How To Find Your Own Writer's Voice

Today, I was asked about writer's voices and what to do if you don't necessarily like the one you have. Is there any way to change a certain voice you may have in your writing if you don't like it? Some say yes, some say no. A person's writer's voice is something that makes each author unique. Without them, each book would sound the same even if you may not realize it at first.
Here are some ways you can tweak your writer's voice or discover one if you aren't sure what yours is (and it's okay if you don't know now.):

• Become familiar with famous author's "voices" and how they manage to make it come across on the pages of their novels. 
• Just don't compare your voice to others. Your voice should be different and is what makes you stand out amongst all the other writers out there. 
• Make it simple. Sometimes simplifying what you're trying to express will make it easier for your voice to become stronger. 
• Be comfortable with your writing and have confidence in your own talent. You have to let your own voice shine on the page. 
• A few simple writing exercises can help either change up your voice if you aren't happy with it or find how yours sounds like. I suggest a quick free-writing exercise: Using a pen (or pencil) and a sheet of paper, close your eyes and write down anything that comes to mind. It doesn't matter how silly or random it may seem. Just write. Sometimes that's the best way to discover your voice.
• Write your novel with only one type of audience in mind. Trying to please every single person will only lead to more frustration and a major case of writer's block.

Just keep in mind that we're all different. We shouldn't sound the same in our writing anyways. Be who you are and be proud of what you write. For the first draft, write for yourself only. During the editing process,  then you can think of others. It's okay to feel some frustration if you can't get your voice to where you think it should be. It takes work and patience, but you can get there. 

If you're still in  need of help or advice, feel free to contact me! I'm here to help. Also, if anyone reading my blog wants some advice on any other writing topic or has a blog post suggestion, contact me with that as well.