PHOTO BY Simon Follin

How to Channel Yourself Through Your Writing

Student Life

August 19, 2020

Writing is about expressing yourself through each and every word that you write. It is about being able to put a little part of yourself in each sentence that you write. It is about knowing how to put your thoughts, feelings, and opinions on paper.

Writing is not only a form of expression but also a form of art. With your words you are able to paint an image; you are able to persuade and transform others. You are also able to channel yourself through each and every word that you write- which is what I want to help you do. Through this article, I want to show you how to channel a piece of yourself through each and every piece you write, so that you are able to really elevate your writing.

First and Foremost...

Who am I? Do I believe what I'm writing? How do I connect to this?

What do I want to convey to my audience? These are the questions you must first ask yourself when writing anything - whether it is a poem, a research paper, or even something fictional. Being able to connect with your writing on a personal level allows you to connect with it, and write about it in a whole new way that you wouldn't have been able to before. It is important that you first understand who you are and what you want your audience to feel and believe -- especially when writing a persuasive essay or narrative.

Translating From Thoughts to Paper

It is imperative that you not only understand who you are but you also learn how to translate your thoughts onto paper. Start by brainstorming ideas and concepts on a sheet of paper and then play around with them until they sound right and translate the way you need and want them to.

First you have to make sure you know what you're writing about and then you can really get to the brainstorming process. And the best part? It doesn't have to be organized!

Brainstorm the way that you understand and can work with it! Whether it's doodling as you write little notes or creating an organizer. Do what's best for you and what will work for you.

I know that when I first started college, the biggest lesson I learned was that my brainstorming process is just that- MY brainstorming process. There is no specific way it should be done, just as long as you understand it and it does it job by making your paper flow much easier, then nothing else matters.

Putting It All Together in Your Own Unique Language

We all have our own, unique way of speaking that works for us. And no, I am not talking about texting in Ebonics or speaking a different language. Let me elaborate a bit more please. Each and every one of us have our own, unique way in which we communicate through our writing.

Writing in itself is its own, unique language that allow us to communicate nonverbally, but the best part about it all is that each and every one of us have our own form of writing. Whether it's personal or strictly professional, we all have a way that we write that is unique to us. When you write make sure that it is how you write and no one else. Through this are you able to put a piece of yourself into your writing that no one else can.

And Finally...

I hope that every little piece of advice that I gave you is able to help you better put a piece of yourself in your writing. Each little step matters, no matter how small or minut it may seem. Whether it's only the brainstorming process or merely the writing itself- you learn that in each of these steps it involves a personal part of yourself.

So with that being said... Go out and write and have fun doing so!

Naia Freeman
20k+ pageviews

Writer since Aug, 2020 · 10 published articles

Naia Freeman lives in Albany, NY where she goes to school and is an interviewer for The Teen Magazine. She has always been very creative and imaginative with a passion for literature, art, and fashion. Naia likes to spend her free time drawing, sewing, writing, reading, working out, cooking/baking, and coming up with new projects and ideas.

Comment