31 Days: Day 30 “voice”

There are books written about finding your voice, writing in your voice, keeping your voice original and more. 

It’s actually a thing. Each writer has their own voice – a style of writing that is entirely unique to them. 

If I were to put down C.S. Lewis’s works next to Madeleine L’Engle, you would know immediately which one belonged to each. Their styles are unmistakable. 

I have a friend who has a flowery style. Her descriptions are unique and sometimes wordy but always paint exactly the picture she intends. It is simply her. 

I have a friend who is in the process of finding hers. It’s not only finding the type of writing you do best but then writing it long enough to meld your personality with your words so your distinct style is recognizable. 

This is also the very thing that can be difficult in writers groups. 

Each writer around the table has a voice and will see the piece through that voice. So it is the careful group who looks at the style of writing and evaluates their comments to be sure they aren’t critiquing the writer’s voice. Grammar, varigating sentences, structure, plot, conflict, rhythm, stanzas… so many things can be helped along, but a writer’s voice is a journey for them alone. 

But like all the writers (Lewis, L’Engle, Tolkien) who have gone before, you will find it. 

We need your distinct voice.