It’s not a question of finding it—it’s a question of using it.
How do I find my writing voice?
Seven words that’ll make any writer’s head spin.
If you’ve ever asked, how do I find my writing voice?—I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ve been asking the wrong question.
Whomp whomp.
Because finding your authentic writing voice isn’t about finding it—it’s about using it.
What Is an Authentic Writing Voice?
You can’t find what you’re looking for until you can define what you’re looking for.
(Tell that to your lost, anxious manager. 😉)
So let’s define it.
What the hell does “authentic writing voice” even mean?
“Authentic” means everything that makes you you—it’s the way you naturally express yourself.
And “writing voice” is just a fancy way of saying your artistic style.
So, what does artistic style mean?
Well, it’s just the way artists express themselves.
It’s why Nirvana sounds like Nirvana and why The Rolling Stones sound like The Rolling Stones.
It’s why a Pablo Picasso painting looks different from a Leonardo da Vinci painting and why a Stephen King book reads differently from a James Patterson book.
It’s the unique expression of the artist.
So, when you put it all together, your authentic writing voice just means the most natural and authentic way you write.
In other words, it’s writing in a way that’s uniquely you.
That’s the secret.
And the good news is, you don’t have to find it—you already have it.
You just have to use it.
Reframe the Question
I think this is the real problem when writers ask how to find their writing voice; they’re thinking about it all wrong.
Because writing in your authentic writing voice isn’t something you find—it’s something you do.
Read that again.
Writing in your authentic writing voice isn’t something you find—it’s something you do.
You don’t find your style; you express your style.
You can’t find your writing voice buried under the sand or stuck between your couch cushions next to the lost remote.
You can only express it on paper.
So, instead of asking, How do I find my authentic writing voice?—
The better question is: How do I use it?
Because the answer is simple:
Write in a way that feels most natural to you.
However, you would say something—that’s exactly how you should write it.
Do that enough times, and soon, people will start saying, I love your voice! It’s so unique!
Why You’re Not Using It
This is the part nobody talks about.
Because the real reason you’re not using your writing voice is….
You’re afraid of being judged.
You have a fear of sounding stupid.
A fear of not being “good enough.”
A fear of people not liking you for who you are.
And that’s crazy when you really think about it.
Because in life, what’s rare is what’s valuable. And writing in your own voice is exactly how you make your writing valuable.
If no one can write like you, that means your writing is one of a kind.
And last time I checked, one of something is worth more than thousands of anything.
So, have the confidence to be uniquely you.
Because you’re the only one who can do it.
Stop Searching. Start Writing.
The next time you catch yourself asking, How do I find my writing voice?—
Stop.
Instead, ask this: Am I writing the way that’s true to me?
And if the answer is no, you know what to fix.
Because your writing voice isn’t hiding.
You’re just not using it.
… Yet.
And always know this:
Your writing voice will evolve as you evolve.
It’s just how you see the world on paper.
So the more you read, the more you write, the more conversations you have; know that your writing voice will change as you change.
And that’s a good thing.
It means you’re growing.
Please like, comment, share and tell me what you think. DO you agree? Did this help? I also may start offering writing coaching, if you’re interested please let me know.
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Totally agree. I found my own voice via extensive reading down the years, which fed into my writing what felt and sounded most natural to me. 🙂
That’s the way! Our voice always evolves with our life
Thank you for such an informative post. I enjoy learning new things!
I’m familiar with this concept, as I’ve heard similar from my journalist father over the years. He is still writing.
It is a awesome to write as you think but it is hard.
I’m not afraid of being judged, I fear someone will take my words and twist them around and change the meaning. I show myself anyway…
That’s a relatable fear – I think as long as what you meant was true then you don’t have to feel guilty. But I do get it
Really helpful thank you! I have many speaking voices dependent on scenario, but I feel theres a pressure to keep it cohesive when writing. ie how I speak verbally on Wednesday is not the same as Thursday if mood, introspective levels, are all different. Each voice has something important to share.
And that’s what makes you unique! Lean into it – I can be the same way too at times
Thank you so much!
So good
👏👏well said..
I absolutely agree.
Thank you so much!!
You’re welcome.
We want to reach an audience but we’re so fearful of how we’ll be judged or how we’ll look. People (I’m including myself here) can be so crazy.
Meanwhile, it’s exactly how you described it: “And last time I checked, one of something is worth more than thousands of anything.”
It’s so wild how we all overlook that (even myself at times) thanks for reading
I’ve found it’s something that naturally develops over time. The more I write, the more I read, the more “me” my writing becomes. Really enjoyed this post
I’ve found the same thing! It always grows with time
And the thing is that we all need time to develop more on ourselves!
