5 Tips to Elevate Your Prose and Find Your Unique Voice

Every writer, from the seasoned novelist to the aspiring blogger, wants their words to resonate with readers. We all strive for that elusive quality that makes prose not just good, but memorable. While there's no magic formula for perfect writing, there are ways to sharpen your skills and cultivate a style that's uniquely yours.

Here are five tips to help you elevate your prose and write with confidence.

1. Forget the Rules (Most of Them, Anyway)

Writing rules are often oversimplifications. They usually arise from someone's frustration with a particular writing pattern and are rarely universally applicable. Take adverbs, for instance. Many writers are told to avoid them at all costs, but are they really that bad?

Consider this sentence:

"The little white cat swiped angrily, tearing her skin."

Is it inherently worse than:

"The little white cat became angry. He swiped at her, tearing her skin."

Not really. The only way to truly improve your writing is to engage with what's on the page. Explore what sounds good to you and what feels awkward or heavy. Trust your ear and your instincts.

2. So, How Do I Know What's Good?

While you should be wary of rigid rules, there are some fundamental concepts that always hold true. Simplicity and clarity are your best friends.

"The cat was tiny," is easier to understand and flows better than, "When she looked at the cat, she saw it was a small cat." We already know the protagonist is the one observing; that's the purpose of point of view.

3. Embrace Complexity with a Purpose

But what about writing that is both complex and beautiful? Complexity is a powerful tool when it adds meaning. While "the cat was tiny" is concise, "the cat could fit into her palm" is more specific and creates a more striking image. When you have the opportunity to replace vague words with specific details and explanations with vivid imagery and metaphors, don't hesitate!

4. How Can I See This in My Own Writing?

It can be challenging to spot areas for improvement in your own work. A line editor can be a great help, but they can also be expensive. Fortunately, AI assistance has made professional-level editing more accessible.

Many modern writing softwares now include powerful editing features. For example, a tool like Story Threads' copy editing feature can help you simplify your writing, while the line editing feature can pinpoint places where you might want to replace vague descriptions with more concrete examples. This kind of AI-powered feedback can be an invaluable resource for a fraction of the cost of a human editor.

5. What If I Disagree with the Editor?

Whether you're working with a human editor or an AI, remember that there is no absolute "right" in writing. It's your story and your words! Always trust your gut. The goal is to cultivate your own voice, not to conform to someone else's idea of what good writing should be.