Finding Your Own Voice: The Difference Between Imitation and Inspiration
Learn how to cultivate your unique writing voice without copying others – and get paid for it in the process.
There's so much we can learn from other writers, but it's crucial to understand the fine line between imitation and inspiration. I get it—when you admire someone's work, it's tempting to emulate their style.
But leaning too heavily on their influence can stifle your own unique voice. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, yet it can also hinder your growth as a writer.
So, how do you know when you're imitating instead of being inspired by what you're learning from others? In this post, we take a quick look at the difference and how to improve your writing practice through inspiration (even getting paid for it in the process).
Study Writing as a Reader
Think critically about what you enjoy and want to emulate. It’s not just the string of words your mentor or favourite authors put together, but the thought processes and stylistic elements they use. How can you develop these on your own so that you are inspired, not imitating?
Suppose you love the quirky characters and intriguing plots created by a thriller writer. You want to write a thriller of your own.
If you build out a similar set of characters with different names and similar backgrounds and place them in similar situations, that's imitation. People will likely recognize when you're imitating someone else too closely.
Instead, take the time to understand precisely what it is the writer is doing that you find so engaging. Maybe they are excellent at foreshadowing. Perhaps they give their characters one defining trait, or a richer backstory that makes them more complex and interesting. Maybe it's their exceptional use of dialogue that you appreciate.
Listen, if you want to be a writer, you absolutely must make time to study the craft. Besides, there’s nothing better than curling up for an afternoon to read a good book and being able to convincingly tell anyone who tries to interrupt, “I’m working!”
Study Their Techniques, Not Just Their Words
When you read the works of great writers, don't just focus on their storytelling or language. Look deeper into the techniques they use:
Narrative Structure: How do they structure their stories? What pacing techniques do they employ to keep readers engaged?
Character Development: How do they create memorable and multi-dimensional characters? What methods do they use to reveal character traits and motivations?
Thematic Depth: How do they weave themes into their narratives without being overly didactic? What symbols and motifs do they use to reinforce their themes?
Focusing on these elements helps you begin to develop your own voice and style. It takes time, but when you think critically about what you're reading, you'll start to recognize the tools, techniques and plot devices your favourite authors use.
Next time you find yourself in awe of a great book, take a moment to dissect it. What are the building blocks of the magic you’re experiencing? Learn from it, be inspired by it, and then make it uniquely yours.
Practice with Purpose
Once you’ve identified the techniques you admire, practice them with a specific purpose in mind. Write short stories, essays, or even experimental pieces that focus on one particular aspect of writing, such as dialogue or setting. This targeted practice helps you internalize the techniques and adapt them to your own voice.
Bonus: You’re building your portfolio in the process.
Remember, your experiences, perspectives, and insights are unique to you. While you can be inspired by the themes and styles of literary giants, it’s your personal touch that will make your work stand out. Reflect on your own life, your observations, and your thoughts. Infuse your writing with these elements to create something truly original.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between being influenced by others and maintaining originality. Draw inspiration from the literary giants, but always bring your own perspective to the table. This balance ensures that your work is not just a shadow of someone else’s brilliance but a testament to your own creativity and skill.
Level Up: Get Paid for Your Education in Developing a Voice
One of the best ways to hone the difference between imitation and inspiration—and get paid for it—is through corporate ghostwriting.
This type of work has been incredibly beneficial for me personally. Ghostwriting for businesses and thought leaders forces you to focus intently on the different elements of style and tone that make up an author’s voice. It's like a crash course in advanced writing techniques.
When you’re ghostwriting, you have to understand the client's voice so well that your writing becomes indistinguishable from their own. This means paying close attention to their sentence structure, word choice, and overall rhythm. You learn to pick up on the subtle nuances that make their writing unique, which in turn helps you recognize these elements in your own work.
Corporate ghostwriting also gives you the opportunity to write in various styles and formats, from blog posts and articles to whitepapers and books. This exposure broadens your writing skills and makes you more adaptable. Plus, it's a great way to get paid while you learn. You're not just working on your craft in isolation; you're applying it in real-world scenarios and getting valuable feedback from clients.
The demand for ghostwriters in the corporate world is high, too. Many executives and professionals want to share their insights but lack the time or writing skills to do so effectively. Offering your services here can build a steady stream of income while sharpening your ability to capture different voices and styles.
You may not know the topics, and that’s perfectly fine. Your client is already a subject matter expert. Your job as the ghostwriter is to extract that knowledge and perspective from them and craft a compelling story from it.
Meanwhile, you’re getting paid to develop writing skills that will serve your goals in any genre. It's a win-win situation that accelerates your growth as a writer.
Happy writing, and keep finding your own voice!