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"Finding Your Own True Voice"
by Donna McDine
Freelance writers need to study their craft through reading books in the genre they wish to write, attend writers workshops, and participate in critique groups. While all three are important in developing your writing skills, when should you step away and write for pure joy to let your own unique voice shine through?
Yes, the basics are imperative but if we allow ourselves to be constrained by the rules and try to replicate the successful authors before us, we will surely not succeed and become stifled. Let your creativity flow and you will most likely surprise yourself with a unique story to share.
For those who think they are not a writer, think again. No matter what occupation you hold our writing skills are put to the test on a daily basis. From the basic business letter, correspondence to our child's teacher, email, blog postings (such as the inspiring Blogelina Epic Post) to countless other ways, we have opportunities galore to let our voice/words shine through.
For many years I worked in Corporate America and correspondence needed to remain strictly professoinal, with no voice of personal opinion. With the ever changing technology at the forefront, especially blogging, it provides us all the opportunity to write and speak from the heart on matters important to us as individuals.
What do you do on a daily basis to let your own True Voice be heard?
Looking forward to an exhilirating exchange of ideas.
All the best!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Great post. It is true how writing skills are put to the test almost daily.
ReplyDeleteI blog pretty much daily. If I'm not blogging, I'm talking and writing in other places.
Have a great day!
Thanks for your post. I am visiting as part of the Blogelina event.
ReplyDeleteI never saw myself as a writer (and never wanted to be) but when I started blogging years ago for fun - I had people telling me they really enjoyed my posts and my writing style. I didn't have a clue what they were talking about as i feel i always ramble too much (and at times I do! Let's just say - I like to "share" . . . alot!)
I have realized over the years that there is truth in learning to hone your craft though. I'm learning. slowly. I've had some help with writing for a local publication put out by a couple of my friends. They have been gracious editors and critics. :) Though - i haven't written for them in a while.
Thanks again for sharing!
Just a suggestion - you might want to make it easier for people to comment by giving other options instead of just a google account.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Donna, what an inspiring and informative post. I'm a fan, and now a follower. I'll be reading you often.
ReplyDeletePeace and good for sharing your craft,
Chelle
I enjoyed your post. I blog daily, since starting my couponing/parenting blog 7 months ago. I do it because I love it, and it's a great way for family/friends who I don't normally see keep up with me. I'd love for you to stop by my blog and let me know what you think. I'm at www.brendawritesablog.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteI love to write and I constantly get story ideas just from the daily grind of life, but I realize for some people, it's just not that easy. This post should inspire a few more people to relax and let it flow!
ReplyDeleteI love writing, and I try to write a little something every day. It's a fabulous way to feel creative.
ReplyDeleteI became a writer when I went looking for God. I wasn't sure if what my heart was seeing was true, so when I was 12 I grabbed a notebook and wrote: Appointments with God, on the front, and have spent decades filling its pages with all that I have seen.
ReplyDeleteWriting is a wonderful way to remember what our heart sometimes wants to forget.
It's amazing, because the end of each chapter within my life has always ended with a "Happily Ever After." I just had to be patient enough to wait for each ending!
Great blog. Praying you much success as you encourage others to find their voice!
Onward by Faith!
Nice post. One of the reasons I love blogging is that it encourages people to write.
ReplyDeleteI write on my blog or someone else's everyday.
AstToldByLisa
I work from home as a freelance writer, writing informative articles. I also have 4 of my own blogs, so I'm always doing something with writing. It's definitely a passion of mine.
ReplyDeleteHere from Blogelina!
http://madamsarcasm.blogspot.com/
I absolutely agree with your read what you want to write about first. I have been reading blogs for almost a year before I started mine. So helpful. Thanks for the tips!!
ReplyDeleteI love this!
ReplyDeleteWriting is a passion and I love that I can share it with my blogging. Eventually I want to branch out as well, but I never want my writing to become a chore.
Thanks for this post, it's inspired me to start writing more on my personal blog, rather than just focusing on my frugal one.
ReplyDeleteI write constantly. I have two blogs and I also assist local families by offering encouragment and fundraising assistance during their adoption process. All of my correspondence is done through email. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing mini-books and that is okay! I've always thought of myself as a decent writer and have been constantly encouraged by those who know me. Thank you for sharing your writing experience! My blog is: http://proverbsliving.com
ReplyDeleteI write all the time, after barely writing at all while my kids were growing up. I put it on the back burner. Now it is all I do.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your blog post, as it also applies to singing, as well as writing. Finding your own, unique way of self-expression is vital to becoming our true selves. Thanks for the reminder to stay true to myself!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to improve my writing day by day! Tks! Expandng.com "why I blog" post is for blogelina
ReplyDeleteI recently started my blog so I am still working on finding my voice. My writing style is still developing but I'm trying to get better every day.
