Rubber Ducky Copywriter

Spoiler: You write. A lot. For as long as it takes. And then you keep writing because as you continue life’s journey, your voice changes. Kinda like puberty only you don’t grow taller, you just keep getting better at writing, which would be awesome except that other voice (the one in your head, not your writing) will forever keep telling you that you’re still a kid at the grown-ups table.

Welcome to being a writer. That shit never stops.

Finding mine took years. Like many copywriters, I started my copywriting blog by doing what I thought I should. Look at what other writers are doing, see what they write about, get in the conversation, and do my best to look like an actual professional.

My first blog sucked. Boring. Clearly didn’t know what I was talking about because I didn’t, not really. My first blog read like an AI writer took AI slop, blended it with a dozen other AI slop blogs, and then said, “Let’s make this an example of how bad AI slop can be.” And AI writing wasn’t even a thing yet.

My first blog was that bad.

Then one day I got tired of trying. So I figured that since I didn’t have any followers, I’ll do what I want and let my quirk show. That’s when I fell in love with my blog and I’ve never looked back.

So if any of this helps you avoid the same sad growing pains, this post is a win. Now, let’s get back to it.

How to find your own writing voice.

Step 1: Pick writing tools that feel like an extension of your brain, but not in the gross way.

At least choose writing tools that you can use for long stretches of time and that let you focus without getting frustrated at physical annoyance.

What feels comfortable?
Pen, pencil, crayon, any one of five gazillion ergonomic keyboards, etc.

Some brands of pencil have a too-slick finish that feels strange to me. Can’t use them.

Step 2: Choose a place to write that makes you feel safe to make mistakes and try new things.

Like needing the right writing tools to make the words, you need a place to actually put your words.

What feels safe?
Fancy journal, spiral notebook, private blog to which only you have the password.

As much as I love the idea of writing inspired prose and deep thoughts in a fancy, leather-bound journal that unleashes mystical chanting when I open it, I find them intimidating. What if my fancy journal doesn’t like my handwriting?

Random new stupid thought…what if I buy a fancy pen that doesn’t like my handwriting? Yikes.

Step 3: Stop trying to sound perfect or professional.

I’ve been a professional copywriter long enough to know that true professionals will sound professional without trying. We have ingrained standards, knowledge and mechanics that automatically go to work when we step to the page.

Like mentally correcting people’s grammar, we can’t help it.

Keep writing in your own way to find your own special voice. Let the commas fall where they may. ,,,,,,,,, just keep writing.

As for perfection: Give it up. Let go of the notion that anyone is capable, truly capable, of perfect writing. No matter what, there’s always a legion of people who’ll pick out perceived flaws even when no, that’s not a typo, it’s just a difference of opinion so stop picking on my semicolon use, you buttface.

Ahem. But I digress. Point is, everyone will have their own opinion. Let that shit go.

Step 4: Know your purpose.

If you’re reading about how to find your voice, you want to write. Which means you have a purpose that’s driving you to write. What are you trying to say? Why do you want to write?

One reason I’m on this earth is to help others find their voice.

Your voice will reflect your purpose for writing. Understanding that reason takes you closer to finding your voice. Want to help others? Showcase your professional talents? Build your brand? Figure it out, and find the voice that fits.

Step 5: Be a human, not a performer.

This is part of that whole feeling like a kid at the grown-ups table. A lot of people try writing what they’re supposed to instead of what they’re meant to.

That means stiff sentences, fifty-dollar words and the personality of oatmeal sweat. Vulnerability, well-placed em dashes, capitalizing whatever the hell I want…all of those are part of my own voice. At its core, my writing is human to human. From the heart. I write like I’m speaking to you over a big cup of coffee and hanging out in our slippers.

All of those make my writing different. You know it’s me. I see you (not in a creepy way, embrace the metaphor please).

Those things you’re afraid to show the world? Let them shine. Have opinions. Make declarations. Splice those commas! Mix those metaphors and add emojis if you want.

Your writer’s voice will change over time (remember, this is like puberty). Mistakes will happen. Sentences will get messy. And your drafts are going to look like absolute shit. Welcome to the process…enjoy!

Welcome to the end of this post. Time to wrap it up.

Be you. Write a lot. Write some more. Have fun with it. Find your favorite writing tools, pick a place to put your words, and just write like no one is watching. I promise to be there in spirit, cheering you on but not spying because really, no one should be watching.

Enjoy,
Your socially acceptable and supportive Rubber Ducky