Finding yourself is an every-day quest and finding your blogging voice and -self is, too, no matter where you are in your book blogging journey. With a thousand, a million of book bloggers out there, it’s so hard to find that thing that makes you stand out. That thing that makes you shine, that makes you tell yourself “Okay. There might be a thousand bloggers out there, but I’m here and I matter too.”
That thing, friends, is your blogging voice and, despite sounding complicated and strange and like I’m going to tell you to sing out loud (I won’t), it’s not like that at all.
What is your book blogging voice, then?
Your blogging voice is what makes you unique and what makes you stand out from the crowd of endless book bloggers out there.
Your blogging voice is what makes me read your post and say “Yes, I’m on his/her/their blog.”, because… there’s just something about the writing that stands out, that jumps at me and tells me, this is them speaking, this is them writing this.
For me, this doesn’t only come from the book blogger’s writing in itself, but with the entirety of their blogging-self, too. Yes, some people will have a way with phrasing, will insert fun puns in their writing, while some others will write long, philosophical sentences and, if you ask me, this is part of the book blogging voice and, most likely the most obvious part, too.
But it’s not only that.
The entire aesthetic of a blog, the way they draft their posts, the way they write, yes, but also the way they present themselves, with illustrated pictures, with their blog posts layout, their brand, their entire identity, is what makes their blogging LOUD and stand out.
It seems all very strange, yet, when you’re blog-hopping or just reading one blog post, somehow, you know what I’m talking about.
If you’re reading Cait’s fabulous book blog, Paper Fury, you’ll recognize her unique blogging voice, her way of taking you in with her words, her humor and her amazing-self. Cait is an obvious example, of course, because if you’re a book blogger, you might all be familiar with her, but there are so, so many other bloggers out there just like her with an unique voice. Ilsa @ Whisper of Ink has her way of writing incredibly thoughtful discussions that always hit me deep. May @ Forever and Everly writes stunning blog posts in their own way. Fadwa @ Word Woonders does that too, I could also mention the lovely Zoie @ Whisked Away By Words, whose posts and beautiful writing I automatically recognize. I could talk about CW and her stunning, unique blog, The Quiet Pond, that stands out with its incredible voice and her incredible ideas and aesthetics overall. I could go on and on, but this post would be a billion words longer.
If you ask me what makes these bloggers different and what always makes me come back to read their blog posts, it’s that. It’s the fact that they’re unique.
“Yes, Marie, but we’re all unique, aren’t we?” is probably what you want to scream at me right now, and yes, I agree. We’re all unique, but the difference here, in their blogs and in so many book blogs out there, is that it shows.
How to find your blogging voice
I’m not pretending to be the queen of book blogging voices and, just like any human out there, I am still finding myself. Yet, after over four years of blogging and reading billions of book blogs, I feel like I got to understand a little bit what you can do to really stand out and, most importantly…. to have the most fun while blogging.
Stop trying to be someone you’re not: be unique.
When you’re at the very beginning of your book blogging journey, or even months or years later on, sometimes you have no idea what the heck you’re doing and sometimes, you find these bloggers that seem so, so eloquent and… well, you want to be just like them.
That is a trap and honestly, the worst trap you can fall into.
It can seem like a great idea to try and copy what other bloggers do. To try to write your blog posts the way another is, calling everyone pineapples like Cait does, artfully mixing storytelling with your blog posts like CW does.
Is this really you, though?
Seeing that other bloggers manage to nail that book blogging voice and nail blogging overall can obviously strike some jealousy and make you want to do the same thing.
Yet, it’s not the right path to do down to, for many, many reasons. Obviously, because when you’re copying, it shows (yes), but most of it all, because you’re completely disserving yourself by doing this.
Book blogging is not fiction writing and you’re not putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. You’re in your own damn unique shoes and you should be proud of it.
Finding the ways you’re unique, finding the ways your blogging is unique, the way your discussions can stand out, the way your blog can stand out as a whole and make people say “yes, this is their blog”, isn’t a small quick path.
It takes time, it takes practice.
It took me years to gain confidence to not look back at the post I scheduled and cancel everything because I feel like it wasn’t good enough. It took me so much time to figure out that, yes, even if I’m scared to put this out there, I should because I put my heart, passion and personnality into it and…. I’m just going to say it, it’s actually an okay post and I’m proud of it.
☂️Related blog post: How to stop comparing yourself to other book bloggers.
Read, write and practice a lot to develop your blogging voice
I have read so, so many blog posts, on so many blogs, book blogs, lifestyle blogs, travel blogs and so on. I have read so many books and magazine articles and so many other things, too.
I wrote over 1000 blog posts (not counting the drafts, messed up posts and ones I never published). I tweeted and captioned things on instagram, commented on blog posts and so on.
Slowly but surely, as I read and admired other people’s voices, I got inspired and found my own, too, growing the confidence to publish posts and let my thoughts shine, too.
Not unafraid, because I’m human, but unapologetically myself.
That’s how it works, really. It takes time, it takes inspiration, it takes notes in your cellphone of cut-off sentences because you don’t have time to draft it all, it takes writing and rewriting. It takes 10 lines of notes to grow into this very blog post that is way too long, but written with heart.
Find out more tips in our blogging resources page!
