Let’s Get Real— three simple words that changed the way I write. It’s the name of a commentary segment; spearheaded by my former executive producer and executed by my former anchor. The first time I watched this segment, I was speechless for two reasons: 1. The idea of giving a news anchor an opportunity to use their voice in this way was a major shift from traditional journalism and 2. Her voice is what I wanted my writing to sound like. It was so honest, natural, and authentic. It felt real. I spent the next two and a half years writing for Lesli and once I left WUSA9 I carried her voice with me and continued to apply it to my own writing.
Great writing doesn’t just happen. Even the greatest writers don’t get it perfect on the first try, but one of the most important elements of great writing is having a voice. In his book, On Writing Well, William Zinsser says writing can be learned through imitation. To be clear, this does not mean plagiarizing the work you enjoy reading, but rather copying its style. This is also referred to as the Ben Franklin Method (Kroeker, 2022). Even one of the Founding Fathers of the United States observed others’ writing and utilized their styles to enhance his own work. By doing this, writers can establish the mechanics of good prose and internalize the author’s techniques. Eventually, this practice will allow them to discover their own voice.
The benefits of reading are endless; it strengthens memory, sharpens your vocabulary, reduces stress, improves focus, etc. It can also improve our writing. According to Zinsser, pulling ideas from different writers, genres, styles, and techniques expands our understanding and strengthens our writing voice. Everytime I read, I incorporate new words, phrases, tones, etc. into my arsenal of writing tools. Reading and writing are deeply linked when it comes to developing a voice. When I go through periods without reading books, online articles, etc. I feel that my writing suffers. It becomes very flat, less eloquent, and not as original.
Toni Morrison, a famous Black novelist, once said that a Black novel was not Black because she wrote it, or because there were Black people in it— it was the style of the writing that made it so. Her use of language and cultural references enhanced her writing and helped her connect with her audience— an important reminder for anyone trying to find their voice (Zinsser, 2013). Your voice is your greatest tool when it comes to writing. It is how you express yourself but also how people get to know you as a writer.
Works Cited
Kroeker, A. (2022, August 28). Ep 106: Learn from the Best – Imitate but Don’t Plagiarize. Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach. https://annkroeker.com/2017/06/20/ep-106-learn-from-the-best-imitate-but-dont-plagiarize/?cn-reloaded=1&cn-reloaded=1
Zinsser, W. (2013). On Writing Well. Harper Paperbacks.
Allison Lucas 