Finding Your Writer Identity

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

“Whom are you mimicking?” 

All day, I heard the question. Spirit week. Not my favorite part of the school year, but the kids love it, and I try to participate in at least one of the themes. One that I chose entailed dressing like one of the students. 

Since spirit week falls in the middle of winter—and since I do not enjoy dressing up—I selected a student who wears stuff I enjoy. In this case, a stretch hat, which keeps my bald head warm. So, on that particular day, I wore a hat all day—something we typically can’t do. And I made this student’s day because he was proud I chose to mimic him. 

But I didn’t get the question on just one day. Later in the week, students—or teachers and students—chose to switch and dress like each other. Earlier in the week, another student had suggested he and I make the switch. Another student who enjoyed dressing sloppily. And yet another winner for me because he typically wore sleep pants and a hoodie. Again, right up my alley. 

Paul was also a mimicker—but of Christ. “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT).

The first part of the verse might sound as if Paul boasted—imitate me—but he wasn’t. He quickly clarifies this by telling us he imitates Christ. 

Paul was a little Jesus. As God’s Spirit directed, Paul traveled over the known world doing good for others and introducing them to Christ and what he had done on Calvary’s cross. Paul did what Jesus wants all his followers to do: mimic Him. 

In the spiritual realm, imitating Christ is honorable. But in the writing world, mimicking other writers isn’t. Sure, we can learn from other writers who are more accomplished than we are, but we shouldn’t write like them. God created only one Max Lucado, William Shakespeare, John Steinbeck, Edie Melson, Cindy Sproles, Lori Hatcher, Eva Everson—and Martin Wiles. 

As an English teacher, I quickly learn the voice of my students by reading their writing. Yes, all of us can improve our craft by attending writing conferences, joining mentoring groups, and reading books on writing, but none of us should mimic other writers. 

Our job as writers is to find our voice and use it in the ways God provides. Just as He doesn’t give us all identical opportunities, He also doesn’t give us the same voice. Not everyone will write a book. Some will use their voice to write articles, Sunday school lessons, devotions, and blog posts. And some who do write books will see their books reach astounding sales, while others may sell only a few thousand. 

As a teacher, I have watched hundreds of students find their identity through a name on a water bottle, a pair of shoes, a hoodie, a baseball or softball bat, or their smartphone. The list is endless. But the students I admire most don’t find their identity in any of those things. I love the students who wear what they want and don’t care what their peers think. They know who they are and don’t need their peers to tell them. 

Through our practice, God will reveal our writer's voice—and, with it, our identity. Jenny once asked Forrest Gump who he wanted to be when he grew up. He said, “Aren’t I gonna be me?” 

More than anything else, our identity is connected to our connection with Christ. Our writing is an extension of how we share His love through our writing. And each of us has a unique voice to do that. Find yours. 

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Finding Your Writer Identity, insight from Martin Wiles (@LinesFromGod) on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Martin Wiles is the founder of Love Lines from God (WWW.LOVELINESFROMGOD.COM) and serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions and Directing Editor for VineWords. He has authored six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, DON'T JUST LIVE...REALLY LIVE, debuted in October of 2021. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, author, and pastor.