Discussion of one form of pragmatic competence, projecting a sense of stylistic voice into texts, explores how writing in a non-native language affects the ability to express stylistic voice and enter into social dialogue with readers. Using the published reflections of authors writing professionally in a non-native language, the analysis shows how differing social and historical circumstances under which the authors write in a second language affect their attitude and approach to the endeavor. Several common themes in the authors' experiences with creating a persona in second-language texts are also identified. These include a sense of disconnection with the target language, the idea that how one is taught about writing in a language affects what one writes about and how, and the experiencing of less anxiety and more freedom when writing in a non-native language. A research agenda to explore further the pragmatics of voice in second-language texts is suggested, including exploration of affective factors at a variety of proficiency levels. Contains 23 references. (Author/MSE)