Bridging the Gap: From Professional Content to Authentic Voice
As a writer, I’ve worn many hats, from creating professional content for clients (like the team at Health Digest and Gaiam) to sharing my reflections on Medium. Each piece of content, whether professional or personal, has played a crucial role in shaping my voice. Today, I want to share how these two facets of my writing journey have formed a cohesive narrative.
The Professional Foundation
Building Expertise through Freelance Work
My journey as a writer began years (two decades!) ago with freelance work, where I tackled diverse topics for various clients. Each project required a different approach, from technical articles to engaging blog posts. This work honed my skills and built a strong foundation in writing with clarity, precision, and professionalism.
Content Strategy and SEO
My “day job” has me tackling content strategy and SEO — and has taught me the importance of creating valuable, discoverable content. Writing for an audience meant understanding their needs and crafting pieces that were not only informative but also engaging.
Discovering My Authentic Voice
The Medium Experience
While my professional work shaped my technical skills, it was on Medium that I found my authentic voice. Writing on Medium allowed me to explore personal topics, share my reflections, and connect with readers more deeply. Here, I could be vulnerable, honest, and indeed myself.
Blending Professionalism with Personal Insight
One of the most rewarding aspects of my writing journey has been blending my professional expertise with personal insights. I’ve written about the challenges of being a cancer survivor, balancing full-time work with passion projects, the joys of middle-aged motherhood, and the evolution of my identity. Each piece I wrote reflects both my professional experiences and my personal growth.
Creating a Cohesive Narrative
Bringing It All Together
The challenge and beauty of my writing journey have been integrating these two facets into a cohesive narrative. I aim to bridge the gap between my professional content and my authentic voice on this site. By doing so, I hope to offer a richer, more comprehensive view of who I am as a writer.
Why It Matters
I suppose I want to say that all this integration showcases my versatility and depth as a writer. It demonstrates that I can write with both the professionalism required for client projects and the authenticity needed to connect with readers personally.
The Ongoing Journey
Finding and refining my voice is an ongoing journey. Each post is a step along this path. By bridging the gap between my different writing styles, I aim to create content that is informative, engaging, and deeply authentic.
How have you integrated different aspects of your writing journey? Please share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue this conversation about the art of storytelling.