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| Elizabeth started as a Girl Scout Daisy and recently earned her Gold Award. She also interviews music, TV and Broadway stars for her school paper, and just celebrated the release of her first book of poetry, "There's More to the Story." Elizabeth's favorite saying is "Everyone is like a puzzle piece; there's no reason to try and change your shape because one day you'll find your perfect fit." For more information visit Elizabeth's Web site. |
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It's Your Story: Tell It!
Finding Your Voice
Girl Scout Elizabeth offers tips on developing your own writing voice.
Writing can be hard. How do you write what you want, the way you want? In other words, how do you find your "voice?" Not your speaking voice, your 'announcer' voice or even your singing voice—I'm talking about your writing voice.
Everyone's voice is different. OK, I know what you're thinking—how can writing have a "voice," it doesn't talk. Well, your voice may not talk out loud, but the words you choose, what you write about, and how you express your thoughts, tell a lot about who you are. Write the way you talk, the way you think. Be yourself. Your voice should be natural; it should sound like you and no one else (and try to avoid writing like your favorite author). In any case, don't underestimate your individual voice because it's a chance to show everyone your true beauty and talent.
Pick a topic—anything goes. There's no limit to what you can write about; music, school, friends, crushes, family, art, sports, TV, the environment, movies, etc. You don't even have to decide on a topic—you can just pick up a pen and start writing about the first thing that comes to mind.
There's no deadline and no word limit. This isn't a scientific report and you're not vying for a doctorate in temporal physics—so, RELAX! (Unless you're going for a doctorate in temporal physics!)
Got the basics? Let's review!
- Pick a topic. If you're not sure what to write about then write about the first thing that comes to your mind.
- Write the way you think or the way you talk. Just make sure that your voice is 100 percent you and no one else's.
- Take your time. There's no word limit or deadline. And, most important, no pressure. If you can't think of anything to write about take a break and come back to it.
Carry a small pad and a pen so when you have an idea, you'll be already to write it down. Now what's left? Hmm… Oh yeah—start writing!
uniquely ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/DOVE SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM was established in the fall of 2001 to boost self-esteem among girls ages 8 to 17. The uniquely ME! resources are available for all girls. For more information, visit the girlscouts.org uniquely ME! Web page.
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