When Shelly told me that Clean Cut Blog was hosting a group writing project about your ONE first rule of writing I was intrigued. I love riffing off a theme, and I love to hear myself talk (or should that be read myself writing?), so off I went to the wilds of my keyboard to try and come up with my own very first rule of writing.
Hmmm... What to pick... tap... tap tap... tap tap tap...
Should it be "always spellcheck", or "always start with a hook", or "picture them in their underwear"?... (Oh wait, that one is for public speaking. Nevermind.) Perhaps it is "always follow the hero cycle" - that one worked for writing 12th grade English papers...
I thought about what makes me enjoy various writers - is it the expertly crafted sentences, the fascinating subject material, the beautifully realistic dialogue?... Perhaps it's their overly zealous use of periods...
No, my first rule of writing wasn't any of those. And then it became clear.
My first rule of writing is to find your own voice.
Sure, there are a whole lot of great writers out there, crafting beautiful turns of phrase that are a pleasure to read. I love reading a great novel, or a fascinating blog, or heck, even the back of a cereal box, and can take inspiration from all of them, but my own writing, such as it is, wouldn't ring true if it weren't written with my own voice.
I believe that everyone has something to say, and that everyone CAN say it. Who better to tell a story than the person living it, either physically or within their own imagination. I'm not a professional writer (ok, I am in a way, but that's markcom, not creative writing. Ok, yes, I suppose markcom can be a form of fiction at times, but you know what I mean.) and I will never be a great writer. What I can do is be true to my inner muse, whether she wants to write long philosophical essays about nothing at all or just to document the minutiae of my children's lives.
By writing in my own voice, I give you a glimpse into my world, my head, my heart. Read it if you like.
I hope you will.
Oh, and don't forget to spellcheck.
6 comments:
Yippee! An excellent post. And so very true! It's funny that I was considering a take on the very subject as a guest post for another blogger, coming from the standpoint of the professional storyteller. I'm finding it eerie that our minds run along the same track LOL. I'll go link you up.
Your writing has always been an inspiration to me. I've always loved your "voice" and I'll always be reading what you have to say.
Hope alls well buddy....
Darcy
Thank you very much for taking part, Robin.
This a fine point to think about, too, writing in your own voice. That is surely the primary way we bring something unique to our blog.
I love the blog title, as well. Raised a smile over here to see that the "Island" referred to was the kitchen island. Ha - excellent!
Thank you all. Your kind words really mean a lot to me.
You have a great voice. I wouldn't know how to write any other way than from my view. Who says you will never be a great writer. You already are.
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you Patricia.
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