4‌ ‌Styles‌ ‌of‌ ‌Writing‌ ‌and‌ ‌How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Decide‌ ‌Which‌ ‌to‌ ‌Use

Your goal, whether writing fiction or nonfiction, should be to paint word pictures vivid enough to engage the theater of your reader’s mind. Readers love to be educated and entertained, but they remember forever when they’re emotionally moved.

So deciding which you’ll employ of the four main writing styles is crucial to leaving a powerful impression on the page. Study these so you can settle on whichever best helps you find your unique writing voice.

The 4 Main Writing Styles

1. Expository

What it does: Explains or describes.

It answers what, why, and how with facts, not opinion.

You’ll find expository writing in:

News articles
Cookbooks
Historical accounts
Scientific and medical journals and articles
Textbooks
Instruction manuals
Self-help books

It may include quotes, links, tables, charts, and citations of  sources.

It’s function is to highlight key points and facts.

2. Descriptive

What it does: Offers a clear, concise description of a person, place, thing, or event, designed to engage readers’ senses and trigger the theaters of their minds.

The best descriptive writing avoids spoon feeding every detail to the reader, but rather offers just enough information to engage his senses. It can be found in every kind of writing.(Show, don’t tell)

3. Persuasive

What it does: Provokes action in the reader.

It’s aim is to argue, using evidence that backs a certain perspective. It can be direct and  bold and is found in:

Opinion pieces and editorials
Advertising copy
Academic papers
Cover letters
Letters of recommendation
Product reviews
Speeches

4. Narrative

What it does: Tells a story. It has a plot, setting, and characters—a beginning, middle, and end.

You’ll find narrative writing in:

Novels
Stage and Screenplays
Memoirs
Creative nonfiction
Short stories
Fables
Myths

How to Decide Which Writing Style to Use

Your unique voice (what you say) and tone (how you say it) set you apart.

Ferociously self edit. Rewrite. Repeat. (All writing is rewriting.)

Rules to remember within each style:

Expository

Answer what, why, or how.
Stick to facts
Avoid revealing your bias
Cite expert sources

Descriptive

Show, don’t tell
Engage the reader’s senses
Don’t spoon feed description; suggest
Use literary devices like metaphors and similes

Persuasive

Know where your audience is coming from
Acknowledge opposing views
Rely on credible credible (documented) facts
Appeal to the heart of the reader

Narrative

Determine your narrator (Point of View)
Develop your plot and characters
Create a strong story and character arc
Give readers a satisfying conclusion

Still struggling? Take my Free Writing Assessment and get personalized advice on how to improve.

The post 4‌ ‌Styles‌ ‌of‌ ‌Writing‌ ‌and‌ ‌How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Decide‌ ‌Which‌ ‌to‌ ‌Use appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips.