Writing and style.

[foxmonkey]

I've wondered about this one a lot over the years. Today's question:

Style. Are there writers you can pick out by style alone? If so, what is it that you recognize? If you're a writer, is having a recognizable style important to you? Why or why not?

Comments

[foxmonkey.livejournal.com]

Torch's absolute calm and beautiful control of the language is a favorite.

The first story of hers I ever read was called...I want to say 'Ghost'? I don't think that's right...anyway, it was an X-Files fic, and as you mention above, just a beautifully written piece. I was *stunned* to learn that English isn't her first language. She's amazing. And it's not fair. ;-)

I just think it's easier to write if you have that kind of ease where you're not agonizing over every word, every sentence... well, okay, I do, but that's what I do. I'm okay with that now. :)

I knew someone who wrote that way. She started with an outline, and every sentence was perfectly crafted. I know she told me once that she didn't move on until each sentence was edited to perfection, but she must have been exaggerating. I don't see how anyone could *possibly* write that way. I do know that if she got stuck she did NOT move forward until she'd worked out the stuck bit. Me, I keep going and come back to the sticky patch with fresh eyes.

Now, when I do work on a sticky bit it may be for an hour or so, or hours, but to not move forward *at all* until that's worked out??? YEEKS! I'd still be on the second part of Chasez Lake if I wrote that way. ;-)

Your characters, JC and Justin particularly, have this strength about them, maturity, maybe? Affection.

Thank you! I want them to always be happy and loved. :-)

[silveryscrape.livejournal.com]

I'd still be on the second part of Chasez Lake if I wrote that way.

That would most definitely not be okay. Sure you're not spending too much time editing pt 5? ;)

[Brief CL break. Heart.]

Okay, the perfection of each word and phrase, that would drive me bonkers. Plus, that shuts down the possibilities for what can come after, although admittedly I say that as someone who doesn't write from an overly detailed outline. Like, I know where I want to start, and I have an idea of a few places I want to hit along the way, and sooner or later the end occurs to me... the polishing of words and phrases usually shows up while my subconscious is busy working on the story, and I can't just stop and sit there while it does its thing. Also, sometimes finding the right words shows me a tone or direction I didn't realize until I thought about why they were "right."

Eh, otoh I don't often write long. Maddening. :P