I have an issue with writing like the author I am presently listening to for AudioBooks

[Guest]

I only noticed when I looked back at my writing and realized the tone changed.

I also do this with accents to the point where people think I am mocking them. I am not... it simply happens to me. I HATE a southern drawl... but in about an hour, I start to have one.

Is there anything I can do to correct this? It is not something I choose to do.

[Brenden]

Isn't that code-switching? I do the same if I ever hang around my Aussie mates. Lots of people do it.

I always find it funny when I end up saying mate a lot despite being American.

[Laerton]

All that you’re worried about here can be corrected later on by a professional editor. No one gets it right the first time.

And you should really embrace how you write and not try to be like any other author.

Don't miss: When you write a number, do you write the word or the actual number?

[Jayson]

Some writers will not read or listen to books while writing their forst drafts for this very reason.

Honestly, up until you grow secure in your voice - you'll likely copy. Its very hard not to.

My advice to make your own voice - decide what it is you want to say - what is it in other writing that you long to see more of?

For instance my voice comes from longing to see and through someone else's eyes. I have always been heavily bothered by "how do others see me?" That existential question of "what if where i see pink, someone else sees what i would call green?"

So when i write, this is often my focus. I want to step inside of their shoes. I want to see and feel what they feel... even if it is horrific (as a horror writer).

According to people who have read me, this give me a very descriptive voice.

[Diana]

Fix it in the editing layers. I assign each character vocal characteristics and catch phrases. I read back through the dialogue looking at each character to make sure they are consistent.

Are they hesitant, casual, bombastic, demanding? How do they sound when upset? Are they naturally funny? Or is their voice like fingernails on chalkboards to the protagonist?

Explore these too: Don't want someone stealing a piece of my story word for word

[Taylor]

I think we all do this to some degree. I certainly do it with my musical influences.

To combat it, I simply add more influences. Then my own unique style actually begins to emerge from a combination of many others.

[Ellen]

Not solving your problem, but: Unintentionally picking up an accent is something I also do.

Recently I’ve learned that it’s common among autistic folks (also learned that I am autistic). I sympathize with the writing issue, too.

Also, check out: What's this facial expression called?

[Cullen]

You gotta find your own voice, which is easier said than done.

Once you do find it, you won't have this problem. Try writing a story as if you are the narrator rather than your character. Write it as if you are writing in a journal. Write paragraphs or even pages.

Don't worry about the writing rules or anything. Just write freely. See how it looks. How it sounds. Try doing this each time before you work on your manuscript.

[Rohaa]

You're just good at naturally adjusting to your surroundings. I've the same, I don't let myself read other novels when I'm writing, definitely not in a similar genre. Its worse than even just reading a book and adjusting to that.

I was thinking of a writing buddy yesterday that I had a writeoff with and wrote a while page so different in style that I didn't recognize it. I've never even seen his writing.

Later confirmed it's how he writes (lots of viz, world building, description).

Don't forget to take a look at: Tech minded friends, what's a good alternative to Google docs?

[William]

You living as your character enjoy the feeling and it will make it easier when you write it.