Can Writing Style be Learned or is it an Innate Talent?

When I was working on my Master's degree in English, my classmates and I were always inundated with reading—assignments for courses and research toward our theses. It was observed that the authors we were studying had a great deal to do with our writing styles. This, however, was a natural phenomenon rather than a deliberate plan.

A good writing style doesn't call attention to itself. It is easily readable and compact, making it accessible to a wide audience. This ease can be seen in both respected and popular authors whose works have shaped my own writing process.

Influential Authors: Shaping My Style

I can speak only for myself, but my writing style evolved largely from the influence of two particular authors whose works I greatly admired and enjoyed.

First was Laura Kinsale, a bestselling romance author who launched her career in the 1980s with numerous critically acclaimed books. Her eloquent and sophisticated style, rich with subtext and hidden meanings, provided me with the confidence to develop deep and complex plots and characters. Her prolific writing taught me that quality over quantity can be valuable, and I no longer worry about word count. The novel will be as many pages as it needs to be to tell the full story.

Second was Margaret Moseley, whose friendly and easygoing style felt more intimate and casual. Her writing style was like having a conversation with a friend, rather than laying down a formal story. This approach taught me the importance of being relatable and personable in my writing.

The Evolution of Writing Style

A writing style is more akin to a personal brand; after extensive practice, readers learn to recognize and identify an author by the way they write. This is typically a natural outgrowth of an author's experiences and skills. Simply copying or imitating another author's style would feel awkward and unnatural. Most often, your fans will notice your 'style' before you do, as you are more focused on the work at hand and making it just 'work.' The detailed nuances become second nature with practice.

Writing styles are best cultivated through continuous practice and inspiration from other authors. While certain writers who actively work together may develop similar styles in parallel, this is more a sign of familiarity and teamwork rather than direct imitation. Think of it as developing a distinctive writing voice, rather than borrowing someone else's unique phrasing.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a writing style is a blend of personal preference, experience, and the influence of other respected authors. It is a process of self-discovery and refinement, making it more of an art than a science. Embrace your influences and use them as a springboard to develop your own unique voice that resonates with your readers.