ReplyDeleteNice post! I've always wanted to be a writer. Now that my children are grown, I want to work toward that goal.
ReplyDeletei love writing too, whether it's in my journal, on my blog, or formulating my next written words in my head as i work around my house. God has given us such a gift in words and language, and i'm constantly challenged to use those gifts for Him!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post. I totally agree with you when advise to write from your heart. I usually have a hard time getting motivated when it's time to write my blog post, but once I start typing the words just flow naturally. It's all coming from my heart!
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to my blog: http://newjacksweetiememoirs.blogspot.com/
You are so right. New writers form a dependency on "learning" that acts as an enabler to keep them from taking the first step into the unknown. If a writer waits until he/she feels "good enough," they will never step through the gate. Classes, courses, and forums are great, but it doesn't take the place of stepping out and actually writing. Good post! Deb
ReplyDeleteI'm not a great writer, but I love blogging. That's how I let my voice be heard.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I'm glad I found your blog through blogelina. I have a blog too at www.mysteryshoppingteacher.com. I also teach and write freelance. Pretty busy most days :). I found some great resources on your blog. I am getting a writing website set up to sell my services so I will take all the help I can get :). Thanks again
ReplyDeleteI used to write all the time s a kid and just somehow forgot how much I enjoyed it as I became an adult. I just started my blog a few months ago and am having a blast sharing stories and realizing people actually enjoy what you write! Great post.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful to be able to blog and to be able to have my own voice and share my life and ideas the way it comes out, my way! Great post! Thanks for the encouragement for writers!
ReplyDeleteKelsey aka Rural Mama
http://ruralmamasandbox.blogspot.com
Thank you for your wonderful post. I have found that staying true to my niche helps me a lot to stay on track.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I am visiting from the Blogelina event. It is very nice to meet you. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I am a bit more professional with sales people but communicate differently with people who are on my team. We recently did one of those personality tests and it was interesting to see how differently people handle things.
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing your '100 Comments' post - I appreciate your thoughts - I've always enjoyed writing since I was young and am glad to be back into it a bit. Even though my blog at the moment is more about my creativity in other areas, I do weigh each word I write. I have had opportunity to write Guest Posts from time to time and various writings in other areas of my life.
ReplyDeleteLynden
http://aneleganttouch-lynden.blogspot.com/2012/02/100-comments-event-wwwblogelinacom.html
Without a doubt, the more I write, the more authentic my voice becomes. Whenever I take a writing hiatus, it takes weeks of faithful blogging, freelancing, journaling and working on book chapters to recapture my truest voice.
ReplyDeleteWhen you write from your heart, the words flow easier than if you try to force them out.
ReplyDeleteAngi from Tim and Angi's Blog
If I am not blogging I am thinking about blogging. I love to write and it is wonderful that you are able to express yourself creatively.
ReplyDeleteI think that blogging is the way to let anyone's voice be heard, without actually claiming to be a writer. I don't consider myself a writer, but secretly, I enjoy "writing" weather for my blog or something else. Before blogging, I never even considered writing for something, but now, hey, why not?
ReplyDeleteI agree - writing is fun and interesting. Although I love to write for my blog, I've also been working lately on a book (now to get it published!) and submitting articles for local newspapers. It's easy to get discouraged, but I just keep on trying!
ReplyDeleteI'm practicing my writing through my blog and it's getting better every day. I now love to write and hope my kids will grow up to love it too. Writing is a treasure and I cherish it a lot. From Blogelina Event.
ReplyDeleteImproving my writing is right on the top of my bucket list. First I should start with actually writing out that bucket list. Then I can make something happen.
ReplyDeleteI never considered myself a writer. I prefer the reading rather than writing. But I hope that through my blog posting I will become a better writer in the process.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your encouragement! I am just starting out, and I feel like I have interesting things to say, but not always an interesting way to write them, if you know what I mean. It's a work in progress ;) I'm at doublemyshoe.com if you ever want to come over and give suggestions!
ReplyDeleteOf course, I blog, and I also write novels, slowly over time and not published as of yet. My sister and Ia re also writing a homeschooling curriculum, which is what our blog is all about.
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely right, the more you write, the better at it you become, especially in the area of your expertise.
I feel like I'm still trying to find my voice. I really need to write for myself more than I do. It is hard switching from the writing I do at work to what I do for my blog. I need to get my brain in gear for being more creative.
ReplyDeleteThis is great advice! I find that I am sometimes trying to write how I think other people will want me to. I do keep a journal, and I free write in that often ... just letting whatever I am thinking flow onto the page. I have gotten many good blog posts from it without even trying or intending it to go that way!
ReplyDeleteI blog, but I still do the old fashioned journaling. I have to admit that it is hard to find your voice when first starting out in the blogging world. I am not sure that I have found mine yet either.
