Style is one of the most powerful and undervalued tools in a writer’s arsenal. A distinct style gives authors and their work a voice that separates them from the rest, creating a personality of their own. Style has been used since ancient times as a means of expression and a way to communicate with people in a meaningful, unspoken language.
When most people think of style, they immediately think of fashion and personal style, the way a person dresses, grooms or designs their outfits. But style is much more than just clothing, it’s the underlying essence of the author’s work.
Every author has a unique style, whether they write fiction or nonfiction. This style can be viewed in several ways, from the overall tone of the writing to the specific word choice and sentence structure. It’s the gestalt of all of these decisions, both conscious and unconscious, that make up an author’s style.
Tone is an important aspect of style, as it reflects the writer’s attitude toward the subject and how they approach the topic. For example, if a writer has an angry attitude toward the topic they’re writing about, it will affect their style.
Diction is another important aspect of style, as it influences the meaning of words. For example, a writer may use words with negative connotations or poetic metaphors, which can impact how their work is read. In addition, a writer’s style can be affected by their pacing and how fast or slow they write.
A writer’s style is also influenced by literary traditions and styles that have been used in the past. For example, Ernest Hemingway’s style was characterized by simple language and direct sentences. Other writers, such as Dr. Seuss, have a very distinct and identifiable style that sets them apart from other writers.
Style can also be a tool for expressing an author’s personality, which can influence how readers respond to the work. For example, an author might express a strong sense of humor in their work through figurative language or sarcasm. This can make the piece more interesting and engaging for readers.
There are many different ways to define a writer’s style, but the most effective way is to practice and experiment. Try new things, see how they fit you, and then choose which ones best suit your personality. There are plenty of resources online that can help you identify your style, and you can even create a fashion board on Pinterest to help visualize your unique style. Ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun and be yourself!