Freelance Writer: Your Writing Voice

Picture of Mahesh Raj Mohan

Mahesh Raj Mohan

I am a full-time Portland freelance copywriter, editor, and content marketing specialist. I help companies with white papers, case studies, technical writing, product copy, and more.

Blogging has changed in the 10 or so years I’ve kept an online journal.  When I first started (on a site with the domain “.nu!”), I just wrote about things that interested me like my favorite films.  Then I had a livejournal, then a blog attached to The Raw Story when it launched, then a Blogger account, and now this space.

Every blog is a challenge.  My current challenge is using this blog as a platform for my business while still letting you see who I am.

There are many folks who manage to show you their personalities while also showcasing their skills.   I follow four bloggers (primarily through their Twitter feeds, although I subscribe to their RSS feeds as well).  They are all expert freelance writers, and  shining examples of how to use the writing voice and use it well.

Natalia Sylvester has two blogs, one centered on fiction writing, the other on copywriting.   She has a talent for using everyday occurrences as object lessons, using humor and common sense.

P.S. Jones is an anarchic delight.   Whether she is giving tips on prospecting for freelance writing clients or using Betty White as a model for a smart career woman, I learn a lot.  And laugh a lot, too.

Emily Suess keeps it real.  Her current blog series goes through the entire alphabet, often increasing our vocabularies while giving great advice.  Check out the latest entry.

Tobias Buckell informs and entertains.  You might remember I mentioned him a year ago, as one of the folks with great advice about freelance writing.  His blog posts are short and sweet, but also full of great info.

How would you describe your writing “voice?”  Which bloggers inspire you?

8 thoughts on “Freelance Writer: Your Writing Voice”

  1. I've had a few different blogs too. My very first was an AOL Journal, if you can believe that. Then I switched to Blogger and eventually went with self-hosted WordPress. It's been quite a ride.

    Thanks for including me with these awesome people and for sharing your writing voice with us! :)

  2. Thanks for your comment, Emily! I remember AOL Journal! I just have a love/hate relationship with it. I think my favorite time blogging was the scribble.nu journal, at first.

    Looking forward to "H," :-)

  3. OMG, I used to have a LiveJournal my freshman year in college! Yeah…definitely glad that one's not up anymore :)

    In terms of blogging for work and writing-related topics, I was a little hesitant to jump in at first, though. When I started my first (now-defunct) writing blog, it was 2009, so blogging was *definitely* not a new thing. Like you point out, Mahesh, the voice is so important, and I think I was developing mine through that first one, trying to discover my POV on things.

    Thanks for including me in such a great list! I'm excited to check out Tobias's blog.

    1. Hi Natalia! Well, you definitely got the voice down, and you make it very organic and commenters are always happy to join in. I hope you one day teach a course/seminar in it.

      Yeah, you'll dig Tobias' blog!

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