Featured Play: Finding Your Voice: How to Write Like Yourself Instead of Trying to Sound Like a Writer

Have you ever noticed how some memoirs feel like an intimate conversation with a friend, while others sound like they're trying too hard to be "literary"? The difference often comes down to voice – that unique way you tell your story that's as distinctive as your fingerprint.

Your memoir voice isn't about sounding writerly; it's about sounding authentically you. Think about how you tell stories at your kitchen table. That natural rhythm, those characteristic phrases, the way you build to important moments – that's your voice trying to emerge.

Stop Performing, Start Conversing: Many new memoir writers fall into the trap of trying to sound "like a writer." They stuff their sentences with flowery descriptions and SAT vocabulary words, forcing a voice that isn't their own. But here's the truth: The best memoir voice is often the one that sounds most like your authentic self.

Trust Your Natural Patterns: Pay attention to how you naturally tell stories. Do you use humor to handle difficult topics? Do you tend to notice small, quirky details? Are you someone who cuts straight to the heart of things, or do you circle around them thoughtfully? These aren't habits to break – they're the building blocks of your unique voice.

Let Your Culture Shine: If you grew up speaking multiple languages, or if certain phrases or sayings were common in your home, don't strip these away. Your cultural voice – including the cadences and expressions that shaped you – adds richness and authenticity to your story.

Remember: Readers aren't looking for the next Hemingway. They're looking for you – your perspective, your way of seeing the world, your authentic voice.

Quick Tip: Three Ways to Unlock Your Authentic Voice

Still searching for your true writing voice? Here are three practical exercises to help you break free from "trying to sound like a writer" and embrace your natural storytelling style:

1. The Voice Memo Method (my favorite): Record yourself telling a story from your memoir to a friend. Don't write it first – just tell it naturally. Then transcribe it word for word. Notice your natural transitions, your rhythm, your unique expressions. These are gold mines for your authentic voice. What sounds awkward in your writing but flows naturally when you speak? That's where you're probably forcing a "writer's voice" instead of using your own.
2. The Letter Writing Technique: Write a scene from your memoir as a letter to someone you trust completely. Address it to your best friend, your sibling, or anyone you feel totally comfortable with. Don't edit, don't try to impress – just write as if you're sharing this story with someone who knows and accepts you. This often helps strip away the artificial "literary" voice we think we should use.
3. The Time Machine Exercise: Write the same scene twice: first as if you're telling it to someone right after it happened, then as you'd tell it now. Compare the two versions. Often, the immediate retelling has an urgency and authenticity that gets lost when we try to make it sound "more literary." Blend the immediacy of the first with the wisdom of the second to find your sweet spot.

Tool Spotlight: Apps That Help You Capture Your Authentic Voice

This week, we're exploring tools that help you record, transcribe, and develop your natural storytelling voice. These apps are handy for memoir writers who want to maintain their authentic voice throughout their writing.

Top Recommended Tools:

• Otter.ai: Free version available. This AI-powered voice recorder and transcription app is perfect for capturing your natural storytelling. Record yourself telling your stories, and Otter converts them to text while maintaining your speech patterns and natural flow. Great for preserving those authentic expressions and rhythms.
• Rev Voice Recorder: Free recording, paid transcription. Known for exceptional audio quality, this app is ideal for recording family interviews or your own storytelling sessions. The clarity helps you catch subtle nuances in voice and expression that you might want to incorporate into your writing.
• Dragon Anywhere: Premium mobile dictation app. While pricier ($15/month), it's exceptional for writers who think better out loud. Dictate your scenes as if you're telling them to a friend, and watch your natural voice emerge in real-time text.

Pro Tip: Use these tools to create a "voice bank" - a collection of transcribed stories you've told naturally. When you find yourself slipping into overly formal "writer-speak," revisit these transcripts to reconnect with your authentic voice.

Why It Matters for Memoir: Memories require a voice that balances authenticity with craft, unlike other genres. These tools help you maintain your unique way of telling stories while developing your written voice.

Ready to Find Your Authentic Writing Voice?

We've explored how to discover your natural storytelling style, capture your unique voice, and use tools to preserve your authentic expression. But finding and maintaining your true voice can be challenging – sometimes you need someone who can help you recognize when you're writing authentically and when you're slipping into "writer speak."

Struggling to find your voice? Not sure if your writing sounds like the real you?

Let's discover your authentic voice together. Book your free 45-minute strategy session, and we'll:

• Identify your natural storytelling strengths
• Create a plan to let your true voice shine throughout your memoir

Click here 👇🏽 to schedule your complimentary strategy session

Share this newsletter with another writer who's ready to embrace their authentic voice!

Next week: "Structuring Your Memoir: How to Choose the Right Timeline for Your Story"

Until then, keep writing!

Peace & Love,