Write with your personality and your passion
There are over 7.6 billions humans in the world and yet, you’re here and you have your own personality. Let it show and let it shine.
There might be a thousand discussions like the one you’re drafting right now, book recommendations like the ones you have in mind at the moment, there might be other book blogs out there, but there’s only one you.
Let it show. Express your thoughts in your own way, with your own mind and most importantly, with your own heart.
Put your way of seeing the world into your post and put your passion and guts into this, too.
In my small years of book blogging, I have read over 100s of books because book bloggers recommended them to me, and you know how this happened? It happened because I read incredible book reviews for these books, reviews where passion shined, where people might have felt like they were fangirling too hard and yet, their love and passion for a book shined through and convinced me. DO THIS.
Whether you’re feeling hot or cold about a story, about a blogging topic or something else, whether you’re feeling conflicted, let the feelings seep through your fingertips as you write. Let your passion show. Feel everything and love every second of it.
Nothing shows more than a blog post written with passion and heart.
Ultimately, finding your blogging voice will only be the best thing that ever happens to your blogging adventure. It will help you grow your blog, yes, because people will come back for more once they get to see your passion, personality and love for books and blogging and whatever your love is, shine through. People will come to see you, hear about you, hear about the way you’re seeing things, too, through your unique lens and unique way of putting words together, too.
Yet, it will also help you keep on the blogging love alive, because it’s a place where you can be yourself, too. Express your thoughts, write it all down, share your passion and have fun without trying to be someone else and, if that’s not one of the best things to do, I don’t know what is.
This entire blog post was inspired by the wonderful Shannon and her comment on one of my latest post, thank you so much for this. I might have ranted a lot and I’m so sorry.
If you want to learn more about book blogging, you might also enjoy these posts:
- 5 Things You Need to Know Before Starting A Book Blog
- How To Plan Your Blog’s Content
- How to write a blog post people will read
📌 Pin How To Find Your Blogging Voice on Pinterest!
Do you think you have found your “blogging voice”, or are you still searching it?
What are some things that, for you, make a blog stand out? What are some blogs that have a unique “blogging voice” for you? Tell me everything in comments!
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noémie, tempest of books says
I have to say, since I only started blogging at the end of january, I’m still searching for my blogging voice for sure. There have been a few times when I thought “oh this is me” *breaks into this is me from camp rock* but I’m definitely trying a few things and hopefully I’ll get there! This was such a good post Marie, inspiring and also reassuring in a way ?
Marie says
I’m certain that you will get there, Noémie, it takes a bit of time and blog posts to get really there and to feel like… yes, this is you (I have that camp rock song in mind now thank you :P), but once you do it’s amazing! <3
Thank you so, so much Noémie <3
noémie, tempest of books says
Having a song sung by Demi Lovato stuck in your head is not a bad thing 😀 And I’m sure I’ll get there, I’m not worried, I take it one post at a time!
Marie says
Agree, I love her songs 😀
glenmckenzie(justabitfurther) says
Blogging voice.
Never thought of it like that. I find for myself, that if I “think too much” the post doesn’t reflect my personality. The post may have information galore, but be as lifeless as a weak handshake, which obviously is quite lifeless.
I write from my heart, so when I just let go and write, I more often than not get what I want “blogging voice” and then the post has that extra punch in the head effect. I do find that I will back off the ‘blogging voice” in fear of offending those in my circle of friends and family. However, having said that, my wife and best critic says, the posts where I’ve been edgy have been my best.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Marie says
It’s exactly what this is: you shouldn’t think too much or try to hard while writing, because that’s when you’re…. not letting the words really flow as they come and your personality doesn’t come as brightly as it could if you just, let it all go 🙂
Thank you for your comment! 🙂
glenmckenzie(justabitfurther) says
Most welcome. It was a wonderful and insightful post. Thanks for the conformation that writing and “not thinking” so much let’s my “blogging voice” out!
Marie says
Thank you so much! 🙂
glenmckenzie(justabitfurther) says
Thanks again for creating and sharing with others.
Book Bosomed Blonde says
What a lovely post, Marie. I think this will really help out some people that think they’re doing it “all wrong” and try to emulate others. I find it comes off as less genuine, and there’s no need for it, as we as book bloggers want to hear what you really think, not what you’re trying to portray. I think at the beginning i struggled with this a lot as i didn’t know who i was in the book community and what i wanted to achieve. Once i figured out my goals and what i wanted from my blog, it all came to me so much easier, and I enjoy what i do. And that’s what it really comes down to right? Enjoying yourself and doing what you want with your blog!
Marie says
Agree! We all want to see a blogger’s personality shine when they share a blog post and we’re here and coming back for them, too, so imitating someone else is just counterproductive, too. It takes a bit of time to find yourself while writing, for sure, but once you do, it’s fantastic and we are enjoying ourselves so much more, too 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
Book Bosomed Blonde says
My sentiments exactly 🙂 Love your posts Marie!
Marie says
Ahhh thank you, this means so much <3
Sofii @ A Book. A Thought. says
This is one of the best posts EVER!! you’re really inspirational for me and everything you write is SO helpfulv???✨
Marie says
Oh Sofi you’re too sweet to me thank you so, so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed it!! <3 <3
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
I think I’ve found my blogging voice. When I first started, I tried to be very serious and analytical. Now I just type like I’m talking to a friend. My tone has gotten more conversational over the years.
