Hey there, guys and ladies, it’s April – your resident rabble-rouser here to stir things up again! Today, let’s chat about something that haunts many of us in the writing world – the fear of sounding too generic or, worse, like a copycat of someone else. It’s like walking a tightrope, isn’t it? We all yearn to stand out, especially in a sea that’s brimming with brilliant minds and dazzling pens. Now time for some tough love. We all know that inner critic can be a real pain, constantly chirping away with its doubts and negativity. But I’m here to put a muzzle on that beast for good! In this post, I’m sharing my strategies for banishing those negative thoughts so your confidence can soar like it was meant to.
I remember this one time, curled up with a bestseller, a thought struck me that – “Gosh, this feels eerily like my style. Like I wrote it myself.” That moment was a cocktail of flattery and fear. Flattery because -well, that’s a published writer sounding like me. but then that thought -was my writing just a shadow of someone else’s? It’s these sneaky doubts that can nibble away at our confidence.
It’s a quirky thing, how other writers’ words can seep into our own, like a tea bag infusing water. The line between inspiration and imitation is as thin as tissue paper. We’re sponges, soaking up styles and narratives, which can unintentionally color our own stories. Imitation is effective in teaching language form and encouraging creativity, especially for beginners (Gorrell, 1987). This suggests that mimicry, even if unconscious, can be a valuable tool in developing one’s writing style. A writer I know told me that she never reads the work of others when she’s writing because it tends to seep into her writings.
Banishing the Bogeyman of Banality
So, how do we shake off this fear? Here are a few nuggets from my own journey:
- Cherish your unique life experiences – it’s your secret sauce. While absorbing influences is natural, don’t forget your life experiences are what make you a special artist. Your perspectives, relationships, passions – those are the vibrant threads that weave your singular story.
- Play around with genres and styles like a kid in a sandbox. It’s liberating! Get adventurous! Stretch into new styles and genres to discover exciting edges of your range. Flexing creative muscles outside your comfort zone is how you’ll truly find your rhythm. Nothing makes you grow like playing!
- Gather feedback. Different perspectives can be eye-opening. An objective per
- Perspective from trusted readers is gold. Get feedback to spot where you’re relying on mimicry vs bringing your genuine flair. Fresh viewpoints help you course-correct toward your authentic self.
The real magic happens when you embrace your authentic voice. Every writer is a patchwork of their experiences, thoughts, and dreams. It’s this composite that adds new colors and textures to the vast canvas of literature.
Consider the time I started blogging about my cooking misadventures (at my blog relaxlangmom.com). It was uncharted territory at that time, but it was real and raw. The response was overwhelming – readers loved the honest, humorous take on my talent for cooking (or lack thereof) journey. That’s the allure of authenticity.
A Parting Pep Talk
So to all my fellow writers, let’s remember – our individual journeys and voices are treasures. It’s okay to wobble and wander; it’s part of finding your rhythm. Trust your creative spirit and let your unique light shine bright. After all, in the grand symphony of storytelling, each of us is an indispensable note.
Remember the time when you felt your story was too mundane? Or when you doubted if your travel blog would interest anyone? Shake off those doubts. Your experiences, your perspectives, and your voice have a place in the world. They add to the rich, diverse tapestry of human expression.
Pick up your pen, power up your laptop, and pour out those words. Let them be a reflection of you – imperfect, evolving, and beautifully unique. Here’s to embracing our voices and penning down stories that are unmistakably ours. Write on, warriors of words!
