Tuesday, July 8, 2014

A Writer's Style?

I'm thinking, hair pulled back, yoga pants, T-shirt, laptop, cup o' tea or coffee, in front of a big window, watching the story playing out in her mind. Wow is that cliche, or what?
Well, that's pretty close to my style, and I kinda like it. It works for me.  But, as a writer, I'm almost clueless when it comes to my style. I'm a newbie. I am new to the world of writers and writing. I was never much of a writer when I was young, like many writers were. I took the minimum amount of English courses in college. I never kept a diary or a journal. And, up until my children got older, I wasn't much of a reader. I was, however, a daydreamer. I've been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. I have spent quit a bit of time in trouble for daydreaming when I should have been doing something else.
So, how am I supposed to know what my writing style is, when I've had very little practice. And, that practice was about fifteen years ago. Am I a plotter or a pantser? Should I outline everything about my plot or just fly by the seat of my pants?
Well, I'd read. And, then I read some more. And, I still read about writing. I have been studying the writer's craft for several years now. I've found that many authors have chosen a side, they know what works best for them. Some might plot for one story and let it fly for the next. Even more seem to be somewhere in the middle of the road, plotting parts then letting the story coalesce around them. It's a highly debated issue in some circles, as well. So, how do I know what my style is?
Well, this is the plan. I'll write. Write a lot. Practice makes perfect, right? Within all that writing I should be able to gather, at least, half a clue as to where my comfort zone is. From there I'm pretty sure I'll need to try a little of both, try the pants thing and then the the plotting. I'll keep reading, and learning from others. The one thing that matters most is, whatever works best for me. I can't forget it.
Although, I don't think I'll ever have one of those epiphany moments when I look at my clutter and go, "Oh my god, this is my style." I do believe that with time, a little trial and error, and a lot of love for the stories I want to bring into the world, I'll find the style that works best for me and it will be mine.  

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