishes. (If you need facts to believe this, you can read this article from Brain Sync -https://theatreofthemind.com/stop-trying-creativitys-ultimate-partner-is-relaxation/)
2 –STOP COMPARING
yourself to other writers and their voices.
Comparing how you write or your writer’s voice to other authors is a killer. You can admire other writers’ styles but nurture your own. This takes practice. The more you write, the sooner your voice will naturally develop. When starting out, write what you know and DON’T edit until you’ve finished an idea or scene. There’ll be plenty of time to make changes, but the initial flow is important for the authentic sound of your voice to immerge.
Your writer’s voice can’t be learned. It must be freed – so relax. When I started out to write my last book, What if the Problem’s Not the Problem???, I wanted it perfect because my Buddhist teacher at the time said, “If you write it, I’ll write the preface.” I was so intimidated by the thought, will he like it, that I could not get my creative juices flowing. When I finally decided to write it because I had something to say, the first draft almost wrote itself.
3. Write often and RELAX
A great way to relax is to notice where you hold your tension. I hold mine in my shoulders, which many of us do, but even more so in my head. I’ve learned to do a few releasing exercises/stretches and a body scan, releasing tension wherever I feel tight, before settling into any long stretches of writing. A good shaking of the body while standing is a quick and easy method, and you’ll find many others on the web.
To paraphrase an expression There is only one voice like yours. All the others are taken.
Enjoy!
