@Susan and @Lorie – I do think that each blogger has to find their own voice. Like singing – those who try to imitate other singers sound fake, phony and irritating. Those who sing with their OWN voice make it so much easier for the right audience to find and get behind.

@Ginny – You’re right – it is ten times easier to write a post you believe in than something you’re trying to FORCE.

@Amber – I’ve stopped worrying about trying to be something or someone else. Since I’ve given myself permission to simply *be*, I’m not only a lot happier, but also more successful. I think the success is a side-effect of the root cause – finding my OWN way.

It may not be obvious at first, but I can eventually tell when I am trying to write a article that feels like I’m trying to be someone or something that I’m not. Once I recognize this is happening, it usually gets deleted, or I stop and rewrite it to take it in a direction that is more natural for me and what is appropriate for my blog.

It’s kind of funny how you can be writing something and it takes on a life of it’s own. It’s ok until it feels like it is taking you in completely the wrong direction. I think having confidence in both yourself and what you are writing is also very important. If you feel that what you are saying isn’t worth hearing, then no one will probably want listen or read. Because that insecurity will come through in the writing. Something I worry about with every post.

Great post, Jessica. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us.