You might be wondering, "What exactly is author voice?"

Picture it as the unique flavor you sprinkle over your writing, the thing that makes your work unmistakably yours. It's how you tell a story, the rhythm of your sentences, the personality shining through your words, and that special something that makes readers go, "Ah, this has got to be [insert your name here]!"

Think of your favorite authors for a second. What makes them stand out to you? Is it the witty dialogue, the way they describe a sunset, or maybe how they can make you feel a whole storm of emotions with just a few lines? That, my friend, is their author voice. It's not just about what they say but how they say it. It's their signature style, their literary fingerprint.

Developing your author voice is a bit like finding your pitch or tone as a singer. At first, you might try on a few different styles, maybe mimic the voice of authors you admire, which is totally cool and part of the process. But over time, through lots of writing, experimenting, and self-discovery, you start to settle into a rhythm that feels right. It's authentic, comfortable, and, most importantly,

So, why does this matter? Well, your author voice is a big part of what hooks your readers. It gives your stories personality and depth, making them memorable and engaging. It's what makes your readers think, "I need to read everything this person writes."

How your values influence your voice. 

The things you hold dear, the beliefs that stir you up or calm you down, they all sneak their way into your writing, giving it that unique flavor only you can bring to the table.

Your values are like the spices in your kitchen. Just as the right combination can turn a plain dish into a culinary masterpiece, and spice up your writing, making it distinctly yours. Whether you're all about championing underdogs, exploring the complexity of human emotions, or celebrating the beauty in everyday moments, these core beliefs color your storytelling in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

For instance, if kindness is a big deal for you, it might shine through in the way your characters interact, even in the midst of chaos. Or, if you're passionate about justice, your stories might often feature themes of redemption or characters fighting against the odds. It's all about how your worldview seeps into the narrative, influencing everything from plot twists to character development.

But as you get more comfortable in your writing skin, your values and your voice start to merge in really beautiful ways. They become so intertwined that your readers can sense the authenticity behind your words. It's like, without even meeting you, they get a glimpse of what makes you tick, what you stand for. And let me tell you, there's something incredibly powerful about that connection.

So, how do you make sure your values are getting the spotlight they deserve in your writing? It starts with a bit of introspection. Take some time to really think about what matters most to you. Then, as you write, let those values guide your hand. It's not about being preachy or hitting your readers over the head with your beliefs. It's more about letting those values subtly influence the stories you tell and the way you tell them.

Remember, your voice is as unique as your fingerprint, and your values are a big part of what shapes it. So embrace them, explore them, and let them shine through your writing.

It's not just about finding your voice; it's about making your voice resonate with the truths you hold dear. And trust me, when you write from that place of authenticity, your readers will feel it.

Ways to Infuse Your Core Values into Your Writing

1. Character Development That Echoes Your Values: Start by giving your characters traits and arcs that reflect your core values. If empathy is one of your values, create characters who demonstrate understanding and compassion in challenging situations. Let your characters learn and grow by facing situations that test these values, providing a mirror to your own beliefs and allowing readers to see the world through a lens shaped by empathy and understanding.

2. Plot Twists with Purpose: Use your core values to guide the twists and turns of your plots. If you value courage, perhaps your protagonist faces a moment where they must make a brave, difficult choice. These plot decisions can highlight the importance of your values in shaping outcomes, making your stories not just entertaining but meaningful on a deeper level.

3. Setting as a Reflection of Values: Let the settings in your stories serve as more than just backdrops. If one of your core values is a connection to nature, settings can play a crucial role in your narratives, influencing characters' decisions and growth. Describing settings with care and detail can immerse readers in environments that reflect your appreciation for the natural world, subtly reinforcing the value you place on it.

4. Dialogue That Speaks Volumes: Dialogue isn't just about moving the plot forward; it's a powerful tool for revealing character and, yes, your values. If honesty is a key value, let that shine through in the conversations your characters have—perhaps in the way they confront truth or in their refusal to engage in deception. This not only makes your characters more relatable but also threads your values throughout the narrative fabric.

5. Thematic Resonance Across Your Work: Themes are where your values can really sing. Regardless of the genre you're writing in, you can explore themes that resonate with your core values. Writing about themes of redemption, resilience, or the power of community? Each story you tell can be a testament to the values you hold, offering insights and perspectives that only you can provide.

Integrating your core values into your writing isn't about being didactic; it's about enriching your narratives with depth and authenticity. These nuances will draw readers to your work again and again, not just for the stories you tell but also for the heart and values that underpin them. So go ahead, weave those values into your writing tapestry, and watch as your unique author voice shines even brighter.

Exercises for Self-Discovery and Defining Your Writing Identity:

These exercises are good for newbies and veterans alike and designed to help you navigate this exploration and carve out your unique writing identity!

Journaling for Self-Reflection: This is a favorite of mine. Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection that allows you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a private, unfiltered way. When journaling for self-discovery in writing, consider focusing on topics such as your reactions to the world around you, your deepest fears and desires, or the moments that have profoundly affected you. Reflect on what themes, genres, or characters you're drawn to and why. Journaling about the books that have impacted you and exploring the reasons behind their influence can also offer insights into your own writing preferences and inclinations.

Exploring Personal Experiences and Emotions: Your personal experiences and the emotions they evoke are fertile ground for developing your writing identity. Consider the stories that have shaped you—the triumphs, the challenges, the pivotal moments—and reflect on how these experiences color your narrative choices. Do you find certain themes recurring in your work? Are there specific character traits or story arcs that resonate with you more deeply because of your experiences? Connecting your life stories to your writing helps to infuse your work with authenticity and depth, making your voice distinct and relatable.

Experimentation with Different Writing Styles: Experimenting with different writing styles is like trying on new clothes to see what fits best. It allows you to explore various narrative techniques, voices, and genres. Write a short story in a genre outside your comfort zone, adopt a writing style opposite to your natural inclination, or experiment with different points of view. This process of experimentation can reveal unexpected facets of your writing identity, helping you discover what truly resonates with you and your audience.

Seeking Feedback from Trusted Peers: Feedback is a crucial element in defining and refining your writing identity. Share your work with trusted peers—writers and readers who understand and respect your journey. Seek out constructive criticism that not only highlights areas for improvement but also points out the strengths and unique qualities of your writing. This external perspective can help you see your work through fresh eyes, affirming aspects of your writing identity that you may have overlooked or undervalued.

Each of these exercises offers a pathway to deeper self-awareness and a clearer understanding of your unique voice as a writer. By engaging in self-reflection, exploration, experimentation, and seeking feedback, you can define a writing identity that is authentically yours, resonating with sincerity and power in the vast landscape of literature. If you want to journal, explore your personal experiences and emotions, or craft a personal mission statement, hit this link to grab some questions that will help you get started!