We return to our “How to Be a Writer” series with the subject of writing styles. Identifying your writing style is important because you want to have your own unique voice. Writing styles can overlap, and writers often blend elements from multiple styles depending on their purpose and audience. Additionally, individual writers may develop their own unique style characterized by their voice, tone, and stylistic preferences.
Writing styles can vary greatly depending on the content, purpose, and audience. We will be focusing on some common writing styles and how to identify yours!
Common Writing Styles
Descriptive
This style focuses on painting a vivid picture through detailed descriptions, appealing to the senses to evoke imagery in the reader's mind. This type of writing especially comes into play when describing settings and characters. Think of world-building and how to write in a way in which the reader feels like they are there, getting to know the characters and locations.
Narrative
Narrative writing tells a story, often employing elements such as characters, plot, setting, and dialogue to engage the reader. Narrative writing is also dependent on the writer’s tone of voice and overall flow of writing.
Creative
Creative writing encompasses a wide range of styles, including poetry and fiction, allowing for artistic expression and imagination. Creative writing is the freest style of writing out of this group, and one of the most popular. When establishing your own writing style, identify the creative choices you are making and how you can develop those choices into a throughline present throughout your novel or series.
Expository
Expository writing is informative in nature, presenting facts, explanations, and analysis on a particular topic in a clear and concise manner.
Persuasive
Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument, often utilizing logic, evidence, and emotional appeal. While persuasive writing can be used in a any number of writing avenues, journalistic and academic writing can all be used in tandem to present facts and argue points to persuade the reader of your point of view.
Argumentative
Like persuasive writing, argumentative writing presents a thesis or claim and supports it with evidence and reasoning, often engaging with counterarguments.
Journalistic
Journalistic writing aims to inform readers about current events or issues, presenting facts and information in a clear and objective manner.
Academic
Academic writing adheres to specific conventions and standards, often involving research, critical analysis, and citation of sources in disciplines such as literature, history, or sociology.
Analytical
Analytical writing involves breaking down complex ideas or concepts, examining their components, and providing insight or evaluation. Some examples of this type of writing could include medical texts, business writing, or any book simply presenting information to gain insight on a particular subject.
Technical
Technical writing communicates specialized information in fields such as science, engineering, or technology, often using precise language and specific terminology.
Identifying Your Writing Style
To help identify your personal writing style, it’s important to take notice of specific patterns, preferences, and tendencies in your writing. Here are some steps to help you pinpoint your writing style:
Reflect on Your Writing
Take some time to review your past writing samples across different genres and topics. Look for recurring themes, tones, and techniques and pay attention to aspects like sentence structure, word choice, and overall tone of voice.
Consider Your Intentions
Think about why you write and what you hope to achieve with your writing. Are you aiming to entertain, inform, persuade, or express yourself creatively? Your intentions can influence both style and tone.
Analyze Feedback
If you've received feedback on your writing from peers, instructors, or editors, consider their comments regarding your style. Are there specific characteristics or strengths they've highlighted consistently?
Explore Different Styles
Experiment with different writing styles and genres to see which ones feel most natural and resonate with you. Try writing in various formats, such as fiction, poetry, essays, or journalistic pieces, and notice which styles you gravitate toward. Start your day with a writing prompt and see where it takes you!
Identify Key Elements
Pay attention to specific elements of your writing style, such as:
As you become more aware of your writing style, continue to refine it. Experiment with new techniques, challenge yourself to write in different styles, and be open to evolving as a writer. Your writing style is not static and may evolve over time as you gain experience, receive feedback, and explore new genres and forms of expression. Embrace your unique voice and style and allow yourself the freedom to experiment and grow as a writer!
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