Marie says
I feel like that happens for a lot of us somehow – I know I definitely tried too hard in my early writings and reviews to come off as very analytical somehow and… well I’m glad that I’m just letting the words flow now 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3 <3
Anushka Anand says
Aww I love how all of your posts are so positive and inspiring. This was such a nice insight on book blogging and finding your own voice, tbh, I’m still figuring out mine as well. Great post, Marie ❤
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Anushka, this makes me so happy <3 I'm certain you will figure it all out soon, you're doing amazing <3
Dewana ? says
???this post is spot on and so true discovering a blogger that has discovered their blogging voice does strikes jealousy …i know it does in me …to me blogging voice is an extension of who the individual is , letting their true self shine or what they want to be
Great post
Marie says
Agree, the blogging voice definitely is an extension of who the blogger is 🙂
thank you for your sweet comment! 🙂
May @ Forever and Everly says
Marie, I love this post so much!! This is something I’ve wanted to talk about before, since people (and you — thank you so much for your sweet words ??) have praised my blogging voice and I want to help people find their own, but I’ve never been able to word it right. Your post is so well-written and helpful and I love it!
I definitely agree that being yourself is super super important. I started out trying to be more like other bloggers, but when I found my own voice and my own humor, it came more naturally, and I’m a lot more proud of the voice I have in recent posts than older posts! I have to say though, your voice is also recognizable and unique; you have this soothing and eloquent tone to all your posts and we can all tell you’re passionate about blogging and helping others! <3
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so, SO much May <3 You're one of the first bloggers I think about when I think about this topic, your voice shines so bright and I love it so, so much every time I read your blog <3
It feels so nice when we finally find our voice because yes, that's exactly it, our writing just flows and everything comes more naturally, it's so great when it happens <3
Oh thank you, this means so, so, SO much that you think this ahh, thank you!! <3 <3 <3
Lauren Becker says
Great post! I’ve been blogging for years, but I don’t know if I have a super unique writing style or voice – but I still feel like I’m myself when I write. I’ve been told that I write how I talk sometimes, so I suppose that works? LOL It’s always a work in progress, but have fun – and do you!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Marie says
I think that’s the most important thing: feel like you’re “you” when you’re writing, because really that’s all we ever want, to hear the blogger talk 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Lauren! 😀
Lydia Tewkesbury says
I love this! SO MUCH. There is really no one better to write this post cause I’m pretty sure you’ve read more blog posts than all of us put together Marie ?
I think voice is one of those things that comes out the more you write. I think I was definitely aiming for a personality when I started writing my blog that wasn’t mine, and I just kind of shed it as I went along without even realising. The more time you spend on your blog the more you take ownership of it as your little corner of the internet and I think as you do that you gradually gain the confidence to let your true self shine through.
I have something to run by you and this might just be a me thing ? but… I feel like the style the book was written in impacts the style I write the review in? Please tell me this isn’t just me, haha. Like if the book has a particularly poetic style then I find myself reviewing it that way. This may just be me admitting that I am FAR too suggestable, haha
Marie says
I….. maybe I do read too many blog posts all the time ??
I agree with you, it definitely comes the more you write and practice overall, too. At first we are all trying different things, trying to write in different ways and as we grow and gain more confidence, we manage to let our true selves shine through 🙂
Ohh that’s an interesting point! I haven’t paid too much attention to this, but I clearly remember writing my review for I’ll Give You The Sun years ago and trying to vividly capture the feelings the gorgeous writing has given me and… well my review probably isn’t like the book at all, but I did try to do that ? so no I don’t think it’s only you at all ??
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3
Surina says
Wow, so this was fantastic. I’ve been struggling with my blogging voice for a while now, and I needed to read this. So thank you so very much, Marie! ? This post was such an honest, heart-felt discussion and your sincerity was unbelievably touching.
Happy reading! I hope you have a wonderful day! ❤️
Marie says
Oh you’re so, so welcome, thank you so much for your sweet comment, this makes me so, so happy, thank you!! <3 <3 <3
tiffany @ readbytiffany says
I really loved this post a lot, Marie!! (and don’t worry!! it didn’t seem like a rant at all. if anything, it just came across as super passionate) <3 I think one thing you said that really stuck with me was "Nothing shows more than a blog post written with passion and heart." which is honestly so true. This post actually kind of reminds me of the one Ilsa wrote the other day about whether we genuinely enjoy the content we're consuming. I feel like it ties a lot into your blogging voice too because that's when it really comes out whether you're passionate about something and THOSE are the posts I enjoy reading the most.
This has also been super helpful me to think about because I'm not too sure what my brand is either since I'm still trying to find myself. But overall, I loved this post and your passion genuinely shown through too 🙂
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much Tiffany (and thank you, this makes me feel better, sometimes I feel like I… I don’t know, I talk too much and just can’t stop and I’m annoying and ughhh my mind. ?) thank you!! <3 <3
Oh I read Ilsa's post and absolutely LOVED it, it was so on point and it's definitely a post that made me FEEL her voice, her passion and her thoughts and I loved it so much, we could see she wrote it with her whole heart, too. <3
I'm certain you'll find yourself, Tiffany, but honestly I can already feel your love and passion, which comes across a whole lot especially in your book reviews of books you loved (I'm thinking about If I'm Being Honest for instance) and I love it <3 <3
Thank you so, so much!! <3
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles says
I couldn’t agree more, my Sweechie! Finding your voice is so important, as long as we dare let it grow with us and our blog 🙂 I wish I had the skills to make my blog better in terms of aesthetics. It’s my weak point. I envy beautiful blogs like yours!
