Yesterday, I was talking to a new blogger about "finding your voice" and the ability to "put yourself out there." 

When I am doing my best writing, it's personal. I am having an honest conversation with myself.  I'm comfortable having "a few flies on the wall", listening in, taking notes, and hopefully, chiming in as well. Photo by ktylerconk

The conversation holds some truth for me.  And if I'm lucky, I get a "two-fer."  The same truth resonates with others. I am serving myself and others at the same time.

In this truth-telling process, my "voice" emerges.  How could it not?  That voice is the purest, funniest, wisest part of myself. It speaks with the authenticity and kindness of a best friend.  It can also be blunt, just like your best friend can be. Photo by mdanys

Last night, I was in the mood to read in bed before falling asleep. I went down to my home office to look for something good to read.  I came across Improv Wisdom, by Patricia Ryan Madson, a book that I've read more than once.  I read about thirty pages before getting sleepy.  What I noticed as I put the book on my nightstand, and turned off the light is this:

Reading a good book is like spending time with a good friend. 

It leaves you nourished, because you have connected with another human being, through their imagination, wisdom, and best self.  They have revealed something noble about themselves. It may be humility. It may be kindness. No one ever writes their best stuff from their crappiest self. Photo by Easa Shamih (eEko)

Which brings me to two final questions:

If you are a writer

What part of yourself have you been reluctant to reveal to your audience?

If you are a reader

What's the last good book you read and how was the author's voice like the voice of a friend?