Once upon a time in a classroom driven with knowledge, we set off on a journey not with swords or ships, but with words.  Writing is one of the most primordial skills humans have ever developed and was how we’ve passed down stories, beliefs, and legacies since the very beginning. This time, we were the ones shaping the story.

Driving Question: “How can we develop our voice as writers?”

 A writer’s voice is what makes their writing sound like them. It’s their tone, their word choice, the rhythm of their sentences, and the way they see the world. Some voices are bold and direct, others are quiet but powerful.  Think of it like a sword style, one unique and personalized to each individual.  My voice came through in the way I asked questions, made connections, and chose topics that actually meant something to me. Developing your voice isn’t about copying someone else’s style, it’s about learning how to write like yourself.

The technique that we revised and used throughout our journey was the Zettelkasten. A “second brain,” built on our iPads, the weapon that we have used since the start of PLP. The Zettelkasten is filled with thoughts, ideas, and connections from everything we read, watched, or listened to.

This powerful technique, Zettelkasten, was a system that helped us organize our thinking. The word itself means “slip box” in German, and originally, it was used to store handwritten notes on paper. In our case, we used our iPads. Each note we made, whether it came from a book, a video, or just a thought, was saved and linked to others. Over time, those notes formed a network, where ideas connected and grew. Zettelkasten wasn’t just about remembering facts. It was about building understanding and discovering patterns that could lead to stronger, more meaningful writing.

Along the way, we read articles, created literature, permanent, and fleeting notes that built structure through reflection.

Fleeting notes were quick, simple thoughts. These were the small ideas we captured as they came: Raw, messy, and not always useful right away. But they were important because they helped us not lose anything that might become meaningful later.

Literature notes were more focused. These were notes we took while reading or watching something, and they helped us capture what the source was actually saying.  Instead of copying it word for word, we wrote it in our own voice, making it easier to understand and connect with later.

Perma notes were where it all came together. These were notes we wrote after thinking deeply: when an idea felt solid enough to stand on its own. They weren’t summaries; they reflected our perspective and were linked to other notes to help form a bigger picture. These perma notes helped build the foundation for our final writing.

These steps weren’t random, they were like trials in a dungeon, each one unlocking a new skill. We weren’t just learning how to write. We were learning how to think, connect, and express what actually matters to us.  Link to my project guide:

https://christianl.craft.me/W0t8cKE4QrolZE

Each note we made was a stepping stone to be able to complete out final trial, a written piece that allowed for us to express ourselves and what we learnt throughout the project. One idea led to another, until eventually, a path started to form.

That path led me to Vinland Saga, a story that felt human and honest, something that I could connect with. I explored how its characters wrestled with their identity, purpose, and the weight of violence. It wasn’t just about Vikings or violence. It was about change: redemption, meaning, and a reflection of our day to day life. I was no longer just writing about the story, I was using the story to say something about how I see the world, and how I can better mine.  Here is the written piece that I developed:

https://christianl.craft.me/4FfvqIxR894U28

In the end, my final piece wasn’t just an analysis, it was my voice that reflected my beliefs, learnings and growth through this quest. That’s when my answer to our driving question was able to develop.

We develop our voice as writers by following what speaks to us, by staying curious, and by building something real from the ideas that hit the hardest.

That’s how we write with a voice that’s truly ours. It’s how I will utilize my writing in my next journeys.