I have been a storyteller for the majority of my life, in one capacity or another. From my youngest age my parents have told me that I was actively vociferous in every available conversation that I could partake in. Once I was able to speak, I began to tell stories from my imagination or my daily life. As I matured, those stories began to be written down. When I was 12, I discovered that I had a natural propensity for poetry. Today I write my weekly articles here for Odyssey.

The time that I have spent thus far writing with Odyssey has been incredible. As I begin to fall into a steady stream of productivity with my writing unlike anything I have ever been so fortunate to encounter before I grow. I have grown into my personal voice. I have grown into my style. Consistently writing in this capacity has taken the work that I used to do and blown it away.

To any writers out there looking to hone their craft the biggest piece of advice that I can offer is, regularity. Always be working on something in some way. Be looking around the world for inspiration, you never know what your next piece may be about, allow yourself to write badly it is the only way you will ever grow, but to quote from Shakespeare “This above all else to thine own self be true”. The best work that can be published is the work that comes from the foundation of who you are and what makes you you. Once you find that place push it. It’s your voice. Let it be heard.

The prospect of writing is not always heartwarming. At times it is terrifying. Sometimes the mere concept of being vulnerable enough to allow the world to see your true voice will seem like enough to stop you from writing in the first place. This is a crime against humanity. To be interned by your own mind is the most brutal form of captivity known to the world. To have your very thoughts wrapped in chains imprisoned by your own intention is damaging and dangerous.

You needn’t fear yourself, or your peers for that matter. No one in the world is looking to laugh at you for any explicitly malicious intent. The world can at times seem like a harsh and foreboding place but you don’t have to fear it. You don’t have to bow to societal conventions, and you certainly don’t have to break your back to follow the fold of your fellow man. Now that I have discussed finding my true voice in writing,yours could be anywhere. Teach it to sing.