Marie says
Exactly, as long as we dare let it grow! 🙂
Oh my sweechie you’re too sweet! I couldn’t have done this whole new brand if it weren’t for Kat’s talent and my sister’s talent and collaboration as well, to be honest, I’m so TERRIBLE at this on my own. But you’re doing amazing my sweechie!! <3 and there are some easy tools you can use like canva if you fancy a little change, or whole new themes if you want to jump in for a big change or something! <3
Olivia @ Purely Olivia says
This is such an amazing post, Marie! I love everything you said. <3 It definitely is a labor of love to find your blogging voice (I feel like I've found mine, but it always has a lot of room to grow and develop) but it ends up being so worth it. I especially love what you said about writing this passion, because that's so true! Since everyone has different passions it can really help one's voice shine through. Again, lovely post 🙂
Marie says
Oh Olivia thank you so, so much, you’re too sweet <3 <3
I agree, passion really is the most important thing ever <3
Kay Wisteria | Hammock of Books says
Lovely post! It’s definitely taken me a bit to figure out my voice, and I’m still not sure I know my full blogging voice. At first I was always trying to be peppy and happy but then I was like wait lmao I’m really a snarky btch so now online I’m somewhere in the middle lol
Marie says
??? you made me laugh haha thank you for that! Honestly, it takes time and a lot of blog posts to figure out the way you want to write and the way things flow naturally for you, too, but I’m certain that you will! Feel free to be snarky and everything ahah, embrace your amazing self 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
Amber Elise says
This is such a great post Marie, it’s a journey to find your blogger voice. When I started off, I was so unsure and I kind of just went along with all of the trends and it felt a bit formulaic. After six or so years, I think I’ve finally settled on what voice I have.
I remember a period when bloggers were extra snarky and it seemed like we all worked to be sassy. Those were the days.
Marie says
Thank you so much, so happy you enjoyed it! I think we all have these moments where we.. try to find ourselves, try to go along with the trends, being snarky and ironic and soft and calling everyone pineapples and such, but in the end, it’s when we really find ourselves and the way we want to talk that we’re the happiest 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
Caitlin @ Caitlin Althea says
Marie!! This post is sooooo good and eloquent ?? I love that you’re trying your best to reassure us all that we’re all unique and that you’re trying to help us find our voice! These posts boost my confidence so much. Thanks you so club much ❤️❤️
Caitlin @ Caitlin Althea says
*so much not club much lmaoo
Marie says
Ahhh Caitlin thank you SO much, you’re too sweet!! I’m so, so happy to hear that this was a great boost for you, keep on going, you’re really amazing <3 <3
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
Okay first I am SO EXCITED to have inspired this post because it is awesome! And it’s funny because finding your voice is somehow simultaneously incredibly easy, and incredibly hard, if that makes sense. Because part of it is definitely trial and error, you know? What works for you, what doesn’t; what feels natural and what doesn’t, etc. But when you DO find it… it kind of can just sort of flow out, if you let it. I spent some time (too much time!) when I first started blogging trying to, Idk, reign in the crazy ? I mean- like you said, you’d see these lovely and eloquent reviews that would feel professional, and I am over here talking about nonsense but you know what? That is what I do. I talk about nonsense! And that isn’t to say I CAN’T write an eloquent review, because I can and have, but only when it’s appropriate for me.
And I think you nailed it with the “passion and heart” thing- that is it. If it seems like someone is genuinely into what they’re writing/writing about, I am there for it! No matter if they’re funny, quirky, serious, emotive, whatever! If they’re being themselves, if they are loving what they’re doing, it SHOWS. And it makes people want to keep coming back for more!
Marie says
Ahh Shannon, thank you so much! I should be the one thanking you for the idea for this post, really, I had such a great time writing it and I’m so, so happy you liked it <3
I so agree, so much of it all is trial and error, mistakes and rewrites and tons of blog posts to really, finally, nail that blogging voice and find the way you really want to do it all 🙂
I felt the same way about book reviews! I thought I had to analyze everything and write it all so eloquently and… well I'm doing my best with my own writing and how I enjoy writing my reviews and I feel so much better about it now that I stopped trying too hard ?
AGREE! If people love what they're doing and what they're writing, it really shows! <3
ekpreston says
This was a really enjoyable read. I can certainly hear your blogging voice. 🙂 I think that I might be close to finding mine, but blog’s design doesn’t really reflect my voice, I don’t think. Yet, I’m not really sure how to fix that.
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂 Finding what you really want to write like and finding what your platform really should be takes a lot of time, I’ve only very recently found myself quite… okay with everything overall. It’s all trial and error, don’t be afraid to give new things a try when it comes to your design until you find something that you really love 🙂
Belle says
This is something I constantly think about when I’m drafting posts, so I love that you started this discussion, Marie! I’d like to think I inject my personality into my posts—whether it be utilizing different font types to emphasize certain ideas or emojis to add a face to my words—although I worry that it gets lost in my struggle to simply express my thoughts in writing. You gave awesome examples of bloggers with distinct voices (you can add yourself to that list) and made a great point that a blogging voice is not limited to your writing. It’s more food for thought that I’ll make sure to apply to my own blog ?!
