A writer’s voice is the unique personality of the writer that comes through on the written page, defining his work. An often-asked question is whether a writer’s style is the same thing as his voice. The answer is no.
A writer’s style is the way in which he structures sentences; the pattern in which his words are written. Components of style are the length of the sentences, diction, tone and length of paragraphs.
A somewhat surprising tool for discovering your writer’s voice and style is your juvenile diary. Below are two examples of these early writings; exaggerated here for style comparison.
Stark
Diary, yesterday I went to the mall. I bought a dress. Mary was there.
Ornate
Dearest Diary,
I ventured to the mall in the last light of the day. I purchased a dress with a gossamer over-skirt that will make Robbie compare me to a princess. I will sit his picture on my bedside table and hopefully dream of him until dawn breaks.
The writer’s style was different in each example. The stark example’s sentences are simple and sparse. The ornate example has long, flowing sentences.
Do you have your teenage diary, the one you kept under lock and key? If so, take a trip down memory lane with the distinct purpose of discovering your writer’s style. This early diary was unedited which allowed your authentic writer’s voice to shine through.
If you don’t have your treasured diary, compare a piece you wrote a year ago to a recent effort. Does a pattern emerge…do you recognize your writing style?
“The most durable thing in writing is style, and style is the most valuable investment a writer can make with his time.” Raymond Chandler
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hey Dee Dee, it’s funny that you posted this now as I recently spent weeks reading through my old journals and loved every minute of it. Wish I’d have thought to pay attention to the writing style. Maybe I’ll pull them out again! Thanks for posting this!
Definitely pull them out again, Jill, not only are they fun to read, but you might recognize your writing style among your entries. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Happy reading and happy memories!
Dee Dee, I love this! I’m going to dig up that old journal… 🙂 You’re so right–the writings of my youth will be unedited. Thanks for your insight!
Leigh Ann, I hope you will find your old journal. I was amazed at how I spotted my writer’s voice in my diaries and journals. Of course, my voice has developed over the years…a tad more refined now.
Happy reading and discovering.