That is pretty accurate thing you have just side. You develop overtime but not at once
Totally agree
That was a great break down. You don’t need to FIND your voice, you just need to be yourself and thats your voice.
Exactly!
Indeed
Yesh
I’ve just started a blog and honestly, this is the 1st time I’ve come across the term ‘writing voice’. I’ve never thought of writing as having a voice, but this makes a lot of sense. The way I write at the moment, is the only way I know how. So, I guess that’s my authentic writing voice? I hope my skills will improve with time.
Yeah your writing voice will grow as you do – it’s just how you express yourself
I like that there is no one Voice and multiple voices that manifest Through time and space. That one day I like analytical writing and another day sensual. The idea of fixation I think takes away the possibilities as writer. Does what I write align with how I speak and how I perceive and who I am ? Is what I ask myself . And also that it takes a lot of practice, shame and embarrassment 😀 „finding a rhythm that may align in writing- related to your content.“
I also like what you say about individuality and fear . I also still have fear of rejection and innoavtion and fearing I am disliked . Particular since self employment – before it was not a big problem.
The voice will grow and change as you do- over time even if the medium is different people will know it’s your voice
Oh, I love this. As a new blogger I’m also trying to find my voice. I think I’m starting to get close. I’ve been experimenting and trying different ways to write, but there is a style that feels natural.
That style of writing is a way that keep people hooked and intrigued from the very first word. In the end they’ve broaden their perspective. As a blogger, it’s a great feeling to know that somebody learned something from what I wrote.
Just keep writing and whatever feels natural is what’s right
I will!
I am so glad I found your post. I have woken up recently and started trying to live life again rather than just survive it. I savored every moment of reading this post because it so deeply resonated with everything that has occurred to me lately about why I never got anywhere in life, and as you said, it was a lack of action. At least a lack of intentional directed action toward my own goals. I was constantly obsessed with how I appeared to others rather than focusing on how others appear and taking an interest in them. Of course this translated to my writing, it’s why I called myself a perfectionist. Three words helped me to make a big shift in this area, BIAS TOWARD ACTION!!! Just do stuff and see what happens.
First though I had to get out of my own way and recognize how out of touch with my emotions and my spirit I was and once I cleared some blockages out of the way the energy began to flow in me again and I came back to life after a long sleep. I look forward to reading more of your work.
I really enjoyed how, speaking of your artistic style, you spaced out the text on the page to break it up into little visual chunks. I also noticed another thing and wonder if maybe it was intentional. By spacing the text out that way, i had to keep scrolling as I voraciously read the words, and it kept me tactilely involved in the piece.
For me – I just think when text is spaced out it’s easier to read so that’s why I do it – but glad you’re in the drivers seat – I’ve had to wake up too – it’s a apart of life – we need the valleys to appreciate the hills – thanks so much for reading
Just what I needed! Never thought of it this way. Very helpful!
So happy it is!
This post comes at the perfect time for me. Thank you so much for this useful advice. 😁
Happy it did!! Thanks for reading
This is so good🥹
Great post! Love it! Encouraging! Thank you for being YOU!
Clear and insightful words 🤗👏💐
I agree, it’s more about mustering the courage to use our voice than finding it. It’s already there. We just need to let it out. Good post.
So happy you shouted!
Thank you for reading!
Spot on!
Thank you so much!
This is awesome. Love it!
I remembered my first creative writing class in college. I wrote a piece that my ex said, “we don’t write like we talk; nobody is going to read that (he just did) and you’re not going to pass that class.” Even though I told him that it was a creative writing class. Well, guess what, not only did my professor loved it (she actually commented so on my paper), but I aced the class. Well, that was my first clue into who I was dealing with – now you know the rest of the story … Thanks.
“Writing in your authentic writing voice isn’t something you find—it’s something you do.”
When I first started publishing on WordPress, I was terrified of my work being judged and criticized. I relied on Google Gemini to help me make my writing sound “better” and structured because I struggled to do this myself. After going through university and community college, being told that my work doesn’t measure up to (academic) standards, and that no one would take my work seriously if I don’t break bad habits now, I wouldn’t bother trying. I understand grammar and punctuation is important, but, as mentioned, my writing is a mirror image to how I speak in person. I still use Google Gemini to help me out, but I stopped using it to write for me, and I’m learning as I go.
People who teach writing often teach from theory and not practice- if you ask me, you’re doing everything right. Just remember to have fun and write what moves you
Thank you. It’s taken a lot of time to remember that it takes practice to make something happen. It wan’t until very recently that the things I was taught and told in school shouldn’t have stopped me from trying new things, but I wasted a lot of time getting in my own way because I believed it. I’ll keep practicing to use my own voice. Have a good day!