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much Belle, you’re so sweet, thank you for your words, it menas so much <3
I think that putting bits of yourself and your personality into your writing really is something to do and it shows, when you're speaking from the heart and just, writing as you feel it, it really shows and it's what makes people come back, too. They come back for you 🙂 You are doing amazing, keep on writing <3
CG @ Paper Fury says
aww you are LOVELY AND SO KIND!! And I love this advice! All so so true. And I think it’s okay to tumble into your blogging voice too? I definitely didn’t find mine for a while. And it’s a lot more bouncy than I am IRL and I think that’s okay too ?I think we just need to write the kinds of blogs we want to read and not find ourselves drifting into patterns that feel like chores, right?!
A most excellent advice post ??
Marie says
Agree, it takes a lot of time and it’s all… well, a whole lot of writing to figure it all out ? and ohhhh same ahah I feel like I’m so much more… eloquent and passionately writing about topics I love than I would speak about them IRL, because I’m just an awkward bean there ?
Thank you so, so much, Cait! <3 Exactly, we need to write the kind of blogs we want to read <3
Rasya says
Beautifully written post as ever, Marie! I have read all the bloggers you mention and just like you said all of them has their own unique blogging voice that makes them distinguishable. I hope I could find my blogging voice soon x #2019blogginggoals
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, you’re so sweet! <3
I'm certain that you will, these things take time and a lot of practice, but you will <3
Sophie @ Me and Ink says
Ah I love this post so much!! And I loved this line ‘You’re in your own damn unique shoes and you should be proud of it.’ and it is so true— the best way to get a great blogging voice is to use your own.
It can be hard finding your voice from comparing to others, deleting sentences because you’re not sure everyone will get what you’ve send, holding back so your opinion isn’t too in their face and not knowing what you want the voice to be and overthinking it. It is something I want to get better at on my blog by showing my unique voice and not being afraid to express my voice. And this has definitely helped and encouraged me to do so. Great post– I loved it!! <3
Marie says
Oh I’m so happy this could encourage you, Sophie, thank you SO much! <3
I think… well it's so easy to overthink everything when you're writing a post, to write two sentences then delete them and on and on. In the end, I think it's so important to try, for a second, to just let our fingers go and write all the sentences and write it all as we feel it. When we're passionate about what we write, it shows <3
Thank you so much!! <3
Kelly | Another Book in the Wall says
Marie, you truly write some of the best discussions ever! I love this post so much! <3 Finding my blogging voice has always been (and still is, if I'm being honest!) a journey, but I'm proud to say that it's starting to reveal itself to me. The biggest mistake I made at the start was, as you mentioned, trying so hard to imitate other bloggers that I admire. We're all such wonderful, unique individuals, and I think it's incredibly important that our personalities shine through our posts! 🙂
Marie says
Oh Kelly you are way too sweet to me, thank you so SO much <3 <3
I'm so happy you're starting to find your voice! I also made that mistake at first, but… we're all unique and we should let that shine through our writing 🙂
Thank you! <3
Scott says
Marie, thanks for this post. I’m just starting my blog and I’m finding it quickly becoming my favorite part of the work week. This has been an insightful post and I hope it will help me reach my targeted auidence in a more fluent manner.
Marie says
Oh you’re so welcome, I’m so happy this could help, thank you so much! and happy blogging! 🙂
Chana @ Paper Procrastinators says
? I love this post! I’ll be honest and say that when I first started blogging (about 10 months ago) I had never read any other book blogs before and was super confused as to what was expected when writing reviews discussions and the like. So I tried reading other blogs and seeing how they did it, but after deliberating and trying to write some posts I realized that I couldn’t write the way other people were writing because I *wasn’t* those people.
I’m not really sure if my “blogging voice” is unique, or even if it stands out at all. But I know that as long as I write what I love and stay true to myself, I’ll get the best results.
Marie says
That’s exactly it! I also tried to write like other bloggers did when I first started out, but… something did not feel right and… well it was just because it wasn’t really me, writing.
I love reading your blog and your reviews and most especially your debate it posts with Malka, Chana, I feel like that’s where really both of you shine <3 <3
Thank you so, so much! <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
I love this post Marie. 🙂 As I was reading I was trying to think what my blogger voice was and honestly I’m still not sure. It’s kind of funny because when I’m writing my WIPs I know exactly what my writer voice is but when it comes to blogging I’m a little stumped. Oh well. To be honest I just write what I write, especially when it comes to reviews. I feel like sometimes I tend to go on a little too much, and I have a lot of run-on sentences (which is something I was always called out on in high school) but I feel like I’m always in a rush to say everything and it’s the same when I’m writing.
Either way if I was trying to write as someone else it wouldn’t work. It’s hard to have fun blogging when you’re thinking and rethinking every single word because you’re not letting your writing properly reflect yourself.
Great post. 🙂 <3
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, Beth! <3 I think it's so great that you found your writing voice when it comes to story writing, I feel like that's the opposite for me, I struggle with it so far, but blogging voice is there, I think? ?
