As writers, we naturally gravitate toward particular styles that inspire us. We all have our favorites—those authors whose words resonate so deeply that we can’t help but be influenced by them. But there’s a fine line between inspiration and imitation, and learning to recognize that difference can make or break your writing career.
In the beginning, this was my struggle as I moved toward taking a more serious approach to my writing career. I attempted to become a modern-day version of Edgar Allen Poe (my absolute fave by the way). I thought, “This worked well for him-albeit posthumously-so surely this will benefit me as well. So why not give it a try?”
I’ve since learned that although emulating your favorite author is how many writers start out, it rarely works in the long run. No carbon copies allowed. I became so caught up in trying to use another writer’s formula that I became stifled and stagnant, unable to complete my own works.
Developing Your Voice
As aspiring writers, we must develop our own voices. In this digital age, we have tools, platforms, and exposure opportunities that our predecessors never dreamed of. But this blessing is also a curse. The waters have become muddied with self-appointed gurus and experts, making the landscape confusing and, at times, daunting.
Anyone with a laptop and internet access can post whenever and whatever they want. It’s easy to find yourself drowned out by the noise of fan fiction and poorly crafted writing. (I have nothing against fan fiction—my first online posts were Harry Potter fanfics, some of my best work, actually, though they’re in desperate need of editing.)
How I Found My Voice
So how did I find my voice?
I stopped trying to reinvent the wheel and began to write what felt natural to me. I stopped trying to get into the minds of King, Poe, and Flynn and began to write the sort of stories that I would love to read. I create the characters that I found fascinating, and every one of them embodies a bit of me.
I also stopped trying to force myself into a specific genre. Now, as someone relatively new to the writing game, I don’t know if this approach is “correct” or not, but it has worked for me thus far and allowed me to get back to what matters most: the story.
I feel I’ve freed myself and truly opened up to a world of great possibility. And that’s what finding your voice really means—giving yourself permission to write authentically, without the pressure of living up to someone else’s legacy.
Your turn. Have you struggled with finding your voice as a writer? Sound off in the comments, The Weirdo wants to know!
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