May I tell you?
It upsets me a little.
When people talk about creative writing, they often refer to writing fiction, poetry, or memoirs. Somehow, writing for your business isn’t seen as creative.
Why? Oh why?
Sure, some people blog as if they’re robots. They compose boring blog posts without a hint of personality.
But to truly connect with your readers, you can’t just simply share your tips. If you want to make an impact, if you want to get comments, if you want people to come back for more, then you need to make your writing human.
And that requires creativity and finding your unique voice.
But how?
A dream about fireflies
Songwriter and musician Ben Folds starts his memoir by sharing a childhood dream. In his dream he sees lightning bugs but no one else can see them. So, he picks up the bugs, puts them in jar, and shows them around so others can admire the glow, too.
As Folds writes:
(…) the dream reflects the way I see artistry and the role of an artist. At its most basic, making art is about following what’s luminous to you and putting it in a jar, to share with others.
I like this story so much because we often think of creativity as something inside us, something we need to find and allow to escape.
But soul-searching alone won’t help us be creative. As Austin Kleon has pointed out in his book All Artists Steal:
All creative work builds on what came before.
We learn by imitating our heroes. By mixing styles from different heroes and by imitating badly, we find our own unique voices.
When I started blogging, I was nervous about my lack of writing skills. So, I studied other bloggers to see what I could learn from them. How do they structure a blog post? How do they write an opening? What clincher sentences do they write? How do they weave stories into their writing?
I didn’t even worry about finding a voice. I simply wanted to write better.
To find your voice, think about this:
- Who are your heroes?
- And what can you learn from them?
How to steal, swipe and imitate to create your own blogging voice
Creative output requires creative input
A voice is about style but also about ideas. It’s about what you write and how you write it, about the recurring themes in your work.
Initially, I found my blogging input from conversations with clients, questions in your inbox, blog comments or forum discussions. But over time, I found more inspiration in non-fiction books at the edge of my topic, such as books about creativity, empathy, courage, and habits. More recently, I’m mostly inspired by fiction and memoirs.
I’m not suggesting this as a blueprint for you to follow. See it instead as an encouragement to look outside your niche and to see where your curiosity leads you to. You can find your inspiration everywhere.
And a unique mix of inspirational sources will help you develop your voice. Maybe you’re more inspired by song texts, poetry, speeches, movies, heroic sports stories, overheard conversations in the train or supermarket, or even marketing material.
To find your creative voice, think about this:
- Which ideas seem most luminous to you?
- Which questions would you love to answer?
- What does your heart tell you to write?
How asking good questions can turn you into a smooth writing machine
Use your voice
Of course, we can’t just find our voice by reading and listening.
We also have to use our voice.
When I started writing, I didn’t think I had a story to tell, and I was afraid I didn’t have enough ideas.
But writing taught me I was wrong.
By writing regularly, I learned what matters to me. I started to weave more personal stories into my writing, and I allowed myself, occasionally, to be vulnerable in my writing—to share my doubts and my mistakes.
Over time, I learned to write from the heart, and that’s when I found a more authentic voice.
You won’t find your voice by searching for it.
You’ll find your voice by using it.
So, get to work. We all have ideas, stories, and experiences to share. We just have to pick up the courage to start writing and to keep writing.
Everyone’s voice matters.
A 5-step plan to write regularly (even if you have no time)
What’s stopping you?
What’s stopping you from writing more?
What’s stopping you from writing from your heart?
Creative work can feel scary, and sharing our work can be petrifying.
Most of us have felt belittled as a child because something we had created wasn’t appreciated by our parents or teachers.
When we start to create something new, we’re reminded of that time we felt ashamed because we had created something unworthy. What if we’re just not good enough? What if we’re too ordinary? What if we’re too boring?
To create something new requires us to sit with our doubts. We have to remind ourselves our self-worth isn’t tied to how this piece of writing will turn out—whether it’s a success or a failure or something in between. Each piece of writing is part of our journey to find our voice and to write better.
We can’t find our voice by sticking to the known paths. We have to find the courage to embrace uncertainty and be vulnerable. As Brené Brown suggests in her book Daring Greatly:
Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.
The more I write, the more I realize that the doubts never disappear. The vulnerability is always there. I’ve simply learned to accept my vulnerability as part of the writing process and to keep writing.
How I made peace with my inner critic
Let your voice shine
As I was writing this blog post, I wondered why and how fireflies glow.
On the National Geographic site, I found this explanation:
Fireflies have dedicated light organs that are located under their abdomens. The insects take in oxygen and, inside special cells, combine it with a substance called luciferin to produce light with almost no heat.
Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that exactly what creativity is about? Find your input and mix it with something you know already.
And just like creativity, we don’t quite know how fireflies glow:
Firefly light is usually intermittent, and flashes in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is an optical signal that helps fireflies find potential mates. Scientists are not sure how the insects regulate this process to turn their lights on and off.
So, my friend, don’t worry if you’re not sure where you’re going with your writing.
Keep studying your heroes. Keep looking for inspiration. Keep doing the work.
And your voice will glow, glimmer, and shine.
Books mentioned in this post:
by Ben Folds
by Austin Kleon
by Brené BrownRecommended reading on finding creative your voice:
4 examples of strong voices in writing
Why you should stop searching for your authentic voice
How to steal, swipe and imitate to create your own blogging voice
Great post! I loved the blog. I appreciate your writing skills. Thanks for sharing such a helpful and informative blog.
Thank you, Nisha. Happy writing!
Hey Henneke,
Excellent resource. I wish I had this guide with me before I started my online writing journey. I was so lost with the optimization process that I completely forgot that there will be a real human who would read and interact with me.
Regards
Chayan
Hey Chayan
It happens so often that people get lost with the optimization process; it can kill our creativity.
Happy writing,
Henneke
Hi mam!
Yes in business today people treat the other like a robot so they cramming into post impulsive whatever they desired, wherein few of others like you put bug on the jar for more inspiration to adhere others on their individual paths.
Yes, it’s true that it’s easy forget that we’re writing for humans not bots because we can’t see whom we’re writing for. Thank you for stopping by, Indranil. 🙂
Great post..!! I like it, how you put the words.
Thank you!
Your articles are full of knowledgeable things and are so inspirational. I enjoyed reading your articles.
Thank you, Anisha. Happy writing!
I read a mysterious novel. Something happened to me while reading it. It was not directive, like oh forgive, all is well, which I detest, as it does not address the mystery of some things that happen in life, or include full emotions. I want to write about emotion, not like a therapist. Behavior is obvious, consciousness is not. The light of the firefly can be explained, but not how it feels to be a firefly, what meaning does a firefly give to its light? How can these giants catch fireflies and put them in bottles? We have light inside us. Are there giants waiting… like that. Mystery.
Yes, and what do fireflies think of each other’s light? And how does that light of the others make them feel? And what attracts them more to the glow of one firefly rather than another? And what’s it like to be in a crowd of fireflies each shining so brightly? Life is a big mystery.
Recent advice I came across about your voice. Stop waiting for it to feel comfortable. It never will.
Maybe it never should totally?
Maybe your true voice is being true to your message by the way you get it out there?
Your stories, analogies, adjectives, phrases you and your “tribe” use to communicate regularly?
Another bit of advice, your “Brand Voice” should reflect your polished professional self. Your best foot forward.
I say not being cocky, but brave. Using your superpower, voice, to do good for the world.
Anyways, great to have you back.
Thanks,
Phil
I think we worry far too much about voice (and authenticity). If we focus on writing well, then our voice will appear as if by magic.
And yes to picking up our courage and using our voice to do good. For me, that doesn’t always mean I have to be polished and professional. It’s often when we let that mask of professionalism slip that we connect most strongly with our audience. It’s a balance and everyone needs to find their own balance.
Good to see you again, too, Phil!
“You’ll find your voice by using it.”
So true!
Great post Henneke. I love it!
Marisa
Thank you, Marisa. I’m glad you enjoyed it.?
Henneke,
I’m glad your back. From the sound of your post the short break was a good thing for you.
Back in the dark ages when I was in graduate school a professor suggested that we keep six areas of reading going at the same time. And, being a minister with the responsibility of at least three presentations a week it seemed like more than a good idea. However, beware of that strategy. Not only will your mind/spirit/soul fill to over flowing, your home will become walled with books. But ….. the good news. Each one will become, in its own way, a good friend. Some of their voices will never be forgotten. Others will whisper a reminder now and then of the solid place they gave you, at least for awhile to stand. Then others will leave you with the gladness of their just being there. As time passes, to be alone with your books will be…….to never be alone. Grace and peace.
What a wonderful ode to books.
They are indeed good friends, and excellent teachers, too.
Glad to see you again, too, Curtis. I much appreciate you stopped by to leave a comment. Thank you.
I don’t know why, but I do not really enjoy reading most fiction. However I do study how to write fiction because the story-telling skill is imperative in writing non-fiction. We tell stories all the time, even in self-help and other instructional materials. Case studies, imaginary introductions, and even simply the manner in which we explain or instruct, all benefit from the application of good story-telling.
So, I study story-telling and use it a lot.
