Find your voice as a writer

I’m going to save you a tonne of time in this post.

Why?

Because I’ll be talking about what you actually need to focus on to really stand out as a writer.

This particular thing is what needs to be your focus. It’s the catalyst. Once you figure this one out, everything else follows. It’s almost like it all falls into place.

What a concept that is, right?

Now I don’t propose that this will make all your writing struggles disappear, but it will make your writing life a whole lot easier, enjoyable and meaningful.

Instead of focusing so much on your prose or your dialogue or how to write one heck of a first sentence to hook your reader, find your voice.

What are the stories you really want to share?

What do you feel a sense of ‘duty’ to share?

Is there a particular area of life you’re most passionate about? Perhaps parts of history? Messages you want to share? Feelings you want people to feel when they engage with your work?

When you figure out what your voice is, you create clarity.

When you create clarity, you allow your mind to focus on what it really needs to be focusing on. It’s better able to discern what thoughts are ideas, and what thoughts are just thoughts that are being thought to create space for the ideas.

Finding your voice isn’t so much about the prose or the style of writing, but more so about the substance of what it is that you write. Have a think about some of your favourite writers. What themes do they often talk about in their work? Is there a pattern of messaging throughout their stories?

Many of the world’s greatest writers (not just your average writer, but the greatest writer) stand by finding your voice in this capacity. These writers find what they want to share. They figure out what stories they’re here to tell. They find their obligation- the one to themselves and the ones to others.

It’s something that many artists in any field say.

Some want to share a particular type of story from a moment in history.

Some want to be a source of joy in people’s lives. They want to help people take a break from the chaos of their own lives, even if only for a moment.

You may have noticed that I have a trend of writing about Croatian stories. If someone mentioned my name, you would probably think of Croatia right away. You might also think of happy endings, or emotional rollercoasters where you’re reminded that everything is alright in the end.

THAT is voice.

I knew fairly early on in my writing journey that I wanted to focus on Croatian stories. It was what prompted me to take my interest in writing seriously. I had stories to tell, and if I wasn't going to be the one to tell them, then who would be?

There's also enough misery in the world. Even though my stories often encompass dark parts of history, I find a way to weave hope and joy into each story. Why? Because human nature is not linear. Polarity exists in every moment, no matter where you are. Why should works of fiction be exempt from that?

Voice is your blueprint. Your DNA. Your ID.

And the great thing about it?

It’s all up to you.

It doesn’t need to feel limiting. Why? Because you can change it up as you please.

This is the beauty of being a writer.

You get to do things your way.

You get to write your own rules.

So tell me: what’s your writer’s voice?