ReplyDeleteGreat point! I often remark about people getting so caught up the technical aspect of writing they forget it is an art. Sometimes art needs to flow without restrictions. I was blogging for years before I returned to start working towards my Masters. I discovered my style had really changed. My blogging style is informal/less restrictive and I had to refocus my brain to write for academia again.
ReplyDeleteI use facebook a lot to express political or religious sentiments. I believe it is a wonderful tool to be used for more than just "stalking" others lives or complaining/bragging about our own. So when I come across something that I think is of importance I try to share it and add some of my own insight. I've also been blogging to share my knowledge of design/art with others!
ReplyDeleteI like that! We do each have opportunities to let our voice bea heard each day.
ReplyDeleteNice post! I've never consider myself a writer, but I journaled a lot when younger and now I love to blog. You are right...our writing skills are needed every day.
ReplyDeleteHere's my blog: http://romanceonadime.com
Hello one and all:
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for visiting me through the Blogelina Epic Post. Please know I will visit and comment back to you all. It will take time, but I will.
All the best,
Donna
Thanks for your post! I should write more, but get so busy posting coupons and deals, that I forget to sit down and just write and share more from my heart.
ReplyDeleteFollowing from Blogelina!
http://shoppingtipsandtricks.com
Ruth
I never thought of myself as a writer although I like to write. Blogging has changed that. You definitely need to find your voice - one that comes naturally to you so that it's easy to write.
ReplyDeleteI used to love to write when I was younger. I mostly focus on art now but I'm a daydreamer and sometimes I miss putting those ideas on paper. I'm so busy though I just don't have much time to put a lot of creative effort into it. So for now, I have my blog and that helps me get some of my thoughts out. I enjoy it and it's an outlet so that works. Thanks for the inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteChristy
http://www.alivinghomeschool.com
I love to write about any and everything. It's the best way I can express myself and release my feelings. I also love to write to empower women.
ReplyDeleteI think I need to start letting my true voice be heard. Thank for this!
ReplyDeleteI use my voice daily thru my blog and through the teachings I gave my children.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Pamela
Still Dating My Spouse
http://www.stilldatingmypouse.com
Stopping by via the 100 comment blog hop!
I have always wanted to be a writer too. Ive alwae done more talking about it than a actually doing it. Lately I have been trying to write every day.
ReplyDeleteOh Donna, this is a beautiful post and a beautiful idea. We can all be writers, eh? I am beginning to venture onto this path after leaving a professional career behind as well. I'm learning each day to kindle that creative spirit within after far too many years spent squashing it down in favor of "professionalism." Thanks for the encouragement- I'm a new subscriber!
ReplyDeleteI'm at www.simplelittlehome.com if you'd like to visit and share in the creative process over there. *smile*
yes yes yes! I spent several years of my life telling high schoolers that we're all writers and need to practice in order to excel!
ReplyDeleteI use my voice daily through many outlets: facebook, my blog, teaching, coaching...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement.
Oh - if only I could get that voice above a whisper:-(
ReplyDeleteOften the words in my head are in hyper-drive, but I just can't bring them to the surface.
Voice is SO important and something I always struggle with - I was taught to write in a very formulaic way from my teachers... so I learned early to "please the teacher" to get my A+ :) Sure, I learned REALLY good grammar from them, but Now, it's hard for me to "break out" and just say it my way... I find studying mentor texts - authors I admire - instead of reading "writing manuals" helps me learn HOW the author let their voice come through and then I can think about whether their technique is one that I am comfortable with or not... so now I am learning more from good literary examples than from "rulebooks" ;)
ReplyDeleteVoice is such a tricky thing. Especially when you follow so many great blogs and admire their style. I have to admit I'm unexcited about writing unless it is something with humor. SO maybe that is part of my voice?
ReplyDeleteI write mathematics lesson plans and assessment items professionally and by doing so, I've settled into a formal way of writing. When I'm not writing formally, I don't really feel like I've found my "voice." Blogging has been good practice for me. I'm not there yet, but some days I see my "voice," peeking through!
ReplyDeleteI write mathematics lesson plans and assessment items professionally and by doing so, I've settled into a formal way of writing. When I'm not writing formally, I don't really feel like I've found my "voice." Blogging has been good practice for me. I'm not there yet, but some days I see my "voice," peeking through!
ReplyDeleteThis is what I'm struggling with. Trying to find my personal style. My big issue is comparing myself to other bloggers. I'll be looking around your blog for ideas.
ReplyDeleteHey Donna -
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! Practicing different writing styles provides constant challenge and keeps things fresh!
Best wishes in your writting career.
ReplyDeleteThese are great suggestions... I am a creative person- so being bogged down with rules is not my style.. I like to change it up all the time!!! Thanks for sharing!! xoxo-Rachel
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have always loved writing and even though I've been blogging close to a year now, it is still hard to consider myself a writer. However, you are very correct that in just about every job title there is some form of strong written communication needed.
