About.com on Fiction Writing defines writing style as, “the way you write, as opposed to what you write about (though the two things are definitely linked). It results from things like word choice, tone, and syntax. It’s the voice readers “hear” when they read your work.”
Wikipedia (the definite source on writing :)) defines writing style as, “the manner in which an author chooses to write to his or her audience. A style reveals both the writer’s personality and voice, but it also shows how she or he perceives the audience, and chooses conceptual writing style which reveal those choices by which the writer may change the conceptual world of the overall character of the work. This might be done by a simple change of words; a syntactical structure, parsing prose, adding diction, and organizing figures of thought into usable frameworks.”
I have had a few reviews lately that have commented on my style and it’s surreal once you hear how others hear your words. All of the below excerpts were taken from Amazon reviews:
“The writing is clean and direct with very little flourish.”
“I was quickly entranced by the writing style as I partook in this unique, fascinating adventure. L.E. Waters captures scenery and dialogue with such ease that it’s easy to picture in your head, everything rolls naturally. No stilting, no rushing, no forcing.”
“I had never thought I would enjoy historical fiction however, it is written in such a way that it flows within the story and is very realistic.”
“The author’s writing is clean and well-done, and Waters does an excellent job giving a richness to the worlds her characters inhabit, while still staying historically accurate (at least as far as my somewhat meager knowledge of ancient cultures goes). Her characters are nicely complex while still being likable (that is, they’re not goody two-shoes, but neither are they evil).
“I found the writing to be somewhat flat; it didn’t feel like there was much action going on. I enjoyed the premise, but found the implementation lacking.”
(Oh well, you can’t make everyone happy)
I’ve looked up what clean writing implies and it seems it’s a direct, uncluttered delivery with minimal descriptions, that’s easy to read. So I can see why some may like this non-flowery narrative and others may detest it.
Did I set out to write like this? No. I really wasn’t aware, but I do tend to get itchy reading all the detail in a Dickens or Austen novel (yet I still love them!) and I have been known to roll my hands rudely when someone tells a story in such a way, “Last Monday night—no, I think it was actually Tuesday and it was late afternoon…”
When I was researching how to revise and attract an agent I read that it was best not use adverbs, slash out needless words, and never use more than two adjectives to describe something within the same sentence. So I obeyed, and with the long list of characters I have it’s probably best to keep everything else simple. But I also write from two male POV and one Spartan female POV(more masculine than most females) in the first book. In these three lives I tried to be more direct and laconic. I wonder if readers noticed that I softened things slightly with the last female POV? I’ve yet to receive any comments about style on my second book but I’m curious to see if my ‘clean’ style is consistent.
Dashiell Hammett, author of The Maltese Falcon, once said, “It is the beginning of the end when you discover you have a style.”
Are you aware of your writing style? Have reviewers or classmates surprised you with comments on your style? Have you ever attempted to change your style? Is it the kiss of death to realize your style?
laurenwaters 
The whole writing style topic is so interesting. I’ve even noticed some authors change their writing style with time, so it doesn’t always remain constant.
I also noticed (and enjoyed) that your writing style is direct yet captivating – not an easy balance! I am not a fan of flowery, over-descriptive writing.
I wouldn’t say that it is a bad thing to know your style. I find it more fascinating and it makes me feel unique, I suppose. I think it’s a good thing when readers can pinpoint your style – it means that your writing has made an impact.
I have a hard time diagnosing style. I think unconsciously I’m aware, but I struggle to put it into words. I’m amazed that some are astute enough to sum it up in one or two sentences.
I love how concise and pure your writing is. There wasn’t one tangent or unnecessary detail. I don’t know if this is considered a style, but you are a master of cliff-hanger chapters!
Oooh thank you so much, Lauren! 😀 I appreciate the kind words. xx
It’s all true, Sara! After reading Followed I said to myself, I really need to end my chapters like she does.
You made my day. Thank you. *Hugs*
Great topic! I have yet to get my work out there but I would say my writing is…detailed and slow haha. I am aware of this style being boring but hey, it comes out that way! My parents say they like it though but they also thought my stick figure people with giant eyes and arms coming out of their heads were beautiful. Oh well!
As a fan, I’d agree with your writing being easy to read even when the info is heavy in historical context. I always looked forward to finding out how you’d weave your stories. I was almost always surprised, never predictable.
You crack me up, Erin. Having had the privilege of beta reading your “detailed and slow” style I would say it’s anything but boring. I think you are a master with character depth and feed your reader gradually (but heartily) with enough plot progression to keep your reader glued to the page. The only thing that’s slow is how long it’s taking you to publish it!…haha. Okay, okay, you have the good excuse that you had a baby during the whole process, but I expect to your debut novel out soon :p
Haha! I know, I know. I need to get back to it.
Thanks for the kind words. I only hope people feel the same. I guess that’s all our hope!
Good decision! Two adjectives in a single sentence makes my scalp itch. 🙂
Hi Dayla! I’m guilty of using two adjectives occasionally, but it’s a good thing I cut it down to one or two or you’d be pulling hair out :p
I must double up sometimes too, because I know about the comma rule and use it frequently. 🙂
Wow. This is so interesting. How cool it must be as a writer to see what anonymous people are saying about your writing style. I’ve only had friends and family (and crit partners) reading my stuff so far, so obviously, they aren’t going to give me feedback like you’d get from and Amazon review.
I love that multiple people commented on your style! They must be on to something. 🙂 I think having a clean, straightfoward style is a compliment. It makes for a fun, easy read.
I have no idea what my style is. Maybe when I join you in epub land I’ll find out!!
It is so scary! You get used to after awhile, but it’s strange to see what someone says about your book who doesn’t care at all how it affects you personally. There is obviously bad and good with that. The best part is that you know it must be completely honest. Given that writers do rely on so many people within their circles to give them feedback, I think something deep down always wonders, are they just humoring me? Workshops are still affected by this because people might be kinder (although my workshop was fairly brutal) to someone’s face. I can’t wait until you join me in epub land! You have such a great platform already! By your fantastic blogs and contests I can tell you’ll be well received.
Your writing style is awesome, Lauren! I feel like I’m inside the character’s head the entire time. I did notice how you softened the style with that last female character. I think I’m yet to find my style, but now I’ll be more aware of how I write 🙂
Thanks so much, Yesenia! I’m so glad you noticed the change in narrative with the last female. From reading your short story, I would say you have an intimate and sensory style. You are able to convey emotions and character traits seamlessly within the flow of the story in only a few pages. Great, great ability! I can’t wait to see what you do with a novel!
Someone in a writing workshop at school commented on my style. They were complementary, but I don’t remember what they said. I just remember thinking they were being pretentious and didn’t have enough experience, at 19, to be credible.
That said, I agree that your style is clean and easy to read without being simplistic. I sometimes wonder about my own, but I don’t think I’m ready yet to say it has matured. I’m thinking I’m still finding my way there.
Thank you so much for the compliment, Melody. I’ve never thought about style as I wrote, maybe it’s best that way. Once you publish I’m sure you’ll find out 🙂
Style is such an interesting thing – once you try to have a certain style, it almost certainly goes away! Strange, isn’t it? But I do love your style, which is part of why I love reading your stories – although your premise, characterization, and descriptions are possibly the biggest reason I love them so much! 😀
I’m so glad you like my style because I don’t know what I’d do without my amazing crit partner! I better not think about this too much since I can’t have my style change mid-series!