Finding your voice

“To gain your own voice, you have to forget about having it heard.”

Allen Ginsberg

I read this quote online the other day, and boy did it make me think ‘that is exactly the problem with me and writing’. It is so difficult for me to write freely and not worry about people disliking it. In my notebook or on my computer, I should feel like that is my own space, for my eyes only – but I don’t. I’m always thinking about what other people will think of what I have written, even if it’s a first draft. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I really want everyone to like what I have written, because at the end of the day, it’s my story that I have created and I am protective of it. So when it comes to people reading my work, I pray that they will enjoy it. 

But the point that Ginsberg is making is that when you write, no one has to know about it, until you let them. The first words are your words – for you only – and you shouldn’t have to worry about any kind of judgement. How are you supposed to develop your own voice and style if you don’t work at it? If you keep worrying about what people think, you’ll never get any better. 

In some ways, however, I am my biggest critic. In some ways I am the person I am afraid of reading my work (if that makes sense). Sometimes I am quite pleased with what I have written, but a lot of the time, I know I can do better. I have a scene in my head which is supposed to be so beautiful, but my words just don’t do it justice. I am really trying to get over this habit of constant criticism. 

Also, comparing myself to others is a BIG problem of mine. I’ll be writing my story and think ‘that’s alright’ and then I’ll read someone else’s work and feel disheartened about my own. I know this is a bad thing. I know that published books have gone through tons of editing and that the finished copy is nothing like the first draft, but I can’t help feeling this way. Everyone does I guess.

 So my top tip for today would be to listen to Ginsberg. Write and remember that you are the only one who has to read it. To become a better writer, you must keep writing and re-writing to gain your own unique voice. And try not to compare yourself to others negatively. Use other peoples success to motivate you, not to dishearten you. I'm working on this myself.

Trust in yourself to find your voice. 

Thanks for reading. 

Lauren ♥