The secret life of the writer’s voice is one of the strongest influences in an author’s work.
What is the secret life of the writer’s voice?
Most, if not all, writers have it. Or at least have experienced it. Not everyone talks openly about the voice that controls their level of confidence as a writer. They don’t discuss what it says about their chances of success. Nonetheless, silent arguments abound over why they should or shouldn’t share their story, and often affect what appears on the written page. The struggle is real. Writers often keep that internal voice a secret or private from others. They are afraid of how much power it holds over their work.
One messenger, many messages
That writer’s voice is but one messenger with many messages. “Your writing isn’t good enough. No one will want to read your book. What makes you think you can write? Your writing isn’t especially important, so why bother? Who do you think you are? The messages just keep coming until the writer sits down at the keyboard, and nothing. Fear that these messages are true has trapped the story inside and it’s not breaking free any time soon.
Fear doesn’t have to control you
Joyce Meyer explains that “fear is everywhere and affects everyone. It rules many people, but it doesn’t have to rule you any longer.” 
The topic and title of her book, “Do it Afraid,” is excellent advice for writers who struggle with fear. “Courageous people do what they believe in their hearts they should do, no matter how they feel or what doubts fill their minds.”
Nelson Mandela encouraged others to make choices contrary to their fears. If you hope to have your book published, then your decision to write every day reflects that hope. Do it afraid if you must.
The root of procrastination
Fear can lead to procrastination and the belief that you just can’t write. It takes courage to work through the emotions that keep you from writing. Tosca Lee said in a recent interview, “when you procrastinate, you rob yourself of something wonderful that only happens when you’re writing.” There is something magical when you put your words on the page and a story develops. Characters come alive, places become so tangible you can see, hear, taste, smell, and experience the movement of life. Be brave when you write. And keep writing until you reach “The End.”
What you believe matters
When it comes to the secret life of a writer’s voice, what you believe matters. It takes a conscious effort to combat the negative messages, to acknowledge they aren’t true. Writing is hard work in the best of times, and even harder when you are the only one cheering you on. But overcome the negative, you must. That inner voice belongs to you. You are a writer… it’s time to give it a better script.
- Your writing isn’t good enough becomes–it’s only the first draft, so keep going.
- No one will want to read your book turns into not everyone will read your book, but many will.
- The line, what makes you think you can write; you simply edit that one out of the script.
- Your writing isn’t especially important, so why bother? It’s important to your readers; it’s important to you. So, write.
- Who do you think you are? You don’t think… you know you are a writer and writers write. Simple as that.
Yes, your writer’s voice might have a secret life, one you conceal from everyone around you. But it doesn’t have to control you or be a negative influence over your story. Make a list of those messages. Then, rewrite the script!
Here’s to your success and wishing you all the best,
MJP Editor
Makjay Publishing
Keep writing to “THE END”
