Writing Narrative Style

[Eldoria]

Narrative Style​

Writing fiction is like developing a personality. Your writing has a certain feel to it that you prefer.

You might prefer the first POV over the third... or you might combine the two. You might write more cinematic action narratives than descriptive narratives... or you might combine the two.

You might use more sensory terms than complex terms, metaphors, or allegories... or maybe you prefer writing prose. Maybe you prefer more dialogue than action... or you balance dialogue and action.

Ultimately, these narrative writing habits will become your "narrative style." It can even become an indirect signature implicit in your writing. My questions are:

1. Have you developed your narrative style?
2. How long did it take you to develop your narrative style?
3. What is your narrative style? (e.g., tendency to use POV, terminology, plotting, etc.)

 

[Sylver]

I think i have a narrative style, though I can't quite tell you what it is x) idk, I never took courses for writing nor was I taught by someone else. I just liked reading, even if my dyslexia made me a slow reader. And I like reading/watching stories through books, Mangas, comics, and animated shows. So I got to writing my own stuff.

In short:
1. Idk, but I write in third person.
2. I also do not know, but I can say it took me around 4-6 months before I figured out how to write decently without it coming off as in your face and cringe x)
3. Um, I'm not sure? Gosh I'm bad at this, sorry

 

[Envylope]

I have developed my own narrative style after years, but it's constantly developing. One thing that I am a huge advocate for is trying advice out, even if you think it's bad advice. You will learn by trying things what works or doesn't work for you.

My narrative style combines third person limited with zooming into present first person thoughts of the character we are following. I do this by using italics in the narration for thoughts. It is a constantly evolving thing, and sometimes I make good decisions. Other times I make bad decisions. I have noticed one problem in my narration is the usage of repeated actions for action beat dialogues. Things like a character nodding their head or grinning.

 

[CalypsoNymph]

When I wrote my story [not linked due to forum rules] I wrote the way that I did, in a first person, rambly method, specifically because, at the time, it was what I needed to use in order to have. When I write generally I use a much more normal method, but for the sake of this thread, I won't be touching that right now.

1. Necessity due to ease of writing
2. Relatively easily; it clicked one day when I was trying a few things out and spat out 2k words in a single sitting. It was frustratingly easy, actually.
3. First Person, rambly, jumping around, ADHD-core.

In particular, whenever I write, I have immense difficulty with adding in extraneous details. No matter what I do, I always end up focusing on character dialogue and thoughts, skipping ahead to the next 'interesting' bit, and leaving details sparse. I'm pretty sure it has to do with my ADHD. I can and have found ways to fight against that, but it is, quite frankly, not as worth my time nearly as much as improving my strengths is.

It does mean that my writing only really shines when I have a second person helping me write, to cover my weaknesses. Add those details that I'm bad at including, and forcing me to slow down, no matter what my personal narrative style is.

 

[pangmida]

1. I think I did? Of course there's always room for improvement, and I might want to change it in the future, but for now, I think I've developed somewhat of a "narrative voice" in my writing.

2. Oof... I've been writing fanfiction since I was 10, in both English and Chinese. Let's say it took about a decade to get here because you're always learning as you grow.

3. Hard to say, but it's a result of Chinese poetry, English and Chinese webnovels, some older English novels I read to feel "smort" because my mother is an avid reader and had those physical books, and an era where I played several Chinese visual novel games, most of them being historical fantasy. Oh, and shout out to Your Lie in April for shaping my love for dramatic symbolisms and dreamy aesthetics. So... I think I want to say my style is more lyrical and romantic? Though my characters can be pretty animated in terms of action beats and dialogue.

I write in third person POV and past tense, and because I like writing slowburn, "grandeur" romances, I like adding a lot of poetic, extravagant, and overdramatic descriptions to set the mood. Atmosphere is quite important to me. I love personification and metaphors, so I favor those a lot in my descriptions.

Outside, the rain whispered its endless, melancholic song. And inside the cave, time bowed reverently in their presence, a loyal subject to its monarch.

The dark canopy of his umbrella carved out a private world for them, a sanctuary of shadow and dappled light amidst the slumbering garden. The pale flowers bloomed around them, watching their quiet procession like a silent, reverent audience. The only sounds were the whisper of wind in the bare branches, the gentle crunch of frost beneath their feet, and the hushed sigh of velvet against wool.

You see how dramatic my prose is?? ? Blame Chinese poetry for always talking about nature and the environment. A bunch of drama queens...

I actually hate writing action/fighting scenes. Of course, my action scenes won't have all those extra AF descriptions in favor of fast pacings. I also tend to add a lot of body language to hint at someone's thoughts rather than outright saying them. This however does result in some annoying repeats of the same action beats and body language descriptions... ? (someone please help with that)

What about you Eldoria? Tell us your narrative style too! From what I've read of yours, you also go for grand, epic scenes, whether it's in terms of dialogue or action.

 

[Eldoria]

What about you Eldoria? Tell us your narrative style too! From what I've read of yours, you also go for grand, epic scenes, whether it's in terms of dialogue or action.

