Honing Your Authorial Voice

One of the most valuable assets a writer can cultivate is a unique and recognizable voice. But what exactly is “voice,” and how do you go about discovering yours?

Defining Your Authorial Voice

Your authorial or writing voice is the distinctive way you tell a story. It encompasses your tone, rhythm, word choice, and perspective. It’s what makes your work unmistakably yours. If you’ve ever read a book and recognized the author’s hand before seeing their name on the cover, that’s a strong voice in action.

It’s important to note that cultivating an authorial voice is not something that needs to be forced or achieved right away. Many writers develop their signature voice over time through practice and experience. Others experiment with different authorial voicing depending on the genre they are writing in. The more you write, the more naturally your unique perspective and style will emerge. Rather than fixating on finding your authorial voice from the outset, focus on telling compelling stories and writing authentically. Your voice will develop organically as you refine your craft and grow as a writer.

How to Identify Your Unique Voice

1. Examine Your Influences – The books, movies, and music you love all shape your instincts as a storyteller. Take note of what resonates with you and why.
2. Look at Your Themes – Do certain ideas, emotions, or motifs continually surface in your work? The themes that call to you often reflect your natural voice.
3. Pay Attention to Your Natural Rhythm – Do you write in short, punchy sentences or long, lyrical ones? Your sentence structure and pacing contribute to your voice.
4. Consider Your Word Choices – Are you drawn to poetic language, cheeky puns, or stark minimalism? Your preferred diction is another marker of voice.
5. Listen to Feedback – Trusted readers may notice patterns in your writing that you don’t. Ask your critique partners how they’d describe your voice.

Strengthening and Owning Your Voice

Finding your voice isn’t about forcing a style—it’s about embracing what feels natural while refining it. Write consistently, experiment with different tones, and, most importantly, stay true to yourself. The more you write, the clearer your voice will become.

Want to Learn More?

My Picture Book Summit Co-Founders and I are hosting a 4-part workshop in April on mastering voice in picture books. “Raise Your Voice” starts April 3, 2025 and continues every Thursday evening through the end of April. But don’t worry if you can’t join live – attendees get lifetime access to the recordings. Find out more here.