I spent a great deal of my life trying not to be my
sister. I thought if I did everything
opposite of what she did I would be my own person. It took me a long time to
realize that doing something just because she didn’t wasn’t really an indication of who I was anymore than
if I had been trying to be just like
her. I had to learn to listen to myself,
find out who I was, and be true to that. Regardless of what other people did
and said. Once I found myself, life was
so much easier. And much more enjoyable.
In many ways finding my writing voice is very similar to
finding myself. I’ve had to listen to the stories deep inside, write what I
felt and believed, not because it was trendy and not because it was the
opposite of what was trendy. I couldn’t copy other authors style, voice, or
genre.
If I write true to
myself and the story, the story itself might ring true to readers. Even if not,
even if I never get published I know who I am, and I know what I write.
And that knowledge is a wonderful thing.
Glad you've found yourself as a person and a writer. I think we all have our own writer voice and story ideas and it's important to be true to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteWell said. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI have always felt that if you don't put yourself into whatever it is you do , then you might end up losing yourself.
This is a great point, excellently put. Although it's normal to be influenced and inspired by others, ultimately we have to follow our own hearts when writing.
ReplyDeleteBTW David Walston, I'm hypnotised by your animated Dr Who avatar. :)
Thanks, I wish I was as cool as Tom Baker!
DeleteLove this. Every word.
ReplyDeleteI've been doing so much digging lately-- all on this very topic of "know thyself". It's a journey pulling up a few discoveries I'm not quite sure yet what to do with. I feel like it's, as you said, a similar journey with our writing. I haven't quite got there yet. Still digging.
ReplyDeleteYes! That's exactly what we have to do as people and writers. Go, Sara, Go!
ReplyDeleteThat knowledge may be *the* most wonderful thing. Well done, Sara.
ReplyDeleteWonderful wisdom, Sara. The literary world is constantly reminding authors to write their own story, in their own way. You seem to have actually embraced that truth. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Its not always easy to remain true to ourselves but it is definitely vital.
ReplyDeleteThat is an important revelation! I'm constantly reinventing myself or knowing myself as time and circumstances progress.
ReplyDeleteI think this deserves a slow clap.
ReplyDeleteYes, that knowledge is wonderful. Wise observations.
ReplyDeleteGreat to discover this snippet of truth in your post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteNas
Very wise, Sara, Some people spend a lifetime trying to "find" themselves.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! If you don't believe in yourself and your writing, who will?
ReplyDeleteThroughout my acquaintance with your site, I have enjoyed your distinctive literary voice. Thank you for sharing something of how it was achieved.
ReplyDeleteKnowledge is, definitely, power....even more so, in this case. :)
ReplyDeleteWise words, Sara! To thine own self be true!
ReplyDeleteThat's an accurate description! I know when I first started writing ages ago, I used to emulate the voices of other writers. I think I even shared my Bukowski-style story from then on my blog a few months ago... :-)
ReplyDeleteFor me, I have more than one voice in my head, and the challenge is figuring the one I should let do the talking.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm curious to hear more about your sister. (You can always email me. =) )
Cynthia, I tried to email you today but can't find an address for you anywhere.
DeleteYou've found your voice. You will get published.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your comments. I'm sorry that I haven't responded individually or returned visits. My computer crashed. It's back up and working temporarily so I hope to catch up soon.
ReplyDelete