You're forcing me to write this... even though I've already explained narrative style as an author's personality - revealing my narrative style in this thread is more like self-promotion. Okay, I'll explain my narrative style (not for promotional purposes, lol).

First, I tend to use a limited third-person perspective to write the plot... but I also include a first-person perspective to enrich the perspective, especially when contemplating, revealing layers of mystery, or narrating the dark comedy of misunderstandings.

Second, I tend to open the narrative with atmospheric descriptions to provide context for the story... so that readers who haven't even read the first chapter can understand the context of the general problem in a specific chapter.

Third, I prefer cinematic narratives to slow, descriptive narratives... but sometimes I also add descriptive narratives to enhance the character's aura.

Fourth, my narratives tend to be morally driven... the narrative is written from a moral premise first, then developed into plot, character, and worldbuilding. So each chapter, arc, volume, or even series must have a layered moral value. Thus, I write the narrative as if I were answering a moral thesis... therefore, the plot, character, and worldbuilding will develop to answer the story's moral. This is the general pattern.

Fifth, I tend to write battle narratives that are both epic and symbolic. This means that the battles in my fiction aren't just about looking 'cool,' but rather represent battles that will determine the direction of the world and fight for values that are important to the characters.

Sixth, complex and human characterisation. I write characters like living human beings, meaning they can think, feel, be wrong or right, and have a backstory. Even if they're epic villains (not lowly villains), they can be understood for their evil actions, even if their actions are wrong.

Seventh, a multi-layered storyline... even a single chapter can contain multiple timelines within a single event. For example, during a fight, a character gives a brief flashback from their memory while striking an opponent. Because my fictional conflicts tend to be historical rather than impulsive, this means that the current conflict is a logical consequence of the past, not just a spontaneous reaction from the characters.

Finally, and this is the most important... my narratives can be dark, brutal, bloody, cruel, merciless... but they always have a moral compass that serves as a beacon in a dark world. This beacon can be a heroic act of defending moral values, an innocent character, or even the belated regret of a tragic villain. Because I always want meaningful narratives, not just entertaining ones.

Ultimately, my narrative style indirectly reflects my personality, which shapes my narrative identity.

How long did it take me to develop this narrative style? Half a year... if you write every day. However, it took years to achieve this... and perhaps this narrative style isn't finalised yet; it could evolve further as I mature as a niche author.

 

[pangmida]

You're forcing me to write this... even though I've already explained narrative style as an author's personality - revealing my narrative style in this thread is more like self-promotion. Okay, I'll explain my narrative style (not for promotional purposes, lol).

First, I tend to use a limited third-person perspective to write the plot... but I also include a first-person perspective to enrich the perspective, especially when contemplating, revealing layers of mystery, or narrating the dark comedy of misunderstandings.

Second, I tend to open the narrative with atmospheric descriptions to provide context for the story... so that readers who haven't even read the first chapter can understand the context of the general problem in a specific chapter.

Third, I prefer cinematic narratives to slow, descriptive narratives... but sometimes I also add descriptive narratives to enhance the character's aura.

Fourth, my narratives tend to be morally driven... the narrative is written from a moral premise first, then developed into plot, character, and worldbuilding. So each chapter, arc, volume, or even series must have a layered moral value. Thus, I write the narrative as if I were answering a moral thesis... therefore, the plot, character, and worldbuilding will develop to answer the story's moral. This is the general pattern.

Fifth, I tend to write battle narratives that are both epic and symbolic. This means that the battles in my fiction aren't just about looking 'cool,' but rather represent battles that will determine the direction of the world and fight for values that are important to the characters.

Sixth, complex and human characterisation. I write characters like living human beings, meaning they can think, feel, be wrong or right, and have a backstory. Even if they're epic villains (not lowly villains), they can be understood for their evil actions, even if their actions are wrong.

Seventh, a multi-layered storyline... even a single chapter can contain multiple timelines within a single event. For example, during a fight, a character gives a brief flashback from their memory while striking an opponent. Because my fictional conflicts tend to be historical rather than impulsive, this means that the current conflict is a logical consequence of the past, not just a spontaneous reaction from the characters.

Finally, and this is the most important... my narratives can be dark, brutal, bloody, cruel, merciless... but they always have a moral compass that serves as a beacon in a dark world. This beacon can be a heroic act of defending moral values, an innocent character, or even the belated regret of a tragic villain. Because I always want meaningful narratives, not just entertaining ones.

Ultimately, my narrative style indirectly reflects my personality, which shapes my narrative identity.

How long did it take me to develop this narrative style? Half a year... if you write every day. However, it took years to achieve this... and perhaps this narrative style isn't finalised yet; it could evolve further as I mature as a niche author.

I'm not forcing you~ ? just wanted the OP to participate in their own prompt, is all~

 

[K_Jira]

1. I don't know if I have developed it enough, but my writing style is rooted from translated danmei. I intentionally want people to feel like my stories are translated from other language, especially if I'm writing CN-based setting and JP-based setting, though it does get carried to my EN-based setting stories (idk how to describe it properly, sorry if it sounds convoluted lol). The only difference I noticed from my early writing is how tidier I write now and not just copying how translated stories sound like.

