In this episode, Barbara explores the art of writing your life story and finding your voice. She emphasizes the importance of building a working library and using style guides to improve writing accuracy and efficiency. Barbara discusses the limitations of generative AI in writing and the need for writers to develop their own unique voice. She explains the characteristics of written voice and the differences between written and spoken voice. Barbara provides tips for developing a written voice, including reading widely, writing regularly, and experimenting with tone and style. She concludes with a writing challenge to eliminate weak words from writing.

Takeaways

Building a working library can give writers the tools and resources they need to produce high-quality writing.

Generative AI can be helpful in the writing process, but it cannot fully capture a writer's unique voice and style.

Style guides are valuable resources for writers, providing writing rules and conventions that ensure consistency and clarity.

Developing a written voice requires reading widely, writing regularly, and finding authenticity in one's writing.

Experimenting with tone and style can help writers discover their unique voice and improve their writing.

Eliminating weak words, such as 'only,' 'rather,' 'really,' 'quite,' and 'in fact,' can improve the clarity and strength of writing.

Links to style guides mentioned in this episode

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Writing Your Life Story and Finding Your Voice

02:58 Building a Working Library

04:20 The Limitations of Generative AI in Writing

05:46 The Importance of Style Guides

08:12 Developing Your Written Voice

11:40 Understanding Written Voice vs. Spoken Voice

13:16 Characteristics of Written Voice

14:43 Finding Your Authenticity in Written Voice

20:09 Experimenting with Tone and Style

25:53 Writing Challenge: Eliminating Weak Words

28:06 Conclusion