Honestly though, I think your passion and voice comes across after a while even without you noticing, it's just when you're writing your reviews with passion and the words flow and you're just trying to be yourself, really 🙂
Thank you so much, Beth <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
That’s all right, and I feel like at times writing comes easier to me than blogging so I guess it was easier to find my voice. I dunno, it’s just sometimes I’ve always been aware of.
Yeah, I mean I’ve been blogging for a long time now so I have a ‘blogging voice’ even if I’m not 100% sure what it is. Either way I love blogging so I guess I’m doing something right! 😀
That’s all right. 🙂 ❤️
Marie says
Yes yes yes as long as you love it, that’s the most important thing ever 🙂 <3
Jas @ XIV blog says
I needed this! I’ve been blogging for a while, but I find myself doubting what and how it works best for me. I sometimes feel like nobody cares what I have to say, but then I try to remind myself that I blog for me and not for anyone else (though having people read my blog and like it would be awesome of course 🙂 ).
Thank you for sharing!! Your blog is the one I look up to! <3
Marie says
Exactly, and it’s so important to enjoy yourself and have fun, really it’s what matters the most! 🙂
Oh thank you so, so much Jas you’re honestly too sweet, this means a lot, thank you so much!! <3
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions says
This is a great post, Marie! I haven’t found my blogging voice yet but I hope I’ll find it soon!
Marie says
Thank you so much, Raven! I hope you will too 😀
Catarina @ Pages & Plots says
I have a feeling I already had this discussion with you (or maybe I’m confused so SORRY) but yeah, finding my blogging voice is one of my biggest struggles. Because I always felt like I don’t have a personality that stands out, which obviously affects the way I write and interact with people online. Still, I think that, even if your personality doesn’t shine as you want to, you should definitely keep being yourself. No need trying to be someone else, because instead of just not shining, you’ll feel fake.
Thank you so much for this post ❤️️
Marie says
I think we talked about it a little bit, yes! I feel like, for some people, we can somehow immediately notice that they have a voice and we can feel their personality, but sometimes it’s also because they write a lot of blog posts about tons of topics they’re absolutely passionate about and advocating for and somehow, in these kind of posts it shines A LOT, while on other blog posts it’s somehow less noticeable. It doesn’t mean it’s not there though! Just keep on being yourself, write about what you care about and spread the love for the books you love and really, it shows when you just do that already <3
thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3
Lauren @ twenty-seven letters says
Admittedly, I’m still trying to find my blogging voice.
Like a lot of people, I first started posting my reviews on goodreads before moving to Tumblr, and then finding myself here late last year. WordPress definitely feels like an entirely new area of the world that I’m still discovering and will spend a lot of time discovering.
As a newer book blogger, I’ve gotta say, this post was really assuring, and I cannot begin to thank you enough for it. At least for me, it can be really easy to see the more experienced book bloggers and feel that jealousy that you mentioned. But, also like you mentioned, it takes everyone a bit of time to find their own voice and we shouldn’t waste our time to use someone else’s.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post – it’s incredible ❤️
Marie says
Oh Lauren, you are so, so very welcome, this makes me so happy to hear that this could help you <3 finding your way on wordpress and in the blogging community is hard and long, there are so many bloggers that feel more established, with their own voices and platform and uniqueness, it takes quite a while to grow acclimated to it and to find our place within it, too. I'm certain that you will find your own voice soon, keep on going, on growing and on being inspired, you're doing amazing <3
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, it made my entire day <3
Lauren @ twenty-seven letters says
Marie! This was so sweet of you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️
Like I said, with incredible blogs like yours and other book bloggers out there, it’s so easy to get inspired. And, from that and amazing posts filled with tips like yours, it makes navigating WordPress all that much easier!
Thank you so, so much again ??
Marie says
Oh you’re so, so welcome, I’m always so happy to help, let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help! <3 <3
Brianna says
Marie, you always write such insightful and wonderful posts!!! I love this. When I started my blog, I really struggled to find my blogging voice. I would overthink how I was coming across and would end up sounding so serious and plain! It definitely feels more natural now since I got more comfortable with blogging? I have you to thank for that as well because I’ve been so inspired by how authentic your writing is ever since I started following your blog! Reading your posts helped me feel more confident in being true to myself when blogging. This is an amazing post! thanks for sharing!! ?
Marie says
Oh Brianna thank you SO much, you’re too sweet, this means so much ahh thank you for your sweet words <3 <3
I'm so happy to hear you grew more comfortable with blogging, and more confident with your voice overall, too, these things take time but, once they're there, it's amazing. <3
Ahh thank you really, I'm honored I'm going to cry right now thank you ahah <3 <3 <3
christine @ lady gets lit says
As usual, your posts inspire me to keep fighting for my blog, my words.
I definitely don’t think I’ve completely nailed my blogging voice (yet). I have moments, or certain posts, where I can feel my brain shut off while I’m writing until I’m just completely letting go of expectations and just…writing. Somehow that’s a lot easier for me to do with fiction, but I’m learning to do that with blogging too. I definitely think it’s a process. It takes time. I am trying to be patient with myself.
