"Un escritor a menudo necesita que ha sido desleal consigo mismo en el proceso de escribir."

Sometimes, when we're writing, we can get so wrapped up in trying to please others, or meet certain expectations, that we stray from our own true voice. It happens to the best of us. You're working on an essay, a story, or even a simple email, and you start overthinking what readers might expect. Before you know it, your words don't sound like you anymore.

Imagine this: you're back in high school English class. You’ve got an assignment to write a personal narrative. You start off with a great idea, something that really matters to you. But then you think about how the teacher might grade it, what your friends will think if they read it, and suddenly, you’re tailoring your story to fit what you believe others want to hear. In the process, your genuine voice gets lost.

An example of this can be seen in the life of acclaimed author J.K. Rowling. When she first started writing the Harry Potter series, she faced numerous rejections from publishers who didn't see the value in her work. But instead of changing her story to fit what those publishers were looking for, she stayed true to her vision. Eventually, her authenticity paid off, and her books became some of the most beloved stories in modern literature. What if she had changed her story to fit in with the trends of the time? We might have never met Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

So, what’s the takeaway here for you and me? When you write, try to keep your own voice front and center. It might be tempting to alter your style or content to fit what you think others want, but your unique perspective is what makes your writing special. Here’s a practical tip: after you finish writing, read it out loud. Does it sound like you? If you have a trusted friend, ask them if it sounds like you. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see where you might have strayed.

Think about it like this: you’re having a conversation with a good friend. You’re relaxed, speaking your mind, and telling it like it is. That’s the voice you want to capture in your writing. It’s authentic, it’s you, and it’s what will resonate most with others. Sure, it's easier said than done, but the more you practice, the better you'll get at recognizing when you're being true to yourself.

Let’s say you’re working on a blog post about your travels. Start with what excited you, what moved you, not just what you think will get the most likes or clicks. If you loved a small, out-of-the-way café in Paris more than the Eiffel Tower, write about that café. Your genuine enthusiasm will shine through, and readers will appreciate the authenticity.

In the end, staying true to yourself in writing is about trusting your own voice. Yes, it might feel vulnerable, and yes, it might not please everyone. But that's okay. Your unique voice is your strength, and it’s what will make your writing stand out. So next time you sit down to write, remember: your voice matters. Don’t lose it trying to be someone else.