Writing Style: A Writer’s Fingerprint

In the same way, a brushstroke is unique to an artist, so it’s a writer’s writing style. If you love books as much as I do, you’ve probably noticed that each book has its own personality. I am not talking about grammar and syntax (that applies to all books). I’m talking about how the words flow on the page; some are more lyrical than others. Some are simple yet captivating. A writing style is the fingerprint of each author. Although there might be some similarities, there won’t be two identical ones (unless it was plagiarized, and that’s another subject).

According to Literary Terms, “In literature, style is the way in which an author writes and/or tells a story. It’s what sets one author apart from another and creates the “voice” that audiences hear when they read.”

Let’s take a few examples from twentieth-century writers. Many authors, professors, and pundits have said that Hemingway’s writing style was concise, direct, and realistic. His simplicity and directness were a breath of fresh air. Unlike other authors, he steered clear of verbosity and embellishment.

Another example of minimalism is Raymond Carver. He didn’t pepper the story with unnecessary details to describe his characters or setting.

John Steinbeck was careful in how he used his words, especially in dialogues. Some say that although he was straightforward, he was also descriptive. An interesting combination, I would say. Also, because he was curious about the human psyche, his style tended to be realistic. 

George Orwell’s style, like Steinbeck’s, is effortless and rather journalistic. Like Carver, one of his writing traits was avoiding unnecessary imagery or ornate descriptions. Instead, he narrated so precisely, making each word weight while describing his characters and settings without the verboseness.

Do you have a unique writing style? Do you emulate your favorite author(s)?

Divine Guidance or Plain Brilliance?

I believe some people are born with a pen in their grip, you know, those whose writing is as easy as breathing. And, there are some that have to learn the process and hone this craft through extensive practice. I fall into the latter group. When I first started writing, I wanted to be brilliant. Why couldn’t I be like Woolf, Steinbeck, or Hemingway? Thank heavens for my supportive mentors who’ve encouraged me to continue writing even when I felt like quitting. They kept pushing me (and still do so) to improve my newly acquired skill. My childhood friend and my sister are my number one fans, and I’m grateful to them. They believe in me, in my writing, even when I doubt myself.

Lately I’ve experienced something really peculiar: I feel as if someone is whispering in my ear the right words. As I stop to search for a specific word, one that will make an impact in that sentence or paragraph, it pops in my head and travels to my fingers. I don’t know if it’s something visceral, divine, or pragmatic. I’d like to think it’s divine or spiritual. Imagine! Being surrounded by the spirit of the great Masters whispering the right words in your ear.

I wish I had the answer to that, but since I don’t, I’ll just keep honing my skill. In the end what matters is that you love what you do, hence creating brilliant stories.

Has writing come easy to you?