If you look at the great writers of the
past, names which spring to mind might be William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens,
J.R.R.Tolkien, Jane Austen, Mark Twain, George Eliot or any of the other
classic writers from long ago. There is no doubt that these writers were great,
their work has withstood the test of time. But as they picked up their pens –
or quills in some cases, they probably never imagined their stories would still
be being read centuries on. I imagine, as they sat down to write they were
feeling just as apprehensive and uncertain about getting their thoughts and
ideas down on paper, as any novice or experienced writer of today.
Of course, these days, with more opportunity
to know what’s going on in a writer’s head through social media, blogs,
articles etc., we learn that even the most famous, experienced writers have
their off days and writing hang-ups. Nevertheless, writers whose work we know
and admire have all persevered and eventually completed their work, surmounted
their difficulties and got it published.
Think about your favourite authors. If you
analysed why you enjoy their books so much, what would you say?
- They write a cracking good tale.
- The plot is always believable yet full of unexpected twists and turns.
- The characters seem like real people who you become involved with.
- Stories are full of suspense, impossible to put down.
- Their writing is beautiful – simply a joy to read.
- Their descriptions paint vivid scenes in your mind.
- The stories are full of emotion, making you laugh and cry.
- The stories are thought provoking.
Whatever it is about the way an author has
captured your interest, it is unlikely that you would say: “I liked this book
because it reminded me of a book by so-and-so.”
Stories you enjoy have all been written in
that author’s own style, their own voice. They have written it in the way that
was natural to them.
Reading is important to writers. Analysing
the way certain authors write their stories can be a useful lesson in
creativity, but to try and imitate their style is pointless. However, the
public could be waiting for your book or story, written as only you
can – in your own inimitable style.
So, when considering your style don’t fret
because you’ll never be able to write like Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie,
Stephen King, J K Rowling or any other famous name – because no one expects you
to, and no one wants you to. Your style
will come from you, and only you. It will be
your unique style.
Publishers say they are looking for
originality – therefore you have what
they need. We are all unique in our own way. There is no one else quite like
you. No one thinks or acts or writes like you. So, if you write in your own
style, being true to yourself, that originality will shine through.
Improving your style
You won’t find your own style by thinking
about it too much – you find it by writing. The more you write, the more your
style will develop. You may not even notice that you have a particular style,
but others will. However, your style must constantly be worked at and improved
upon by learning the craft, writing and re-writing.
If your style is to simply write the first
thing that comes into your head and leave it that way, then it will be your own
style, but it probably won’t be anything special. Re-writing and editing your
work is as important as getting it down in the first place. If you don’t work
at getting the very best from your writing, then you aren’t being true to
yourself, and success will be a long time coming.
To write good fiction, it is essential to
understand basic grammar and punctuation. Reading your work
aloud will help you to identify any incorrect grammar so that you can rectify it.
Punctuation
Incorrect punctuation is annoying to readers and editors alike. Although a story should get a thorough
line-edit before being published, the writer should ensure their writing is up
to an acceptable standard in the first place. Don’t take it for granted that
someone else will correct your mistakes. Writing is a professional business, so
give yourself the very best chance by presenting your work as professionally as
possible. And that means getting your punctuation correct.
Also, remember that how you punctuate your
writing will either make it flow
beautifully or not. It will either become a joy to read or a jerky,
uncomfortable experience for the reader. The correct punctuation will also
ensure you achieve the desired pace and mood that you want. Incorrect
punctuation can also change the meaning. These examples will make you smile:
A woman
without her man is nothing.
A woman:
without her, man is nothing.
“Let’s
eat Grandpa!”
“Let’s eat,
Grandpa!”
Be
particularly careful with punctuation around dialogue. Remember ALL
punctuation goes inside the speech marks.
“Are you sure about that?” he asked.
“Yes, absolutely!”
“Hey, shouldn’t that be a capital h
on the word he? It does follow a question mark.”
“Nope! If you’re adding a speech tag it’s
lower case if following any punctuation mark except a full stop. If you end the
dialogue with a full stop, you wouldn’t add a speech tag. Your next piece of
narrative would start a new sentence with a capital letter.” With a sigh, she
read what she’d written and moved on.
Paragraphs
There are no hard and fast rules as to the
length of a paragraph. Basically, just as a
sentence centres around one statement, then a paragraph elaborates on that idea. Once that has been
dealt with a new paragraph begins. Of course, when writing fiction and
you have characters talking to one another, start a new paragraph every time
you write a new piece of dialogue from a different character. (More on dialogue
later).
Also, vary those paragraphs. If your page is a continuation of short
paragraphs, it could become irritating to the reader. Or if it is one big chunk
of words without a break, it could become boring and unappealing to the eye.
Be aware that fiction is usually set out
differently to non-fiction. Study published fictional stories to see how new
paragraphs are usually indented.
Clichés
Be careful that familiar expressions and
clichés don’t creep into your narrative. Things like: It was as black as
night; it was as old as the hills; she was no spring chicken. If you find
yourself using expressions that you’re heard many times before, delete them and
come up with a new way of describing something. Your style will not benefit
from churning out old clichés. If you want to use similes and metaphors, create
your own unique ones.
Adjectives
Be careful with adjectives. Too many, too
frequently, can be irritating and seem amateurish – select them with care. Look
for ways of narrating your story without littering it with adjectives. The result will be far more alive and colourful than you would ever have
imagined.
Adverbs
While you might think adding adverbs to enhance your dialogue will improve your work, the opposite is often
the truth. Use adverbs sparingly. It’s too easy to add an adverb to a speech
tag, thinking you’re adding to the effect. But this could be making your work
appear amateurish. E.g. John said happily; Mary answered angrily. Let
the dialogue speak for itself without having to tell the reader how it was
said.
Vocabulary
When looking for the correct word to use,
choose the most natural sounding word that comes instantly to mind. Avoid
searching for pompous or obscure alternatives – they won’t impress anyone. But on the other hand, if a long or obscure
word is the correct word to use in the circumstances, then use it with
confidence.
Today’s Exercise
- Free write for the next five minutes, without any pre-thought, on one of these topics: your pet; your job, your hobby; your house or your garden.
- Read what you have just written and save for future reference. Now re-write, looking to re-phrase or bring in more colour, life and emotion. Having made a start, could you write more on the subject? Keep writing and see where it leads you.
Tomorrow: More tips on improving your own
unique style of writing.
Thank you Rob Tysall, Tysall's Photography for the photos.
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