Nurturing a Unique and Successful Writing Style

Developing a writing style is akin to crafting a unique personality or character. It requires intentional effort and the making of decisions that guide you towards your desired path. Just as a 16-year-old boy might develop a tough-guy persona from acquiring a black leather jacket and motorcycle, your writing style will emerge from within you as you choose your genre and the voice of your characters. Initially, you may be uncertain about how to bring your characters to life, but as you continue writing, your style will organically develop, reflecting your heart and journey until you decide to shift genres or characters.

Understanding Your Voice

The journey to finding your voice as a writer involves self-discovery and sometimes, dissecting the layers of societal conditioning that might be influencing your writing. Most of us walk around in someone else’s skin, believing it’s our own, due to the words and styles we've been surrounded by since birth. The task at hand is to peel away those layers and uncover your unique voice.

The First Step: Losing Your Mouth

Forget about the voices of others. Don't aim to be understood; instead, focus on understanding yourself as a writer. Trust that there is a strength and authenticity that comes from writing honestly and from the heart. Initially, your writing might feel like a mishmash of different influences, safe, familiar, and digestible, but these are not your true voice. They are just imitations.

The NaNoWriMo Experience

When I first participated in NaNoWriMo at the age of 21, I produced a novel that felt like a hack job, a fusion of Raymond Carver and a Hallmark card. Why? Because I was striving to cater to what I thought readers wanted—that is, safe, familiar, and palatable content. But it was garbage.

After discarding that inauthentic work, I decided to write the truth, the raw, uncomfortable, and sometimes squirm-inducing truths that people shy away from. The result was groundbreaking and resonated with many readers. Truth, it turned out, is a powerful elixir for writers and readers alike.

Write not to be understood, but to understand yourself. The writing that truly matters is the kind that bleeds out of you like an unhealed wound. Write daily, pouring your soul onto the page. Eventually, you will find a voice that is uniquely yours—not a copycat or an imitation, but a genuine reflection of who you are.

Conclusion

Your writing style is a journey of self-discovery that demands persistence and authenticity. It's a blend of personal decision, creativity, and hard work. The strength and quality of your style will be determined by your choices, your talent, and your determination to write authentically and from the heart. Embrace the process of uncovering your unique voice and let it guide your writing journey.