The world of words is expressed in as many ways as there are writers.
For example, I fingered the pages of Sally Clarkson’s book, Teatime Discipleship, and was drawn in by the pictures. But I stayed because of the words. Her tone of encouragement and exhortation reenergized my spirit and gave me the push I needed.
On the other hand, I’ve read books that left me bored and depleted. Their words fell flat on my ears and heart. What makes a difference between the two styles of books is commonly called the writer’s voice, or tone.
“It’s the personal expression of that writer and no one else.”
How do you find your writer’s voice? Many have tried to teach a secret code, but it all comes back to practice. It is only through the exercise of your craft that writing will produce what uniquely sounds like you.
Exercise:
Look up the following and describe the author’s tone.
Psalm 59
Hosea 9
Isaiah 40
Now imagine if you read a passage from each book in the Bible. Forty authors would proclaim a message from their own style. Did they say, “I’m not good enough?” No. They wrote because they had something to say. And you have something to say as well, friend. Take confidence in knowing your words matter and are important in the sea of ideas we encounter throughout our lives. Persevere to cast your words out and make a difference in someone’s day. If, like me, you feel inadequate, maybe these thoughts from Sally Clarkson will help. “While we are not adequate to do God’s work by ourselves, God’s Spirit is working behind the scenes in our midst. He will take all we have to give Him within our own limitations, and our offering of ourselves becomes enough.”
Continue to pump out words to a world that is hungry to know truth and the God who fills the void within. He helps us communicate to those around us and uses our uniqueness to draw others to Him. That’s the beauty of each of us using our own writing voice. Book Coach, Lisa Tener says, “Keep writing. Keep reading. Your voice will find you.”
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 CEB
Have you found your voice?
You have something to say, friend.
Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum,Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.
Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon. Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net
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