4 quick tips to Developing Your Own Style

My father at his favorite clothing store: Tommy Bahamas

Similar to picking out clothes, each person has their own unique style, this is especially true when it comes to writing. A person’s style is what makes them, them! You can tell a lot about someone from the way they choose to wear/write. Some may even argue that when it comes to writing, finding your voice may be one of the most crucial elements to becoming a successful writer. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with writing, here are four powerful tips that will help you explore and navigate your way to finding your own unique voice.

1. Imitate and Adapt 

In Chapter 20 of William Zinsser’s book “On Writing Well”, the author explains that each and every notable creative artist had to start from somewhere and gain influence from something they have previously read and enjoyed. Eventually, writers find a model that they appreciate and/or like and take pieces from them to make their own unique style. Quick disclaimer, it is completely ok to attempt to imitate and adapt from someone’s else’s work, but not to full-on plagiarize or copy. When it comes to writing, the best way to imitate someone’s work is to read their work aloud. Getting a feel of their cadence and stylistic choices will help you improve your own writing and develop your own voice.

2. Write Often

Unfortunately, the best writers did not just pick up a pen one day and begin writing their best piece of work. Each writing piece was carefully crafted, reviewed and revised until the piece was marked completely red, full of suggestions and changes. Developing your own writing style takes time and practice. There are some articles from sources such as Forbes and Masterclass that highlight the positives to writing every single day. Similar to any skill you are trying to improve, the more you do it, the more you will improve. With enough practice, writing will feel smoother and easier to review and create. Consistency is key.

3. Review and Refine

As previously mentioned, reviewing and refining is an essential part of the writing process. I would argue that the Review and Refine stage is even more crucial and more challenging to go through than the initial writing phase. As you jot all of your ideas down for the first time, it’s natural to make mistakes and not sound everything out. However, once you take the time to reread and make sure that your thoughts are being coherently shared through paper, your writing piece becomes much more readable for the consumer.

4. Write from your own POV – Don’t alter your own voice

If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t say it on paper. Writing should be and feel like a genuine experience. It is ok to venture out of your comfort zone while writing, however it is not ok to completely fabricate a voice that doesn’t feel authentic to yourself. Readers are smart, and can see through B.S.