Young writers often develop their own style as they go along, spending days writing texts, rereading them many times, making corrections, fixing mistakes, removing unnecessary words, and trying to diversify their arsenal of literary techniques. In the process, unsuccessful word combinations are weeded out and replaced with new, more expressive ones. However, it is not necessary to let the process of developing an individual style take its course. Here is some advice.
1) Read only good books
Good literature not only stimulates the thought process and awakens the senses: you can and should learn the techniques of writing from the masters of the word. However, it is important to avoid blind imitation and choose suitable examples of literary creativity.
It is better to study the works of famous masters of the word not as a reader who simply enjoys the style and plot. Look at the literature of distinguished authors as a writer: analyze literary techniques, adopt certain turns of phrase. Unfortunately, this approach is less enjoyable, but it is more useful.
2) Develop your literary taste and sense of text
The ability to harmoniously pack words into sentences is partly an innate quality that can be compared to musical ear. Without a philological flair, it is unlikely that you will be able to write good texts, but if you have at least some talent, that’s already something. You can gradually develop it.
Reading high-quality books will help you develop your literary taste. At a certain level, it will be useful to edit other people’s works. Stylistic errors are more noticeable in other people’s texts. When faced with an unreadable work by another author, you inevitably try to express your narrative in a more thoughtful and harmonious way in your own work.
3) Work on the structure of the text
A certain type of sentence gives your writing recognizability. Also, in some niches of writing, it is important to pay attention to the use of certain parts of speech. For example, verbs give the narrative dynamics and power, enlivening the text. Works with a large number of verbs are considered to be written in a “masculine” style.
If the author wants to make the work more elaborate, tries to be more emotional, more precise in descriptions, then he uses more adjectives and participles. Such texts are considered “feminine.” The gender orientation of the style is chosen depending on the potential audience.
Parcellation is also acceptable in fiction. This is a technique in which short, incomplete sentences are used in part of the narrative. Parcellation is used to create a slow-motion effect, focus the reader’s attention on certain details, enhance the effect of the duration of the action, etc.
And in conclusion
Style in the broad sense is a multifaceted concept. It reflects a person’s individuality in clothing, communication, and literature. Distinctive personalities develop their own individual style. Over time, it can change in accordance with personal metamorphoses — becoming more emotional or harsher, calmer or more dynamic.
The absence of an author’s style indicates that the creative personality has not yet formed, and the person is simply trying to imitate their favorite writers. There are many faceless texts on the internet. Examples of failed creativity are full of clichés and lack variety in stylistic techniques.
It is possible to reach a new level, but to do so, you need to experiment with style, change your manner of presentation by using different types of sentences, etc. Short stories and essays are suitable for such experiments. You don’t need to spend weeks poring over your computer to write them, and your friends and acquaintances will be happy to read short texts, so there will be no problems with feedback.
