Ory's writing notes: Introduction, and thoughts on Style.

By OJB · Dec 17, 2016 · 1.7K · 4
  1. Hello everyone,

    It is my intention to create a list of blog series that will cover different aspects of writing, famous works, essays, and Authors. Some of these subjects will be useless to you, and some will not. Which subjects you choose to incorporate into your writing will depend on you, and 'your' style, but what is style?

    Style, I see this word thrown around a lot, and I'm still not 100% sure what it means when people ask "What is my style?" followed by a 3-5 sentence paragraph. In my opinion, it is an impossible question to answer. Style, in my opinion, is the sum total parts of your writing. Do you use simple sentences or complex sentences? Do you use Musical devices, figures of speech, meter, irony, foreshadowing, dreamlike-imagery, allusions, symbolism, and allegories? Do you put in layer after layer of subtext and theme into your work? What are the Tone, Voice, and Diction choice of your work? Narrative-mode? Do you write in MRUs? Or something else? Do you use Scene and Sequel? How do you manipulate the 3-Act story structure? Are your Themes, Characters, and plots deep? Or just simply entertainment? I truly believe it is all these things COMBINED that show a person's style, not just a sentence or two they write down. Of course, I could be wrong, and often I am. Regardless, it is my intention to provide new writers with some free content that will aid them on their way.

    Master list: https://www.writingforums.org/xfa-blog-browse/ojb.79777/month

    Resources:
    https://www.writingforums.org/resources/english-grammar-101.152/ (The best free program I've found to help a writer improve their grammar.)
    https://www.writingforums.org/resources/walt-mcdonald-advice-i-wish-id-been-told.215/ (A must-read Essay For anyone who is interested in creative writing.)
    https://www.writingforums.org/resources/copyright-law.217/ (U.S copyright laws.)
    https://www.writingforums.org/resources/interview-with-ted-kooser.239/ (A podcast interview with Ted Kooser, a famous poet.)

    Important Threads to read:
    1. https://www.writingforums.org/threads/faqs-on-word-count.152108/ (Word count goals for books and genres. Written by the @Tenderiser )

    Blog series on different subjects of writing.
    1. Metrical writing (21 parts): https://www.writingforums.org/entry/a-study-of-metrical-writing-part-1-introduction.63871/

    Blog series on famous works, essays, and Authors.
    1. Clive Barker, a horror writer (Current series): https://www.writingforums.org/entry/horror-a-study-on-clive-barker-part-1-intro.63788/

    2. Lord Tennyson's Idylls of the King, a story about the Rise and Fall of King Arthur, written in Iambic Pentameter (14 parts): https://www.writingforums.org/entry/meter-a-study-of-idylls-of-the-king-part-1-an-introduction.63905/
    ladybird, GuardianWynn and zoupskim like this.

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  1. Lifeline
    I think I agree with your comments on 'Style'. I have never thought so in-depth before, but truly, a writing is more than just the way the author makes sentences and paragraphs flow. The style is about giving voice to the story in your head.

    I certainly think that style is something that grows on the genre you are writing in, and with the amount of writing you do. I know from my own experience that I write now vastly different to when I started over a year ago.
    Lifeline, Dec 18, 2016
      OJB likes this.
  2. PiP
    OJ, this is a useful resource, thank you!

    I am particularly interested in Metrical writing and Lord Tennyson's Idylls of the King,

    As for style, you raise some interesting points. As I mainly focus on poetry I'd never really stopped to consider style as my poetry is still evolving. When I read poetry I do prefer a certain style so we will see.

    With thi in mind I am particulary interested in the link you provided http://www.valpo.edu/vpr/mcdonaldessay.html

    Time for lunch and a good read!
    PiP, Jul 24, 2017
      OJB likes this.
  3. OJB
    Lady,

    That essay is written by a famous U.S poet and aimed at poetry, but the advice in it is so damn good that it can be applied to prose, scripts, and even comics books.
    OJB, Jul 24, 2017
      ladybird likes this.
  4. PiP
    I've had a quick look at Walt McDonald's poetry and I like his style.
    PiP, Jul 24, 2017
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