Carefully Care-Free
Style of Voice
A writer must choose between writing authentically, and therefore creating their best work, or writing what they think the audience wants to hear, which may not be as effective. A successful author writes with clarity and simplicity- not clutter. Overly complex and unnecessary words continue to emerge, but it’s essential to avoid them.
Even if certain words seem more professional, used by politicians and celebrities, they are often redundant and irrelevant. Strong writing requires “stripping down” excess words, refining the message, and rebuilding it with purpose.
“Examine every word you put on paper. You’ll find a surprising number that don’t serve any purpose. (Zinsser 19)”
A unique style of writing comes from their organic voice. The best writers are relaxed and confident in their work. Many hesitate to use the pronoun “I” in their work, fearing personal exposure, but doing so adds individuality and truth to their writing and overall voice.
You Are Your Own Audience
Writers often debate how much they should cater to their audience. However, Zinsser argues that the most compelling writing comes from authors who write for themselves. Enjoying the process ensures that the final piece is entertaining and engaging for readers.
“You are writing primarily to please yourself, and if you go about it with enjoyment you will also entertain the readers who are worth writing for.” (Zinsser 28)
Writing for yourself can be difficult, especially when knowing others will read it. Personal writing, like journaling, feels intimate, but self-driven writing allows genuine thoughts to shine through. When writing about a topic one is passionate about, and expressing it in a true voice, a deeper sense of credibility and appreciation emerges.
There are some tools every good author and writer must master:
Developing a clean and uncluttered sentence structure
Organizing ideas with a logical flow
Writing with authenticity and confidence
Staying true to your voice and unique creative expression
Zinsser, William. On writing well : the classic guide to writing nonfiction. HarperCollins, 2006.
Hey, I’m Ashley!
I am a graphic & interactive designer passionate about creating purposeful, fun, and engaging design. Whether it’s a brand identity, a responsive website, or a social media campaign, I love connecting ideas with strategy to make work that’s not only beautiful, but effective.