ReplyDeleteI've never considered myself to be a writer. However, as I blog, I find myself in a state of joy and relaxation.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I could call myself a writer? Maybe...
I appreciate all your advise. I've always wanted to be a writer. One day, when I retire, I hope to devote more time to it!
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to try to be like someone else esp bigger bloggers but the truth is you will never build a circle pf readers unless you pour YOUR heart into what you write. I keep reminding myself that my readers need to read what I write not what someone else thinks!
ReplyDeleteI love to write! I sometimes lately don't do it as much as I used to. When I started my blog it was because I wanted to share some of my writing, but I haven't done much of that. It is true though that writing daily can let your true voice shine through. Thanks for sharing. This is my first time to your blog and I found it through Blogelina 100 comments. My blog is http://thoughtsnsuch.com
ReplyDeleteBlogging inspires me to write and is a great way to share your words with others
ReplyDeleteKari
www.esavingsblog.com
I think being described a a writer was initially scary to me. I like your post since we are all writers in our own way.
ReplyDeleteI probably need the OPPOSITE advice!! I need a little more structure, I think, because my writing is a little bit... TOO me. Random, rambling, etc. I did write a youth novel a few years ago and even self published, and then I was too nervous to publicize it because I didn't 'follow the rules'. Maybe I need to rethink that. You've given me a lot to think about. Great post! Byn from beansmonkeybusiness
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great post on finding your voice.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your picture book...I saw it when it first came out and wanted to review it on my blog. :)
I'm here from the 100 comments event.
I've always been passionate about picture books and am now back to writing them..so I am smiling quite a lot these days. :)
http://www.viviankirkfield.wordpress.com
Thanks for your post. As a homeschooler, I believe strongly in exposing my children to excellent literature for them to emulate, but you are right, they need the freedom to find their own voice too. For myself, I blog 5-6 times a week and LOVE writing. I would love to find some opportunities to do freelance work and hope to someday be a published author and will probably be working on an e-book in the next year. It is seriously a passion of mine and I am always trying to hone my craft. I would say my biggest obstacle is always coming up with new ideas. I really want my content to be fresh and relevant, and I hate it when I am sitting in front of the computer screen and the words just won't come. Thankfully, that doesn't happen very often!
ReplyDeleteI blog over at www.fatchickfedup.com
I never really seen myself as a writer. I have always dreaded writing papers and such in a school type setting so was surprised by how much I like blogging. I guess it makes a difference when it comes to writing something that you really care about. Thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteI blog everyday but I don't necessarily have the opportunity to express myself too much there since it's mostly reviews and giveaways. It's a good thing I can always post a Facebook status when I need to let out my thoughts or feelings!
ReplyDeleteFinding your own true voice, I like that. It is something I am working on now. It's getting easier but can be challenging at times.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
www.royalmajestea.com
I hadn't thought of it before I read your post, but I'm used to "corporate correspondence" as well, where you keep everything as short as possible. No wonder I have trouble writing long posts! Thank you for the insight.
ReplyDeleteI used to journal before going to bed at night but I haven't done that in awhile. Lately I've been wanting to get back into it and recently bought a TON of cute new journals just for writing hoping they'd inspire me to. They haven't yet but the urge to write in them has slowly gotten stronger. I think I'm just scared to to ruin them or something.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I find this post useful. And I agree the more you learn about writing and the more you write the better you will write.
ReplyDeletehttp://newyearsresolutionexercise.blogspot.com/2011/05/six-things-you-should-never-say-to-your.html?showComment=1331142236482#c2447668241791504687
Hi, Could you tell me how to put different templates from the one on blogger on your blog? I love yours. Where do you get the templates from? The one on blogger are boring you know?
ReplyDeleteThanks
I write a blog of my own that mainly deals with deals and coupons but every now and then I see my own personal opinion, struggles or triumphs sneaking in! It's nice to be able to talk to other people and share what you are going through!
ReplyDeleteI love writing. I feel that making it a daily habit to write is the easiest way to become comfortable and find my voice. Every word counts.
ReplyDeleteI recently discussed finding your inspiration for posts on my blog and the reaction from fellow bloggers was amazing. The tips I provided weren't really Earth shattering, but we all NEED someone on the other side to tell us how we can do that, or what to look for in order to find that great post topic. I've developed a lot as a blogger since I first started. I remember how I felt during my first blog post. I was trying to write an essay (literally). I had JUST completed a Business Law research paper, so I was stuck in that "use big words; define each word; advanced writer" mode. I've perfected that and realize I need to be a grammar and spelling guru, but I can relax on the style.... a little. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post!
~ Nicole @ MamaNYC
www.mamanyc.net
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about writing. So many of us are fulfilled by sharing our love of words, thoughts and ideas with others.
ReplyDelete