This blog post is by Connie S., Quincie Douglas Library.
Do you want to be catapulted forward by thrilling plot twists, moved to tears by the beauty of prose, or left awed by fantastical world-building? You can have any experience you want through the power of books.
But with so many options, how do you choose? One option is to consider an author’s writing style.
While authors may occasionally experiment with new writing techniques, most authors use a recognizable and dominant style, especially when it comes to what motivates them. Here are a few typical types of authors.
The Artist
This type of writer is driven by the love of the craft and carefully deliberates over each evocative word choice. Also referred to as literary fiction, the work of these authors may win awards. Their stories are used to explore the human condition and complex themes in a manner that prioritizes artistic merit. Their work may contain similes and metaphors. It’s often characterized by a lyrical style and gorgeous prose. It’s descriptive and lovely. You want to quote it.
Some examples include:
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
The Psychologist
These authors focus on the internal lives of their characters. As a result, they are adept at creating flawed, genuine characters who are quite memorable. They know not just their subject’s temperament, habits, and peculiarities, but also the inner root of these and the effect on their lives. These authors use their craft to reveal core states of mind and highlight interacting social dynamics. Often the character’s adventures are archetypical. Sharing in the experience, the reader feels increased understanding and empathy.
Some examples include:
The Visionary
First and foremost, the visionary author serves up a highly engaging story, however, most visionaries also desire to convey a persuasive message. They may do this using allegory, with characters and events being symbolic of something else. Or they may simply present an alternate version of our world. Often they write cautionary tales, and their work may seem quite prophetic. Regardless of the time and place, the story includes themes highly relevant to our modern society. They give us thought-provoking material and encourage us to examine our assumptions. Visionary authors hold the power to inspire cultural change through their imaginative depiction of society.
Some examples include:
The Informer
The informer’s purpose is to disclose something to the reader or educate them in some way. They may use data to communicate their stance on a topic and may give advice. This type of author may focus on clear, precise communication. Though they are describing something, they don’t need to create characters, settings, or plots. They simply seek to teach, explain, or reveal what they know. They may write a memoir, biography, a non-fiction book, or an instructional book.
Some examples include:
The Producer
Where the psychological writer is driven by character, and an artistic writer is driven by creative merit, the producer’s work is driven by plot. Their characters face conflict, especially external conflict, to propel the story forward. The reader gets to live vicariously through the protagonist and have an enjoyable experience. These authors might occasionally deliver a moral lesson or a beautiful phrase; however, their main goal is to provide escapism and entertainment. This gives them mass appeal and turns their work into bestsellers.
Producers write page turners, usually with short chapters and a brisk pace. Sometimes their work may seem formulaic, but it allows them to be highly prolific. Well known producers have a loyal following and a large bank account.
Producers write what is known as genre fiction and there are many categories. Here are some examples of this writing style wherein plot is the primary focus.
Thrillers and Mysteries
Romance
Fantasy
The Entertainer
It’s true that most fiction can be said to be entertaining. However, this author’s style is driven primarily by the desire to make us laugh. Maybe their character’s banter is witty. Usually though, the comedy comes from showing rather than telling the audience that something is funny. Comedic authors use techniques such as irony, absurdity, or perhaps an internal dialogue which doesn’t match what the character says aloud. Miscommunication is another common device. It may take the form of a language barrier, a phrase that could have more than one meaning, or mistaken identity. Whatever tricks this author may use to amuse us, humor helps oil the wheel of life.
Some examples include:
An author benefits from asking themselves who their audience is before they start to write. Similarly, you may find your next best reading experience by considering the author, their style, and their purpose.
