Every writer has a writing style, which encompasses many things. It is basically how a writer puts together words to create an effect or impart information. A good writer will be able to convincingly use different styles for different subjects and different reader niches. There is no easy or quick way to find your own unique style. It takes a lot of practice and effort. Here are some tips to help you along.
1. Check your tone
Is your writing conveying the feelings you want it to do? This is the tone of a book, by which you induce feelings in the readers. Tone is mostly discernible in the dialogue of your characters, though your choice of words in the narrative can be a choice in tone as well. Tone needs to come naturally, so don’t push yourself too hard to write something that you cannot feel. Be true to yourself. If you don’t believe in your book, you can’t expect others to do so.
2. Experiment
Every author has a unique style, and there are many different writing styles an author can use. Start writing small snippets, short reviews of books and movies, short stories, and blog posts. Write whatever you feel like writing and once you are done, read through it aloud. Observe the different techniques that other authors use and try out the ones you like. Over time, your writing will take on its own unique perspective and you will find your own unique writing style.
3. Read a lot
Read a lot. A versatile reader is the one who will be able to produce good writing. Reading helps you absorb the different ways books can be written and which appeals to you best. For this to work, you need to get out of your comfort zone and read books on many different genres, written by different authors. You will realize that there are many different ways in which a book can be written. When you begin to write your own book, this awareness and knowledge will help you develop a style of your own.
4. Set a limit for author presence
There are times when an author writes themselves into the story. This can be done by heavily influencing the storyline to send a message across to the reader. Your story can contain your own specific opinions on social, political, international and historical issues. But this must be very subtly woven into the narrative. Most readers are not interested in reading a polemic by an author, so set a firm limit for author presence in the book.
5. Write for yourself
Last, but not the least, write for yourself. It is good to learn from the great artists who have written wonderful novels over the years. It is good to be aware of the styles of your favorite authors. But if your book must have an authentic voice, write for your own pleasure and satisfaction. Work on your weak points, but if something is making you uncomfortable, leave it alone and concentrate on your strengths. And above all, enjoy your writing.
Image credit: Ross Griff on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
Kavitha is a freelance content writer and French translator, and has been working in this field since 2008. She has degrees in computer applications and international business and has a background in business and international trade. She enjoys learning languages and is currently learning Japanese. Her interests vary from books and writing to travelling and history.