How to Develop a Narrative Voice for Fiction
Creative Writing Tips for Developing Writing Style for Novels
Aug 3, 2009
One’s encounter with many novels will show that every writer has a unique writing style. Some writers have so-honed their craft, it might even be possible to identify who they are simply by reading an excerpt from one of their novels.
What is Writing Style?
The beginner may be overwhelmed by many masters and may unconsciously emulate the style of someone they admire. Such phases are often part of the learning process as the writer develops and learns about writing.
Writing style is not always easy to define, but a simplified example can be seen by analysing the difference between writers of the 1900s and of today. Austen and Eliot, for example, employed lots of descriptive passages to portray the atmosphere of the location and the characters. By contrast, Koontz and Brown got straight to the action with little such description. Rowling’s simple and humorous narrative of the Potter stories describes a rich and dense plot. Shrivner’s account of Kevin is dense and highly detailed in portraying more straightforward events.
Creative Writing Activities to Improve Writing
The best way to evaluate one’s writing style is often to read it aloud. The voice that resides in the inner ear will not always be able to reveal if a breather is needed in a meandering sentence or if there are too many clauses and subclauses complicating the meaning of a passage. When striving to improve the writing style, consider the following:
- Are the sentences too long? Can they be cut in two?
- Are there too many adjectives, adverbs and lengthy descriptive passages that need paring down?
- Are there too many abstract concepts where the concrete could make it clearer, for example to describe emotions?
- Look out for superfluous words. Cutting will often streamline and clarify the meaning.
- Are any paragraphs too lengthy? Look for a shift in narrative direction that might provide a break.
- Do sentences or paragraphs end with a weak word, for example, it or something? If so, try rejigging it to end with a more evocative word.
- Are any of the meanings obscure or equivocal? If so, simplify the expression.
- Do any clichés lurk within? Look for a more unusual way of expressing something.
- Are there any forced attempts at being funny or philosophical or whatever is in vogue? If so, the reader will instinctively know. Let the writing happen naturally without trying too hard.
- Look out for grammatical errors and typos
Creative Writing Ideas and Advice
Perhaps most importantly, do the words flow seamlessly from one sentence to the next? Is it easy to read and understand? With practice, the writer’s instinct will sharpen up and one will gain a feeling for what sounds right. Critical analysis of one’s writing style, will certainly help the writer improve and develop their own writing style. Beyond this, one must read, read, read, and write, write and write.
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