How to Find Your Writer’s Voice as a Writer 

Do you feel like you have to change your writing voice for every topic you write? One day you sound urgent, the next, playful. 

I used to think this way and praise myself for being versatile until I got feedback that my article lacked depth. Although I didn’t like hearing that, I had to accept it because it was the truth.

It made me realise that your writing voice is how your readers recognise you from the first sentence, even when you write anonymously. It’s what makes you distinctly you.

And once you find it, your work will be more authentic, which makes readers connect more. 

I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggled to find and stick to a voice, so I’m writing this to help fellow writers. If you can relate, sit back to learn how to find your writer’s voice as a writer.

But first, let’s check out what this “voice” actually means.

What is a Writer’s Voice?

A writer’s voice is the unique way a writer sounds when penning down their words.

You might have heard ‘writer’s voice’ described in terms of style, tone, and point of view. Those
are definitely part of it, but let’s see it from another angle.

Your writer’s voice is;

1. The Natural Way You Express Yourself

It’s about how your thoughts come out when you’re talking freely. 

Do you like to dig into every detail, or cut to the chase? 

Do you use everyday words or throw in something unusual? Like sesquipedalian?

That’s all part of your voice.

Some writers sound calm, others sarcastic, while some use metaphors and stories. The way you use paragraph breaks or short lines can also reveal your voice.

2. Your Point of View

Your point of view comes from your life, beliefs, and the way your mind works. 

You don’t have to write about your life directly, but your experiences will influence how you explain things.

For example, if two writers describe a busy market – one studied economics, the other grew up going there – the first might write about prices, demand, and supply. The second might focus on the hustle, the camaraderie of traders or even the aroma of street food.

Same place, but two completely different stories, all because of the writers’ point of view.

3. The Feeling in Your Words

The feeling your words carry makes readers feel something like; sadness, joy and so on. It also shows your personality.

Are you the type who hints at emotions or says them outright? Are you funny and enjoy banter, or do you have dry humour? Those qualities should come through in your writing.

When things get serious, do you sound formal or down-to-earth?

Now, the feeling your words carry can change depending on what you’re writing about, but your real self will still show in the writing.

How to Find Your Writer’s Voice 

To find your writer’s voice, follow these 5 steps:

1. Understand yourself

The first step to find your writer’s voice is to understand yourself. 

Imagine your friends watching you on a reality TV show. What would they say about your personality? Are you the life of the party, the drama queen, or the mischievous one? The way they describe you is likely how your voice will sound when you write.

Beyond that, make a list of things you love and hate, and what makes you happy or sad. This exercise will give you an idea of who you are.

2. Study writers you love

Notice the rhythm and flow of your favourite writers’ work. Do they use short sentences or a more poetic style? What makes their writing feel like them? 

This isn’t about copying someone else’s work; it’s about learning from them and making it your own. Imagine learning to cook from your favourite chef, while adding your own flavours, or taking fashion inspiration from your favourite celebrity, yet still dressing like yourself. That’s exactly what I’m trying to communicate here.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read Purple Hibiscus just to get a feel of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s style. And don’t even get me started on Ben Okri‘s The Famished Road. But, I still don’t sound exactly like them, because I shouldn’t; I should take what I learnt and make it my own. 

3. Always Write, Even if It’s Not Neat

Keep writing, even when you feel like what you’re drafting is not good enough. Your first draft is a drawing board – a place for ideas to flow freely. Don’t try to sound perfect; just write the way you think and talk.

I recently read about how The Figurine was made. Firstly, it was initially titled The Shrine. But what’s more interesting is that after the first draft and about four more rewrites, it became the story we know today. The script alone took nine months to finish, but the whole process – from idea to the film we see now – took over five years.

Writing is just like that. Your first drafts might feel rough, but with practice, they get better. So, start with what you have; you can always clean them up later. The more you write, the stronger and more natural your voice becomes.

4. Read your writing aloud

Read your writing aloud like you’re telling a story to a friend. If it sounds weird or like someone else wrote it, keep editing it until it sounds like you.

Remember, it’s your work, so it should have your voice and not another’s. Another reason you should read it out is that it is the exact way the readers would read it. So, you want to be certain it sounds right to them.

5. Ask for feedback

Ask the people you trust  – the ones who won’t sugar-coat things just to protect your feelings – to tell you how your writing feels to them.

You can also ask them if it’s good, but the intent here is to ask how it feels to them. Then, use their feedback to make your work better.

Trust me, you need a fresh pair of eyes on your work. It’s a common practice among creatives anyway, so you might as well take advantage of it.

In a Nutshell

Finding your writer’s voice takes time. It’s not something you figure out in a day or two or even a year. It grows as you keep writing and stay true to who you are.

If you’re ready to publish your book and want some support along the way, Nnika Publishing is here to help. We’ll work with you to make sure your words sound like you. Let’s talk.

FAQs

1. Is my writer’s voice something I was born with?

No. Your writer’s voice is not something you’re just born with. You develop it over time by writing often, paying attention to what feels true to you, and noticing how you naturally express things.

2. How long will it take to find my writer’s voice?

There is no set time to find your writer’s voice because it is not a one-time thing. Your voice keeps growing as you write, reflect, and get more in tune with yourself. So think of it more like a journey than a destination.

3. Can my writer’s voice have different tones?

Yes, your voice can have different tones. You can be serious in one piece and playful in another, or even mix them. As long as it feels real to you and fits what you’re trying to say, it works.