The Personality of the Pen
Discovering a writer’s voice is one of my favorite aspects of reading. You really can tell a lot about a writer by how comfortable they are within their sound. Their personality peels back – layer by layer– until a core identity finds its way to us. It’s like making a shiny, new friend.
When William Zinsser discusses the concept of “audience” in his book, On Writing Well, he touches upon the importance of tone:
“But on the larger issue of whether the reader likes you, or likes what you’re saying or how you are saying it, or agrees with it, or feels an affinity for your sense of humor or vision of life, don’t give him a moment’s worry,” (Zinsser, 25).
This statement is one I’ve come to appreciate throughout my years in writing. As I became more comfortable living in the little world of my voice, I grew into a more confident writer. I realized when I stopped caring so much about what my professors or editors expected of me, the act of writing shifted entirely into pure expression.
Now, as I’ve branched out into different modes of writing– whether it be in nonfiction, poetry, or social media blurbs– this principle stands firmly in my mind. Voice and style are hallmarks of the creative. But what makes sense to me may not make sense to others.
This paradox Zinsser identifies in the same chapter is one that I have struggled with for a long time and still do: the ability to maintain myself while speaking to those who are not always as like-minded or aware of my areas of expertise.
Zinsser says,
“Earlier, I warned that the reader is an impatient bird, perched on the thin edge of distraction or sleep. Now I’m saying you must write for yourself and not be gnawed by worry over whether the reader is tagging along” (Zinsser 25).
Just as it took time to discern my writing style, it takes time to understand the differences between clean, quality writing and writing that is just… well, boring.
I think that style and tone permeates all aspects of communication. One of the most apparent signs of this is a brand’s social media presence. But it’s clear when a social media editor is writing for their audience vs. writing as themselves.
My favorite example of this is InStyle Magazine. One of their social editors, Peyton Dix, is incredibly in-tune with internet language, nuance, and memes while also conveying a genuine personality. Following the brand’s Instagram account feels like following a friend.
Conveying an authentic personality is the most powerful asset in any form of writing. There is a time and place for everything, of course. For instance, an academic journal is never written the same way as a pop culture article. But even so, voice will always paint a precise portrait of a writer.