Finding Your Writer’s Voice

June 5, 2013

Some years ago, a friend read a short devotional in a magazine, and thought to herself, “That sounds just like my friend, April.” So she turned to the page that listed all of the authors, and sure enough, I had written that devotional.

A couple of weeks ago, at the first meeting of my Sacred Pauses group, one reader said, “I kept reading this book and hearing your voice —you were there in my head.” Others around the group nodded their agreement. My voice had been in their heads too.

I’m not quite sure what to make of all this. Mainly it makes me wonder: if what I write sounds so natural, so just like me, then why does it take so much time and effort, so much writing and re-writing to get there?

Writing/Reflection Prompt: What about you? Does your writing voice come naturally? How much do you have to work at it?

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3 responses

Ryan

Jun 5, 2013

“Mainly it makes me wonder: if what I write sounds so natural, so just like me, then why does it take so much time and effort, so much writing and re-writing to get there?”

Oh my, does this resonate!

I just read your words on the sidebar about always wanting to be a writer and becoming an “accidental” pastor along the way. This, too, resonates on a number of levels and to differing degrees, of course (I’m still pretty new at the pastor thing and I’ve not published very much in the writing world).

It’s nice to be reminded that some of the roads we find ourselves on are well-traveled.

Reply
1. April Yamasaki
  
  Jun 6, 2013
  
  Thanks, Ryan – it’s great to connect in a number of different ways. I started blogging only last year, so am learning a lot from you and others who have been travelling that road for a while. I’ve just become a CC blogger and am starting to look into The HIgh Calling which I’ve been seeing a lot including on your site.
  
  Reply
Sing, baby, sing! | Writing = Passion

Jul 13, 2013

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Faith and Hope with April Yamasaki

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I write, edit, teach, preach, and mentor in a variety of venues, platforms, and publications. The common thread? To encourage and inspire people of all ages to live with faith and hope. I’d love for you to join me!

In all the challenges, joys, and ordinary moments of daily life, God’s mercies never fail. They are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).