RankMost active authors
1
Jan Phillips (35)
2
louis kasatkin (93)
3
Eddie Larkin (95)
4
computer101 (31)
5
brian dunn (186)
6
Truthwielder (58)
7
RedeemedAshes (21)
8
evakaye (272)
9
The Unforgiving Minute (18)
10
Adrian (18)
11
angeliki largatzis (11)
12
troy universe (17)
13
Wombat (47)
14
CaseyPowers (20)
15
Doggerel Banksy (6)
16
notebook (157)
17
bobthebuilder (6)
18
Rai Pager (21)
19
jimbob (31)
20
bowenlizzie (4)
21
wolfeyesofgoldenrays (199)
22
will2power (38)
23
churchmouse (435)
24
Aurora (10)
25
navlohoe (38)

It's all just a question of style

By rowland | Posted: 02 December 2008

Views: 441
It's all just a question of style

Someone recently asked me in what style do I write. I pondered this question for a while and then had to reply that I didn't really know. Now, if you really knew me, you would know that the reply I gave was totally out of character for someone so pragmatic and that I would not rest until I found out the answer.
So, what is writing style? Does it change or vary with the subject/genre. When John Ruskin the famous 19th century critic expounded his theory of economics, his language and written work was precise and pragmatic; yet when he described the landscapes of his friend Turner he often became lyrical and dithyrambic; and when denouncing the new innovative architectural designs of the 20th century he could in his writing become savage and sarcastic.  So, does style change with the personality of the writer. One writer could be outgoing and optimistic while the other could be solemn and pessimistic. One sees the humorous aspect of things; and the other inclined to ridicule or be contemptuous. I can think of many examples of men and women writers today who are modest and self effacing in their private lives, but yet dominating and even violent whenever they take up the pen. It is also a fact that some of the most pragmatic of modern day writers can and do become sentimental just as easily as changing the channels on their TV sets. So, where does that leave me and the question that to be truthful was now starting to irritate. Was I missing something? Was it because I didn't know what style I wrote in the reason that I wasn't famous, or the reason I had not written that blockbuster. Then suddenly it hit me. A writer's style is a distinctive as their walk, their mode of dress, or personal habits. A writer has favorite words, a favorite way of punctuating a favorite genre as much as they have favorite foods, and pastimes. Essentially, writers are a part of themselves, but can change with the mood or occasion. So, in future, when I am asked in what style I write, the answer will be, I write in an unmistakable style of my own.
All articles on this website by rowland are copyright ©rowland and should not be reproduced without the author's prior written consent. All opinions are the opinions of their respective authors and are not necessarily the opinions of The Writers' Circle.
Comments 
wild bill28
04 December 2008
I fell that you are right we are all different I am not much of a writer but
I enjoy using my imagination I some time start of a day dream wile at work start writing and some have said to slow it down but it comes so quick that if I cant keep up I well lose parts of it so that has me trying to cram as much and as fast as I can its funny I write my wife a note then ask her if she read it and she says I cant read it
rowland
04 December 2008
Hi Wildbill,
As a young child I had an imagination that my parents always said extended further than my years. Sometimes, it got me into trouble and sometimes I got that look, the one you know that says, is this child crazy or what. I also had daydreams of what I would do with my life long before I would have the opportunity to do anything about it. It seemed at times that my life was all turmoil from which at times I was desperate for release but at other times it inspired me greatly.  As a child I was always writing or had my head in a book. I was fascinated with fiction of any kind and would often lose myself for days on end in the story I was reading at the time.  Unfortunately, at this time in the early fifties a vivid imagination and a tendency to day dream were considered strange behaviour for a young child and sometimes cause for referral.

Even now as an adult in my twilight years I still have a vivid imagination and use it in my writing whenever the mood takes me. For me, it is a rare gift that allows me to venture into places where I have never been. To write about things that I have never seen and to empathise with emotions I have never experienced.  I am not the norm and never have been, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you look at some of the World's most adventurous authors Wilbur Smith for one. His splendid, vivid and exquisite narratives about the wild and wonderful continent of South Africa is spell bounding and brings home unbelievably his rare gift of imagination. Others, just as famous write about things that they could never experience and probably wouldn't want to when one reads Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" or "The Exorcist" by William Peter Blatty. 

Being able to write is truly a wonderful thing that allows someone to be whatever they want.  So don't ever give up your day dreaming or your imagination. I can tell from your comment that it gives you great pleasure and without it you would not be you.  All my life I have carried with me a small booklet in which I jot reminders whenever I see or hear things that  I like or  could use in my writing. Maybe this could work for you?
Good writing 
Regards
Don9307
27 January 2009
Well put.

Writer
rowland

Total posts:
105
Roles: Writer
Xabia Alicante, SPAIN
Rowland has been writing for pleasure all his life. His first award for writing came in 1953 aged nine years when he won a UK school story writing competition and has been smitten with the writing bug ... (Read more)