predator-and-prey:
Lately I've developed an obsession with my writing voice. I worry that it's not distinct enough, that it's too sparse, that it's too detailed, that it's terrible, that it sounds too much like someone else who's already been published/influences me... basically, I just worry obsessively over how I sound on the page. As you can imagine, it's blocked me pretty badly. How do I know if I have a good/decent/passable voice? And how do I get past this so I can actually work on some stories?

Deep breaths! Your worries are understandable, but like you said, you’re only going to inhibit your writing.

There’s no way to know if you have a “good” voice becasue there’s o way to judge that. It’s like judging if art is “good”. And There’s also no point in worrying you’re not original enough. We’re all going to sound like someone—too much has been written.

I find that I write the best and have the “best” voice (ie, the voice that I am most satisfied with) when I sound like myself, which usually happens when I just let the words flow out and don’t edit as I write (I go back later). Why dont oyu try some free writing or stream of consciousness and see what comes out?

But overall, I’d just advise you to stop worrying, cause it’s pointless! Your voice is your voice. 

  1. yeahwriters posted this