To have your own voice matters
Reflections about having your own voice as a writer and why it matters.
In a world full of writers, books, and stories, it is hard sometimes to shine. The cacophony of content makes it more challenging for a writer to produce stories that can overcome the majority.
Of course, a successful story must be of high quality and relevant, but it also needs a strong self-voice. We can compare it to the cherry on top. The spice that adds something more to your writing.
Every writer has their own style, intonation, humor, and features. The language is fluid, and the writing can take on many shapes, which makes everything so fascinating, rich, and powerful.
Iconic writers have a very particular way of telling us stories, in their own manner, with their own perspective. This is what differentiates them and makes them timeless.
The problem for many consists of finding their own voice in a crowd of content producers. For most beginner writers, finding their own voice is a struggle. It requires time, practice, a series of bad failed books, and more time. The path may seem slow, difficult, and, for some, impossible. It seems only.
But it's totally worth it; when you find your own style, it means you've found your own way of being a writer. Just like Naruto found his ninja way.
This process requires self-reflection. What are your characteristics? Your tastes? What type of personality do you have? What inspires you, or who inspires you? And are you the one who writes, or your alter ego?
These aren't easy questions, so finding your own style takes time and practice.
Many writers fail at this, mainly because they believe they have their own voice when in reality, they are just cheap copies of great writers.
I'll say this and repeat it as many times as necessary: it's perfectly fine to be inspired by other writers when we write; many do. But admiration and copying are different things. Let your favorite writer teach you lessons and inspire you, but don't turn their words into your own.
Your importance and prominence as a writer have come naturally, gradually, and authentically. Being authentic today is what sets you apart from trillions of writers worldwide.
As a writer, your voice matters. As long as it's your own.