Writing style isn’t about fancy words or elaborate sentences—it’s about the way you see the world and how that translates onto the page. It’s the rhythm of your sentences, the words you favor, the way you structure ideas. The best styles feel natural, effortless, and completely unique to the writer. Here’s how to develop yours.
Write How You Talk (But Better)
Good writing sounds like a conversation—not like someone trying too hard. If your sentences feel stiff or overly formal, loosen up. Imagine explaining your ideas to a friend. Would you actually say thus or henceforth in real life? Probably not. Write in a way that feels natural, then tighten it up so it flows smoothly.
That doesn’t mean copying casual speech exactly—spoken language is full of filler, rambling, and unfinished thoughts. Good writing captures the rhythm and personality of speech while removing the fluff.
Pay Attention to the Words You Gravitate Toward
Every writer has favorite words and phrases, whether they realize it or not. Some lean on short, punchy sentences. Others favor lyrical, flowing prose. Look through your past writing—what patterns do you notice? Do you describe things in a direct, minimal way, or do you enjoy building atmosphere with rich details? Recognizing your natural tendencies helps you refine them into a consistent style.
Experiment with Different Voices
Your style isn’t set in stone—it evolves with time and practice. Try writing the same paragraph in different tones: poetic, humorous, matter-of-fact. Rewrite it like a detective novel, a news report, a diary entry. Play with extremes to see what feels right.
The goal isn’t to imitate, but to understand how different approaches affect the way your writing feels. Eventually, you’ll settle into a voice that feels like you.
Cut What Feels Forced
Anything that doesn’t feel natural probably isn’t. If a sentence sounds off when you read it aloud, it’s worth tweaking. If a word feels like something you’d never say, it probably doesn’t belong. Good writing has personality, but forced quirkiness or over-the-top flourishes just get in the way.
A strong style isn’t about trying to stand out—it’s about being true to how you think and communicate.
Borrow (Then Make It Your Own)
Every writer is influenced by others. The trick isn’t avoiding influence—it’s knowing how to absorb and transform it. Pay attention to writers you admire. What makes their style compelling? Is it the pacing? The sentence structure? The sharpness of their observations?
Take what resonates with you and make it yours. Don’t copy—adapt. If you admire Hemingway’s clarity, practice cutting unnecessary words. If you love Joan Didion’s introspection, lean into personal reflection. Over time, what you borrow blends with your natural tendencies, becoming something uniquely yours.
Embrace Your Strengths (And Own Your Oddities)
Some writers are masters of minimalism. Others have a knack for humor. Some create rich, atmospheric descriptions, while others write with a razor-sharp edge. Whatever comes naturally to you, lean into it. The things you do effortlessly are often what make your style distinctive.
At the same time, don’t be afraid of your quirks. Maybe you overuse em dashes, or have a habit of writing in fragments. Maybe your dialogue is sharp but your descriptions are sparse. Instead of trying to smooth out every imperfection, refine what makes your writing yours.
Trust the Process
Style isn’t something you decide on—it’s something you discover through writing, rewriting, and writing some more. The more you create, the more your voice will emerge. Don’t overthink it. Just write, and your style will find you.
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