Thread: "Finding your own voice" Advice

Hello. I have just joined this forum because I wanted some advice, and this seemed like a perfect place. I know it's pretty early for someone to start thinking about writing non-fiction seriously, but I can't imagine myself doing anything else (career wise).

Anyway, I have been hearing a few people advise me to "find your own voice". The problem is that I am not sure what this means exactly.

Also, I have began to notice that when I write, I'm usually rather brief & short. I notice other people tend to be copiously long-winded ...

I am not sure what to expect, but I just thought maybe a few people can put me on the right track.

Thanks a lot.

All I can say is, I'd be careful about the "advice" handed out on internet forums.

Heh. You could say that about all advice, I suppose. Anyway, I suspect that the folks who are telling you to find your own voice probably don't know any more about it than you do. It just sounds like a good thing to say to an aspiring writer. As far as I'm concerned, it just means something in the way you write that makes it unique -- or at least identifiable as yours. A certain style maybe. There are probably fancier ways to put it. Perhaps brevity or getting to the point might be your thing. Otherwise it's hard to say.

Most of the useful advice that I've gotten on this site has been in the form of critiques. The rest of it is often too general to be of much use. I suggest that you post some work and see what people have to say about it. That and practice may be the best way for you to develop your own voice and style.

Otherwise, welcome to the forum!

Yeah, seconded about practising and putting your work up for critique. It's what I do. I don't really go in for asking people for general advice on things because writing is so subjective and anything people say in a general sense is either them just trying to be nice or helpful or of course, show off their "writing knowhow", or is too vague to be any use.

Also, welcome to the forum. I'm a bit distracted today so apologies for being forgetful about that in my first post...

It means write for two hours every day and never stop.

I thought it came naturally. That's what I like to believe, anyway.

If you're comfortable with the way you write, I wouldn't really worry about what other people say. If you aren't happy with what you're outputting though, writing more often wouldn't hurt. Maybe try and change it up a bit, see what works and what doesn't; try coming at it from different angles.

That's very vague advice, sorry; wish I could be more helpful. I think sometimes, it's best to just get on with it and write. Good luck .

Originally Posted by Candra H

All I can say is, I'd be careful about the "advice" handed out on internet forums.

Yeah. That said...

Originally Posted by ppsage

It means write for two hours every day and never stop.

In other words, just do the work. After you've got a couple of published books under your belt some literary critic will probably tell YOU what your voice is.