As a writer, evolving and adapting your style can be an exciting yet challenging journey. For years, I have adhered to an information-driven writing style, which served its purpose well. It was structured, factual, and direct—ideal for academic papers, technical manuals, and informative articles. Especially those about how cerebral palsy and whatever else has affected me. However, as my interests shift towards more personal and relatable styles, I feel the need for a transformation in my approach. Thus, I am embarking on a journey to transition from an information-focused style to a more personal, diary-like manner of writing. This blog post will explore the motivations behind this change, the challenges I faced, and the insights I am gaining along the way.
The Motivation for Change
Connecting on a Personal Level
The primary motivation for changing my writing style was to establish a deeper connection with my audience. I realize that topics such as mental health, personal growth, and everyday experiences resonate more when I share with personal anecdotes and reflections. An informative style, although valuable, often lacked the emotional depth necessary to engage readers on a personal level.
Embracing Vulnerability
Switching to a diary-style format is allowing me to embrace vulnerability. Sharing personal stories, successes, and failures required courage but also fostering more authenticity. I understand that readers appreciate honesty, and writing in a diary-like manner has encouraged me to be more genuine and open.
Fostering Creativity
Creativity thrives when one steps outside their comfort zone. Adopting a diary style is forcing me to explore new narrative techniques, experiment with tone and voice, and craft more vivid imagery. This creative freedom re-energized my passion for writing and introduced a refreshing change from the structured confines of my previous style.
The Transition Process
Will be a quick one as I have been really struggling with writer's block because of the depression and anxiety mixed with cerebral palsy.
Understanding the Audience
Before making the transition, I am taking time to understand my audience better. I am analyzing who they are, what topics they engaged with most, and how they interacted with personal narratives. This insight is guiding my writing, ensuring that my diary-style entries are not just cathartic for me but also meaningful for my readers.
Experimentation
Experimentation is going to be key in this transition. Initially, I will çput diary-like elements into my informational pieces, blending personal experiences with facts. This hybrid approach is allowing me to gauge the audience's reaction and gradually shift towards a more personal style.
Finding My Voice
Finding my unique voices one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Unlike the impersonal tone of informational writing, diary-style writing demanded a consistent and authentic voice. It involves introspection and self-discovery, as I learn to express my thoughts and emotions candidly.
Challenges Faced
Each day being different, cerebral palsy, depression, endometriosis, pain, weather, events and life in general.
Balancing Personal and Universal
One of the significant challenges is maintaining a balance between sharing personal stories and ensuring they are universally relatable. While personal anecdotes are engaging, they must also resonate with the reader's experiences or evoke empathy. Striking this balance requires careful consideration of which details to include and which to omit.
Overcoming Writer's Block
Writer's block became more frequent as I have navigated the lack of empathy for factual writing, which often follows a logical sequence, personal writing is unpredictable. To overcome this, I am practicing free writing—allowing thoughts to flow without judgment—and using prompts to stimulate creativity. To make it easier to explain and not repeat what I am saying
Managing Privacy Concerns
Writing in a personal style raised concerns about privacy. Sharing intimate details of my life is daunting, and I have to establish boundaries. I am learning to write about personal experiences in a way that protects my privacy while still offering valuable insights to my readers.
The Power of Storytelling
One of the most profound lessons was the power of storytelling. Personal stories have the ability to inspire, educate, and connect people. Through diary-style writing, I discover how narratives could convey complex ideas with simplicity and emotion, making them more impactful than dry facts alone.
Building Empathy
Diary-style writing is teaching me the importance of empathy. By sharing my vulnerabilities and challenges, I open the door for readers to share their own experiences. This two-way exchange fostered a sense of community and understanding, enriching both my writing and the reader's experience.
The Joy of Reflection
Writing in a diary-like manner encouraged reflection. It allows me to process my thoughts and emotions, offering clarity and insight. This reflective practice not only improved my writing but also contributed to my personal growth and emotional well-being.
My final thoughts
Transitioning from an information-driven writing style to a diary-like approach has been a transformative journey. It has enriched my writing, fostering deeper connections with my audience, and allowing me to explore topics in a more meaningful way. While challenges were inevitable, the rewards of authenticity, creativity, and empathy far outweighed them. As I continue to grow as a writer, I embrace this new style with enthusiasm, knowing that it aligns with my passion for storytelling and personal connection. Whether you are considering a similar transition or simply exploring new writing avenues, I encourage you to embrace the journey. After all, writing is not just about conveying information—it's about sharing a piece of your soul.
I hope you can join me in the next post.
