You’ve Got Style — A Writing Style That Is
By: Kelly Neuer
Tags: Writers Life, Joy, Creativity, Writing, Self-awareness

You’ve Got Style — A Writing Style That Is

Photo by Ahmed Carter on Unsplash

There is no “should” when it comes to how writers write.

Writers are a breed of their own. We chew on words like cows with a cud.

We spill our guts and self-criticize every step of the way.

We’re usually always trying to get better.

We’re currently reading this article to see if anything here will make us better.

HA! I love writers.

However, who cares what others say about what will or won’t make you a better writer? The only way you will ever find out how to improve your craft, if that’s what you’re looking to do, begins with identifying and accepting your writing style.

Self-awareness. Self-acceptance. Just lean into it.

Whether you like it or not…you’ve got a style. Trying to change it may not even be worth the trouble.

So figure it out, keep writing, and learn as you grow.

Which over-exaggerated style speaks to your nature?

The Easy Street Writer

Oh hey, yeah. I’m just going to sit down and see what happens. I’m feeling pretty relaxed and maybe a little creative. Let me put on some tunes and just let my mind wander around for a bit. Oh yeah, this is pretty nice. I think I’ll just take a little break and come back to that. Oh sure, I can meet you for brunch. I’ll just revisit my article later. No worries. Hmm, this turned out pretty great. Maybe I’ll see if anyone will publish it. Oh, I’m published. Cool. What’s for dinner?

Embrace It: This is a pleasurable process. You’ve created an environment of balance for yourself between writing and living. Creating a judgment-free space for your creativity is what brings you the most joy. When a process is enjoyable, people tend to want to repeat it.

The Defcon 1 Writer

Shit! I have one day to finish this. Nope, 10 hours. Nope, 30 minutes. Leave me alone, don’t look at me, don’t talk to me! I’m at Defcon 1! Sit down and crank out an entire piece. Minimal edits. Well, that probably could have been a bit better, but I’m cool with it. Boom. Done. I’m sure someone will tell me if it sucks. Hey man, what’s up? Wanna go get some grub?

Embrace It: You may have a rebellious type of personality in which you don’t do anything until you actually want to do it. Yes, this comes with heavy tendencies to procrastinate until the very last minute, but that’s okay. You’ve been enjoying your other activities. Plus, you probably thrive under pressure. That’s a pretty great skill to have in life.

The Metronome Writer

Steady. Stable. Constant. Whatever the writing session brings, I am firmly seated in my designated writing space every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 8 am - 3 pm, without fail. I make no plans, no accommodations. No exceptions. I am a workhorse and I will produce results. Revere me for I am a twinge of jealously in every writer’s soul. And I will out-work the world.

Embrace It: Consistency is your best friend. You have found a process that works for you. If it works and you still enjoy your time before, after, and during your process then keep steady. Eventually, the people around you will come to know and accept your schedule. These are the ones who support you in what is important to you.

The Already Have a Full-Time Job With Benefits Writer

I’m at work from 9 am - 5 pm every day. I love writing. Writing is my awesome side hustle. If I can’t get to it one day, I’ll get to it the next. However, when I am in the mood to be writing every day, then I’m up early or going to bed late. Using talk-to-text in my car on the way to and from work. Probably, no, most definitely, jotting down headline ideas when I should be focused on the report that’s due next week. No one can see my screen though…I’m okay. Maybe I’ll publish some stuff soon.

Embrace It: You’re fueled by inspiration, not desperation. Inspiration can feel like riding a high. So, ride the high. Enjoy it when it’s there and maybe one day it will turn into something more. Or maybe remain a hobby. No pressure.

The Emotional Vomitous Writer

Usually in the shower. A word comes to mind. It gnaws a little bit. A few words start to string together. Then a phrase appears. It’s too long to remember and too good to forget by the time this damn shower is over. Dear Lord…I’ve got to write this down! Paper! Computer! Whatever. The words are flowing, they are coming up from the gut. Gotta get out, gotta get free. Sweat, anxiety. Let me out! Whew…that was intense. What just happened? I think my heart just pulled a hamstring. Dang…this is pretty good. Yeah…now this is something I can work with.

Embrace It: You are a passionate person. When inspired you feel it in every cell. The very words you write are parts of your heart splashed on paper. This process can make impactful and heartfelt pieces. There is vulnerability here. Editing may be a bit difficult at times because you’re probably highly attached to your words. However, when editing with a clear, slightly unattached, mind, you wield a powerful tool.