What Is a Writing Voice, and How to Find Yours? A Practical Guide for Writers

I was walking down the hall at work one day, and a colleague coming from around the corner told me she knew it was me just by the rhythm of my footsteps (the more specific version was, “You walk like you’re about to beat someone up”).

It might not be the most typical or primary thing a person could be recognized by, but it’s part of what makes us unique. Without realizing it, we project our personality through our voice, body language, looks, and manner of speech.​

But it’s not just the way we speak—it’s also the words we choose and how we express our thoughts. And writing—whether it’s an epic novel or a corporate email—can also be our unique fingerprint.

Some authors are easy to recognize—Stephen King is one such example for me, always standing out with his disturbing way of describing events and getting into his characters’ heads. But not all writers can make a reader say, “That’s George R.R. Martin!” just from reading a single paragraph.

So what gives some writers that particular je ne sais quoi? That touch that makes each story they tell—even if it’s a worn-out fairy tale—their own?

It’s in the writer’s voice.

Your voice as a writer describes your special turn of phrase, way of describing things, pace, and the mood your words convey. It’s what gives dry facts color and personality. And it’s something that takes time to recognize and develop.

So how do you find your voice as a writer?

Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

The number one piece of advice on discovering your unique voice as a writer is also the most obvious one. Yes, you guessed it—you need to read more.

But this type of reading is slightly different than that of a casual reader. When you read casually, you let the writer draw you into the story, which is great and still leaves you with an impression of their voice, but it doesn’t let you pause and analyze it.

What you want instead is to read like an editor. Note the recurring word choices, the pace, the way the writer describes people, places, and events, and take notes.

But reading isn’t enough, and you can’t identify your writing voice without doing some writing. And during those first steps as a wannabe writer, there’s nothing wrong with a little imitation—or should I say, flattery.

Attempting to be unique might be too early at this stage. Before you can create something that stands out, you might want to try getting inspired by the authors you love to read.

I started writing a Sci-Fi novel (which I never finished) about an interstellar salesman who flies from planet to planet selling liquid soap right after reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I didn’t necessarily stay in that genre or keep that writing voice, but for a short time, I was so inspired by Douglas Adams’ style  that I wanted to try it on for size.

Attempting to copy other writers doesn’t mean adopting their style permanently. But the process can help you identify what feels natural and what doesn’t; what you’re good (or bad) at, and what works. Some of the styles you try to imitate will stay with you, others won’t, and some will blend and meld into your own unique writing approach.

Find the Difference

Another way to identify what’s unique about your writing is by analyzing your own work. Part of my advice in the previous paragraph was to analyze the writings of others, but you can repeat the same process for your own novels, short stories, and even blurbs you’re not sure you’ll ever finish.

Step back from your work and try to look at it from a new perspective. And as you’re doing so, take notes. Things you want to focus on are pacing, overall atmosphere, descriptions, and how you present your characters.

Do you write in lengthy, colorful descriptions, or keep things short and succinct? Do you always describe your characters’ quirky habits? Do all your stories have an undertone suggesting that goblins are superior to elves? Your language, pacing, style, and social commentary all make up your unique voice as a writer.

The Power of the Comment Section

Being your own critic isn’t always as beneficial as getting a fresh perspective from someone who doesn’t live inside your head.

For that reason precisely, it’s a great idea to let friends, family members, or random people on the internet.

Yes, you run the risk of hearing things that might be unpleasant (like that your descriptions are too bland, or that you feel an unexplainable need to add a goblin to any story you’re writing—even if it has nothing to do with fantasy). But while some of the feedback might not be pleasant, it can help you uncover your own writing voice.

To help get the type of feedback you’re after—the beneficial, not the mean kind—you can try directing your readers with specific questions you’d like them to answer. It’s also better to focus on groups that are related to writing or where people publish their own stories.

The information you receive will help you both notice patterns you hadn’t seen before and learn what needs more work.

Conclusion

Developing your voice as a writer is a process that takes time. You might even complete (and publish) a novel or two before you’re able to answer that question.

But there are tools that can help you come closer to uncovering it.

Read more, write more, learn to read like an editor, and ask for feedback—with time, your voice will reveal itself to you.

And if you found this article helpful, consider subscribing for more writing tips, short stories, and occasional goblins (promise I won’t spam!).