I’ve found though, that if I study one of the few fiction writers whom I truly enjoy, I will end up on page 86 or so, with no notes, but completely taken in again!
Not sure how to rightly study such engaging writing. Haha!
I somehow struggle with a lot of non-fiction. I find most business and marketing books too superficial and bland. I like to read more in-depth stories—what problems people encountered, how those problems made them feel, and how they changed.
I don’t often take notes when reading fiction either but find it often more engrossing than non-fiction books. The storytelling is usually better. Also, I sometimes come across a specific writing style I like and then I might highlight sentences or paragraphs (like how Tommy Orange uses long sentences or how Andrew Sean Greer uses fun metaphors or how Nora Ephron uses repetition).
I also love studying storytelling!
I struggle with being vulnerable and completely open in my writing. I now have a new outlook after reading your post and definitely more courage to share my work. Thank you, Henneke!
I don’t think we have to be completely open. There are things I don’t write about on my blog either (for instance, difficult family relationships). It’s okay to set our own boundaries, and over time, these boundaries may change. My writing is a lot more personal now than it was a few years ago.
How full of inspiration this article is. And actions to take to enhance our writing. I’m saving this to Pocket!
Thank you so much, Cassie. happy writing!
“Somehow, writing for your business isn’t seen as creative.”
Why on earth have I never realised this before? Of course I can be creative while writing for my business and not just for the stories I write only for myself.
This is a game-changer, Henneke, thank you so much! ?
Yay! Go for it, Catherine! ?
Henneke – YOU’RE my writing hero!
?♀️ I’ve learned, and continue to learn, so much from you in each and every post. Thank you!
Wow. Thank you so much, Kristen. ?
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts – in a truly authentic voice, it’s touching, inspiring and empowering! That damn stupid voice of not being good enough, the fear of not being good with words…I do believe that as long we are authentic we all have exciting unique voices. But we have to allow ourselves to be authentic – so thanks for the reminder and the beautiful pictures you were painting in your post!
That damn voice never shuts up, does it? I learned that to listen to it first, then put it aside, works best for me. When I fight or ignore it altogether, it only gets louder.
Happy writing, Frauke. And thank you for stopping by.
I usually never read any articles or blogs till the end but your article attract me to read it.
When I start to read I decided that I won’t read it till the end but each paragraph creates more curiosity to read it further.
That’s how I read whole article & I just loved it. Because usually people say that you need to focus on particular topic to get expert but as I expected you told us to continue what we love?
Thank you for precious writing I also want to be a part of your work.
Looking forward for that opportunity ?
What a lovely comment, Sarita. It’s exactly how I hope to write—so people keep reading until the last word.
Thank you so much for stopping by. ? Happy writing!
Pleasure is all mine ?
Keep writing such articles so we can some more ideas about writings ?
Thank you for making me stop on your writing ☺️
Have a wonderful Day,
Henneke?
I always love your posts. Well written, but more importantly empowering. Thank you!
Thank you, Keiko. If I can empower just a few people to find their voices, I’m happy! 🙂
Hi Henneke,
There are writers who know storytelling, and storytellers who have to learn the skill of writing. I think Debbie Macomber said that writing was the skill she had to learn before she published a novel. I am so glad you noted the misconception of creative writing. It is used in business, too. Fiction or nonfiction, it’s the skill behind great storytelling that follows the beginning, middle, and ending.
And I agree, when you find your voice, you can better tell your story. I just love the fact that every one of us has a story. -Vanessa
Yes, so true—storytelling is important for business writing, too. Thank you for adding that, Vanessa. Happy storytelling!
I love your posts. I am from Brazil and used to read your articles always I can. Congratulations
Thank you so much for stopping by, Orlando. It’s a great honor that people from across the world are reading my blog. Thank you.
What a beautiful post! Thank you for writing this 🙂
Thank you, Bharat. Happy writing! 🙂
You are so right, self-doubt is a killer if you let it. Quick success story of me overcoming mine… I recently contributed a poem to Chalkboard on Medium. I had picked my picture and saved it, but when the month came to do my prompt, I had not saved my original poem. I had to come up with something new, yet in my mind, it sounded lame. Well, that was in Oct of 2019, now the claps have reached 1 million! That’s a 1st for me! Glad I trusted my voice and published it!
Congratulastions, Kim! 1 million claps sounds amazing.
Beautiful post, Henneke!
Thank you, Iustina. Happy writing!
About vulnerability: as soon as you stop taking risks, your writing is bland. That’s my #1 truth.
Yes, that’s so true.
This is a beautiful post! You really are a great writer.
Thank you, Leah. I wanted to start the year with some inspiration (for myself, too!).
Happy writing!