10 Ways to Let your Voice Shine in your Writing

What is the writer's voice?

How are we launching ourselves with a unique voice that sets us apart from other writers? The setting apart sounds prideful and hints at isolation - is the idea of the voice distinct from a 'writing-from-a-tower' perspective? Or is voice that manner of writing that calls attention to itself through experimentation? Maybe a voice is my way of talking and conversing in real time, transferred literally to the page using syntax and diction only I am using daily?

According to every book on writing I have read, a writer's voice authenticates our writing and makes it memorable. At least 10 ways to make this unique voice shine in our writing are given as suggestions in those writers' feeds:

1. Write what We Believe

To truly let our voices resonate, we must write what we believe. Authenticity is the cornerstone of compelling writing; it's the raw honesty that connects us to our readers. When we infuse our work with genuine convictions, it becomes more than just words on a page—it becomes a reflection of our soul. This doesn't mean we must preach or persuade, but rather that we should allow our core beliefs to inform our perspectives, shape our characters, and guide our narratives. It's in this honest expression that our unique voice emerges, cutting through the noise and leaving a lasting impact.

2. Write from the Heart

Writing with passion and emotion is a powerful way to make our voice stand out. Whether we are sharing our personal story or merely expressing an opinion, our writing must be infused with genuine emotion. Our aim is a rhythmic flow or words with sentence structure and language mirroring the emotional landscape of our narrative. We punctuate our more fervent passages with silence and reflection, with an interplay of intensity and subtlety. We explore sensory details that evoke the mood and atmosphere of our experiences. We want to engage our reader's senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, taste—to create a visceral connection that transcends mere description. In weaving these elements together, we craft a narrative that resonates more deeply, leaving a lasting imprint.

3. Write in your Heart language

Our heart language, the first language we absorb, permeates our earliest memories. It's the vocabulary in which we naturally express ourselves, encompassing all registers and utterances. When we write, harnessing this heart language allows us to achieve a conversational tone. Envisioning a friend before us, we write as if engaging in a natural dialogue.

This everyday language is the most effective medium for connection. In contemporary Philippine publications, there's a growing trend to embrace this voice, exemplified by the Taglish New Testament. However, writing isn't simply mimicking spoken words. It requires fluency in our heart language, understanding its nuances and employing them effectively. For instance, using vernacular isn't just transcribing dialogue by ear; it's weaving it into the narrative context with intention and skill.

4. Write using Stories

Our stories captivate only when they resonate with the reader. Effective storytelling requires more than just recounting events; it demands artfulness. Even personal anecdotes, when consciously crafted with a beginning, middle, and end, can fall flat if they lack artistry. While we instinctively recognize a plot or conflict when choosing a story, the telling itself cannot be a mere retelling. Writing, as an art form, necessitates packaging our experiences into insightful moments. This is achieved by actively creating the story, mastering the devices that evoke the desired effect.

And here, the voice in the storytelling lets itself be known through sheer creativity that is distinct to that voice. It's not just about what we're telling, but how we're telling it. The unique rhythm, the unexpected metaphor, the surprising turn of phrase—these are the hallmarks of a voice. What about that subtle shift in perspective, an unconventional observation, unexpected emotional depth? Our unique individual experience and perspective can breathe life into the narrative, transforming a mere sequence of events into an unforgettable reading experience.

5. Write with a Humor

Humor, a natural extension of personality, shines through in writing. For those naturally inclined, it lends a distinct lightness to their work. Whether through wit, sarcasm, clever wordplay, or even invented language, humor engages readers, bringing smiles and a sense of connection. When language is seen as a playful art, mastering its rules allows us to infuse our writing with a unique comedic voice. This deliberate use of humor becomes a powerful identifier, asserting a specific and memorable authorial presence.

6. Write with Keen Senses

What do we see, smell, hear, and feel from the world around us? By meticulously observing and recording these sensory details, we anchor our narratives in space and time. Concrete details create vivid images, forging an intimate connection with the reader. While "show, don't tell" might sound like a cliché, it's a fundamental principle of effective writing. When our senses are fully engaged, our struggle for words stems from the richness of the experience, not a lack of it. True sensory details emerge when we embrace the challenge of naming—moving beyond mere description to use these details as metaphorical pointers, making moments concrete and palpable.

7. Write in Your Characteristic Quirks

Our individual quirks and characteristic idiosyncrasies become potent voice markers. What sets us apart as writers manifests in our stylistic choices, the mannerisms of our diction, and the irony of our structures. When we write, our insistence on a particular approach—this way and not that way—reveals our unique perspective. Our syntax mirrors our temperament, whether it's impatience or a relaxed attitude. We employ stylistic devices that reflect our persistence or exasperation. Even pauses, punctuation, and blank spaces become tools in our expressive arsenal. We are, essentially, performing our humanity on the page, allowing our voice to shine and make a distinctive statement about our points and ideas.

8. Write in Your Authentic Voice

Authentic—real, true, pure, basic—that's the challenge. How do we achieve it in our writing, avoiding the pitfalls of artifice? I believe all writers are inherently autobiographical. We leave traces of ourselves on every page, regardless of genre. Our passions, hobbies, and even entertainment preferences inevitably seep into our work. We hold strong opinions, preferences so deeply ingrained that they resonate loudly in our writing. We betray authenticity when we dilute these elements to project a contrived image. Our experiences, insights, and perspectives are precious. Our voice shines brightest when we embrace honesty and transparency.

9. Write Now and Edit Later

Writing is rewriting, but we must resist the urge to edit while drafting. While editing is a crucial part of the process, we must be gentle with our initial work and postpone editing until the entire piece is complete. Without editing, our draft is a rough sketch of our voice. The essential elements will emerge during the careful pruning of language. We double-check every meaning, association, nuance, cultural register, and life application, as our initial voice may be unclear. Beyond grammar and usage, rigorous cross-checking for representation and diversity ensures that our voice is heard clearly and precisely. During the rigorous edit, we eliminate generic phrases, extraneous details, and overly elaborate sentences.

10. Write Regularly

Consistent writing fuels experimentation with diverse approaches. Through regular practice, we discover what resonates with us, uncovering the elements that allow our unique voice to emerge. Prioritizing writing above all else allows us to hone our craft. This dedication cultivates a consistent voice, empowering us to create work that transcends our own time.