Your advice here is so excellent. Just like with fiction writing, blogging takes time for you to really practice and get into a groove and a style that’s all your own. Which is what I’m trying to do, slowly but surely. All I can do is keep trying, which is better than quitting. Thank you so much for being such an inspiring human <3
Marie says
I’m so happy you’re slowly finding your voice, it is a process, but once you’re able to let go of your own expectations and, just write, well… you’ve got it. I really feel like you have it, Christine, I mean, the posts I’ve read from you lately still echo in my mind. You’re doing amazing <3
Thank you so, so much for your comment, Christine, you always make me the happiest ahh, thank you, I don't deserve you <3
christine @ lady gets lit says
You are so sweet! Honestly, it’s having supportive blogging friends like you that keeps me from completely shutting down. The more I think about it, I did have a good month for writing posts. I feel like I’m bursting with blogging ideas lately, and I’ve started looking at blogging as another creative outlet, a way to express myself and whatever’s going on in my head. It’s made a world of difference, looking at this as just another way that I get to write (and not as a way to, ya know, try to fit in with the crowd, which is how I was blogging before).
Marie says
I’m so, so, so happy to hear that and YES it’s exactly how we should look on blogging and how we’re enjoying ourselves the most while doing it 🙂
You’re doing amazing and I love everything you do, always supporting you xx
Lindsi says
You have the best discussion posts! I don’t think this one really applies to me (at least not this time around), because I’m finally comfortable with who I am (in real life and in blogging). My voice is my voice. I don’t try to be a different person when I’m online or blogging, because I want to build relationships that are authentic, and I fell like I need to be completely honest for that to work. I might not be as open about my personal life online, but that’s because I want to maintain some privacy and keep the two things separate. Although, I do think I’m the same person on both. Lovely thoughts! <3
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
Marie says
Oh thank you, this is so sweet of you, it means so much <3 <3
I'm so happy you're comfortable with your blogging voice, this is so good when it finally happens ad you feel like you can be yourself and embrace it all. I love when that happens.
I'm with you about personal life online though, I am not fond of sharing a whole lot, but a little bit to create genuine connections 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!
Lindsi says
I’ve embraced my blogging self in all her glory. If I have time to read and post, yay. If not, it’s totally okay. There’s always the next day and the next. I want to live in the moment wherever I am, but especially when I’m around my kids. They do grow up fast, and I don’t want to miss anything. I want to enjoy the time I have with them right now.
I share pieces of myself on my blog and other social media, but never my family. I might mention my husband, or my kids, but nothing personal or revealing.
Marie says
I 200% get that and I think it’s so great when you find that place when you’re just okay about everything, not stressed out and just taking it as it goes. It’s so easy to let the pressure get to us at times 🙂
Same here, trying not to be too personal either 🙂
Lucie @ Wishes and Pages says
This was such a interesting and inspiring post to read Marie, wow! I’m asking myself about my blogging voice all the time and I still feel like I’m figuring myself out, which kinda makes sense because we’re human beings and always changing? Nevertheless, I feel like the more I write, the more I find my voice, the more I know which blog posts I was so proud to write and which ones I didn’t like as much, which is all part of the process! All we can do is try, try and try again and hoping we’re getting better each time! ❤
PS: completely unrelated, but as I started my Parks and Rec rewatch, seeing a Parks & Rec gif made me even more emotional than usual ?
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Lucie, it means a lot that you enjoyed it! <3 I agree, we're all kind of figuring ourselves out and our voice can change as we blog for sure! 🙂 You're so right, it's all part of the process, we're writing, we're improving and slowly getting better and feeling more comfortable, too 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3 <3
Lais @ The Bookish Skies says
Cait is definitely a person with a very distinct writing voice, and recently, I found Laura’s blog (Laura Herondale) and I think she has a pretty unique writing voice too! I love long and rambly intros; even if I can’t bring myself to write them sometimes, because I don’t think anyone would read through them, hahah. But I do read all of Laura’s and I love them!
I am definitely still trying to find my writing voice, but it’s something I think about on a regular basis. I wish I wasn’t so much of an Aquarius sometimes. (I’m technically a Libra, but my rising is Aquarius, and I identify a lot with it, hahah). I am constantly wanting to be original and different. I’ve never liked to go with the flow, because I always wonder how much of my personality is actually showing when I do that. And I think that, when blogging, I have ideas that I love & want to share, but then I’m constantly debating how I can make this different and original and my *own thing*, and not always I find a way, so I end up procrastinating writing posts for the longest time. It’s a struggle that I need to work better through, because I think, even if you’re writing about an old topic in the community, everyone can offer a new perspective to it.
Thank you so much for sharing, Marie! I find that your posts always show up when I’m needing them the most, hahah. I’ll definitely take your advice on practicing more so that I can slowly find my writing voice through it!
Marie says
Oh I am not too familiar with Laura, I’ll have to check out her blog, thank you for recommending it! 🙂
OH I get that feeling SO much. Sometimes when I get an idea, I’m too afraid to write it down and put it out there, because I feel like it’s already been done and I would have nothing new to bring to the table, it’s so frustrating :/ but we can all offer a different, unique perspective, yes, and that’s something to remember! 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Lais, I’m certain you’ll find your voice soon, you’re already doing amazing 🙂
Charvi says
This is such a super helpful and inspiring post, Marie ❤️ It took me a long time and struggle but I think I might be finally finding a bit of my voice and I can’t wait to further explore it ?
