Embrace Your Authentic Self: The Art of Writing Freely
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Chapter 1: The Dangers of Conforming to a "Voice"
In the realm of writing, it’s crucial to resist the urge to confine yourself to a predetermined "voice." The notion of establishing a personal brand can often detract from the true magic of writing. Why would anyone choose to limit this beautiful craft?
I understand that some writers aspire to work “professionally.” Perhaps you aim to capture a specific audience or client for a service. There's a pervasive belief that if you don't cater to your audience and communicate in their language, you'll end up isolated, a mere shadow of a writer.
However, this advice can echo the struggles of our youth, where we contorted ourselves to meet the expectations of parents, peers, and teachers in hopes of being accepted.
We all crave an audience for our writing because it helps alleviate our fear of rejection, a fear often amplified by our assumptions about how others perceive us rather than any genuine critique we might face.
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Section 1.1: The Illusion of Professionalism
The issue lies in the subconscious ways we incorporate our protective instincts into our "branding." We often believe we are being professional, but in reality, we are shielding ourselves from genuine vulnerability. This is why so many brands are unexciting.
To witness how dull professionalism can be, simply scroll through your LinkedIn feed and attempt to feel thrilled about the updates posted there. It seems members are now expected to filter every message through a personal algorithm, stripping away any emotion or individuality before sharing.
Let’s be honest: we engage on these platforms because they serve as audience generators. Regardless of how we label them, meaningful interactions stem from our desire to be seen for who we truly are. Yet, to achieve that visibility, we must relinquish the habitual strategies we use to remain safely hidden.
We often play a cat-and-mouse game, pretending we don’t need an audience while secretly yearning for recognition and acceptance.
Section 1.2: You Must Use Your Voice to Find It
Many of us have faced embarrassment or failure in our quest for genuine human connection. The feeling of being unknown or unknowable can weigh heavily on our hearts. This dynamic replays itself every time we hesitate to expose ourselves through our writing. The more genuine we strive to be, the more daunting the prospect of publishing becomes.
“Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” —Walt Whitman, Song of Myself
If a "brand" or "true voice" is to emerge, it will likely manifest after we've taken the time to explore and express our multifaceted selves, rather than by repressing those aspects in favor of a narrow identity. Writing with only one consistent voice is akin to kinking a garden hose, limiting the flow of our true nature.
Our brains are hardwired to maintain connections with our communities, making the idea of adhering to a safe identity alluring. However, if you restrict yourself to showcasing only one aspect of your character, you will eventually experience backlash from the parts of you that remain hidden. This backlash is often mislabeled as "burnout." We mistakenly attribute it to "working too hard," when in reality, it stems from "not sharing our truth enough."
Chapter 2: The Power of Your Unique Story
Ironically, embracing the parts of ourselves that we wish to conceal is what makes our writing truly engaging. When we allow ourselves to be visible, we can share our authentic narratives.
While conventional wisdom suggests that good writers should focus on their audience’s needs and fears, I contend that sharing your own story resonates with everyone. Every narrative is intricate, layered, and deeply fascinating.
All forms of writing are, at their core, storytelling. And while some stories can revitalize us, others can lull us into a stupor.
If you're using the concepts of "branding" and "voice" to shy away from the risk of experimenting with your expression, you'll likely find yourself bored and uninspired long before you tap into the transformative power of revealing the many sides of yourself.
The first video titled "How To Find Your Voice As A Writer" explores how to tap into your authentic self in writing, encouraging you to break free from conventional norms and express your true voice.
The second video, "How to Find Your Style as a Songwriter," provides insights on discovering your unique style and embracing your individuality in your songwriting journey.