September 12, 2024

How to Embrace Your Writing Voice Authentically

by Mary Lou Kayser in Creativity, Strategy, Writing0 Comments

In a world full of noise and opinions, finding and owning your unique voice as a writer can feel like a challenge.

People ask me all the time:

How can I differentiate myself from everyone else who is writing today?

My answer:

Get clear about your point of view and don’t apologize for having it.

One of the most empowering steps any writer can take is to discover their point of view and be unapologetic about it. This involves more than just finding a unique perspective — it’s about embracing that perspective with confidence and clarity.

It’s about knowing what you have to offer and realizing that what makes your work different is often what makes it stand out.

Know Your Point of View, and Own It

Before any writer can expect to be heard, they must first understand their own point of view. Your voice is more than the words you choose; it’s the culmination of your experiences, values, insights, and how you see the world.

It's why we like to read the writers we read.

Something about their point of view resonates. We like how they think or describe people or challenge conventions or carry us away from daily monotony.

Throughout the years I've worked with hundreds of writers, I see them fall into the trap of second-guessing their perspectives, worrying that their ideas might not resonate with others. I was more prone to doing this when I was younger, but second-guessing doesn’t magically disappear with experience.

To this day I sometimes find myself facing what Steven Pressfield calls the Dragon of Resistance, a term he presents in his exceptional book, The War of Art  [get your copy here]

That fear or Resistance can often lead to diluting your true voice in an effort to fit in with the mainstream.

Instead, embracing your point of view without apology is a strength.

The reality is that what makes your writing different is exactly what makes it interesting. Whether you’re crafting songs, poems, books, social or blog posts, your unique lens is your most valuable asset.

I have long taught that writing is not about following trends or fitting into a mold; it's about expressing the truth of what you see, feel, and believe. Often, the things we fear are too unconventional or different are the very things that resonate deeply with others because of their authenticity.

Be willing to do more of that -- take a stand -- and you will notice a difference in impact and influence, two goals many writers have for writing in the first place.

I see this dynamic play out every day on social media. People who are willing to express their point of view often get the most engagement with others.

More engagement can lead to more opportunities. 

More opportunities can lead to more financial success.

People who shy away from sharing their perspectives often hear crickets.

Action Over Discussion: Write More, Talk Less

Writers often get caught up in the idea of writing rather than the act itself. It’s easy to spend time talking about the creative process, discussing ideas, and planning to write instead of simply sitting down and putting words to paper.

However, what truly separates writers who improve their craft from those who stagnate is the willingness to write — consistently and abundantly.

The simple truth is this: to be a better writer, you have to write.

A lot.

Writing more than you talk about writing is not just good advice; it’s the foundation of any creative endeavor. Each time you write, you learn something new about your voice, your style, and your perspective.

Writing is a practice that refines itself through repetition. [Bonus points if you are willing to write publicly where feedback can be immediate.]

Instead of waiting for the perfect idea, just write.

Instead of agonizing over the right way to phrase something, write.

The more you write, the more comfortable you become with your voice and the more naturally your ideas will flow.

Create Abundantly to Show Your Commitment

If you’re serious about writing, then you must show the world — and yourself — that you’re committed.

Whether it’s writing 100 songs, 100 poems, 100 pages, or 100 social or blog posts, prolific output is the proof of your dedication. Just like the number of fans or followers you have isn’t the point, neither is assigning a specific number to how many pieces of writing you do.

I can't emphasize this point enough.

It’s not about the number itself, but about setting a goal that pushes you beyond your comfort zone and forces you to stretch creatively.

When you write with such frequency, something remarkable happens: you not only build a body of work, but you also develop a relationship with writing that becomes part of who you are.

The act of creating consistently proves to yourself and to others that you care about writing and are willing to put in the time and effort to improve.

At the End of the Day, Writing is an Act of Courage

Ultimately, writing is not about fitting in, but about standing out.

It’s about knowing your point of view and being unafraid to share it.

Had I chosen to talk about all the books I wanted to write over the last 15 years instead of actually writing and publishing them, I'd still be talking today.

But because I took action, pushed past my fears and faced the Dragon of Resistance (who sometimes beat me on the playing field, BTW -- I have the scars to prove it), I can proudly show my body of work to the world today with more to come.

By writing more than you talk about writing and by committing yourself to the process of creating consistently, you will not only become a better writer, but you will show the world that your voice matters.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your writing journey, consider setting a tangible goal. Challenge yourself to write regularly, embrace the unique voice you have, and watch as your confidence and skill grow with each piece you create.

You might also consider getting some guidance on developing your point of view for your writing journey. You can reach out to me here! 

In the meantime, keep writing. It's really the only true way to embrace your writing voice.

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About

Mary Lou Kayser

Mary Lou Kayser is a bestselling author, poet, and host of the Play Your Position podcast. Over the course of her unique career, she has influenced thousands of people to become more powerful as leaders, writers, and thinkers in their respective professional practices. She writes, teaches, and speaks about universal insights, ideas, and observations that empower audiences worldwide how to bet on themselves.

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