Marie says
Oh thank you so much Charvi, this makes me SO happy to hear and I can’t wait for you to explore it more and to deliver incredible posts like you do already <3
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
Gosh you always impress me with the brave topics you take on Marie! ❤️ I enjoyed this post so much. I agreed right from the start that your blogger voice is your blog look, the things you talk about as well as the way you talk and the words you use. You are so right about practicing! I’ve found myself growing so much just going into another year of blogging. I can do things I hadn’t done before. Though I do feel I have more and more to do too. haahha.
Marie says
Oh Dani thank you so much, this means a lot, thank you!! <3
I feel like we just keep on growing and figuring out our blogger's voice as we go on and… we will never cease to be impressed by what we can do 😀
Thank you!! <3
Cas @ Daydreaming Ink says
This is a really thoughtful and perceptive post! I think I’ve developed mine a lot over the last year, and it’s changed a lot since 2014 when I was the most boring blogger ever. Writing discussions has definitely helped, and it’s nice to be able to find my personality in this way online because it doesn’t always match up to the one I have in person (likewise, with strangers).
Marie says
Oh thank you so much! <3 I'm so happy you're slowly finding your blogging voice and what you enjoy talking about, it's always so much fun once you do! 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
You give some fantastic examples of bloggers with truly unique voices! And you also listed a few bloggers I don’t follow—I will have to go check those out immediately. I agree that finding your voice is both challenging and rewarding and the best thing you can do is to be yourself!
Marie says
Ahh I hope you’ll find bloggers you love there, Nicole, they are all incredible <3 and yes, being yourself is the best thing you can do, that's for sure 🙂
theorangutanlibrarian says
Absolutely love this post!! Really agree that everyone is unique, so has a unique voice 😀 And definitely agree that it doesn’t make sense to try and be someone you’re not and that that it takes practice to find that voice!
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much, this makes me so happy <3 I agree that it takes time, but once you do find it, it's incredible 😀
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks says
I wonder if we can all truly be unique? I mean, we can’t all be Paper Fury 😀 I certainly don’t feel unique although I blog true to myself and I don’t care to copy anyone else. But there are just so many of us (like, I mean, so many people on the planet – not just book bloggers in this case), someone’s going to be kind of like another person. We can’t all be bright personalities like Cait or CW. Just the rule of Gaussian dispersal, I guess? There will be outliers, but the majority is always… The majority.
Then again, I am in a huge blogging slump and a footstep away from quitting all in all 😀 so maybe it’s that side of me talking!
Marie says
I agree that we can’t all be Paper Fury or anyone else for that matters and, to me, it feels like some people have voices that somehow feel, how could I put this… louder, I’d say? Like, some people are so easily distinguable in a crowd of book bloggers, that’s for sure, while some others are a little less, but that doesn’t mean they are not unique in their own way 🙂 I know you are and I’m so, so sorry to hear you’re in such a blogging slump! 🙁 I hope that this will go away and that you won’t quit, know that you really are a bright star in the community and certainly ARE shining and are unique and doing so, so much good for the community as a whole, too. This is how you stand out, too, by everything that you do <3
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks says
Louder is the word! Aw, thanks Marie 🙂 yeah, I’ve been feeling like my blog doesn’t have a point anymore for a while. I’ll still keep blogging, but I also don’t have the time to invest in it anymore. Don’t want to lose the community though. I don’t do all that much anymore! This is how I used to stand out 😀
Marie says
Your blog always has a point if it makes you happy, no matter what, whether you post once a day, week, month or year, as long as you still find some happiness in this space of yours, it has a point and that’s what matters the most <3 and I couldn't imagine you losing the community, you're such an incredible, vital member of it all <3
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks says
Awwww thanks Marie 🙂
Hunida says
Loved this post, Marie! So much good advice! Your blogging voice is one of my faves. 🙂
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much, you’re way too sweet! <3 <3
BooksNest says
These are some really brilliants tips!!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, so happy you enjoyed it!! 😀
Carol says
Great post! When I first started blogging and blog hopping I noticed that the blogs I enjoyed reading the most were written in a casual and chatty manner….like we were having a conversation. Then I realized my writing was more formal because of my years as a teacher and all the papers I had to write during my class work and all the reports I wrote as an educator. I’m still trying for a more casual voice but it’s difficult when I’ve been trained to write formally. Ugh! Luckily I have lots of opportunities to practice! ??
Marie says
Thank you so much Carol! Oh I can understand that, when you are used to writing a certain way, it’s so hard to get rid of that habit! But yes, you have a lot of time to practice and to find the way you prefer to write your posts! 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
Little Mummy Me Book Chat says
I only have 3 blog posts, so I’m as new to blogging as can be. I feel like I’m using my own blog voice but I still have some uncertainty about it all. So I’m going to keep blogging, for me and hope someone along the way enjoys a post or two of mine.
Marie says
That’s the way to go! Keep on blogging with all of your heart and don’t be afraid to reach out to others and have fun! 🙂
Little Mummy Me Book Chat says
Thank you Marie. I’m still getting a feel for my blog, as in what to post and when (fitting it into my life) but I am just going to run with following my heart. ?
Marie says
That’s exactly what you should do, follow your heart and that’s the most important 🙂 <3