2. Well, I've been writing for around 4 years here, so I guess that long? Of course, it's still developing, so the correct answer is for as long as i write haha.

3. I use third person POV. At first, I tend to head jump cuz i like giving other characters' perspectives on the scene/situation at hand, but now I limit that unless it's absolutely necessary. I do like to describe the clothes and environments, but it tends to get a bit much, so I also limit that except when I'm writing fantasy. I love writing my characters being in love with each other and I think that makes my stories more fast-paced. I was a pantser at first, but now I'm a mix of both. I plan enough to have a structure then I ball through it lol.

TLDR: I do think I have a narrative style, it's just not distinctive/developed enough. Right now, I'm more focused on bettering my writing in terms of technicality(?) Rather than stylistic. Compared to my early writing, I do feel like I've cut down on the proses and writes more straightforwardly now.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

I think you may be conflating Voice and Style.
I have a style that I've been told is distinctive, no matter what I do, but my actual style varies wildly, from the attempts to mimic pulp detective novels to the more generic action adventure, to the single narrator of Strange Awakening.
I make an effort to mix styles sometimes, even, but my voice always seems the same for some reason.
One of the few author's I've encountered who did manage to change his voice and style occasionally is Stephen King - some of his short stories feel like they were written by other people (his Lovecraftian pastiches in Night Shift - most notably "I Am The Gateway," "Gray Matter" and "Jerusalem's Lot" all feel more like the writers who inspired him - Harlan Ellison, H. P. Lovecraft and Robert Bloch, in that order, though he's claimed Lovecraft was the only one he was aware of), both in terms of voice and style.).

 

[MFontana]

Narrative Style​

Writing fiction is like developing a personality. Your writing has a certain feel to it that you prefer.

You might prefer the first POV over the third... or you might combine the two. You might write more cinematic action narratives than descriptive narratives... or you might combine the two.

You might use more sensory terms than complex terms, metaphors, or allegories... or maybe you prefer writing prose. Maybe you prefer more dialogue than action... or you balance dialogue and action.

Ultimately, these narrative writing habits will become your "narrative style." It can even become an indirect signature implicit in your writing. My questions are:

1. Have you developed your narrative style?
2. How long did it take you to develop your narrative style?
3. What is your narrative style? (e.g., tendency to use POV, terminology, plotting, etc.)

1) Yes. I certainly have developed my narrative/writing style.
2) So far... 20 years or so. Still developing, learning, and growing as an author. It's a life-long process, but a worthwhile journey to undertake.
3) If I were to describe it, I tend to utilize third-person limited, heavily favor weighty and detail-driven prose with a focus on the sensory aspects. The characters are all distinct, well-developed (I'd like to think so anyway), and far more than what appears on the page. It is my best, and earnest, effort to create Real characters. Not just tropey, shallow, cardboard-cutouts. The tone will vary from story to story, but I also like dropping little preludes and interludes at the start of every major 'arc' within a story or series as a way to further develop character-voice. These bits are written in First-Person Limited, from the perspective of one of the characters in the story.

As for some of my own (personal) authorial inspirations; the list is fairly long. Whether I've reached the plateau I'm aiming for or not.. is another story entirely, and that is one that will be decided upon, and told, by those who may one day end up as fans of my work.

• Tolkien - His fantasy epics and the scope of his world-building are among the best in contemporary literature, and something I strive for in my own distinctive authorial voice. They have been a huge inspiration, and major part of my life.
• Mary Shelley - Her gothic flair has been a huge inspiration for my own take on gothic horror, and has had a subtle influence on the world-building aspects for Elaria, the setting of all of my fantasy works.
• C.S. Lewis - His allegorical explorations of faith and the human condition blended into fantasy narrative are among the best I've read, and something I am striving to achieve in a similar way within my own work.

There are others as well, but these are the ones that are most prevalent to my own work as the heights that I'm striving for, even if I know I may never attain those heights within my lifetime. The journey is what matters most, not the end destination.

 

[istryj]

Narrative Style​

Writing fiction is like developing a personality. Your writing has a certain feel to it that you prefer.

You might prefer the first POV over the third... or you might combine the two. You might write more cinematic action narratives than descriptive narratives... or you might combine the two.

You might use more sensory terms than complex terms, metaphors, or allegories... or maybe you prefer writing prose. Maybe you prefer more dialogue than action... or you balance dialogue and action.

Ultimately, these narrative writing habits will become your "narrative style." It can even become an indirect signature implicit in your writing. My questions are:

1. Have you developed your narrative style?
2. How long did it take you to develop your narrative style?
3. What is your narrative style? (e.g., tendency to use POV, terminology, plotting, etc.)

1.I think not. I’ve developed my own level of depression and mental disorder that allows me, at times, to write quite original messages.
2. My entire conscious life has been spent reading and analyzing what I’ve read — books, anonymous imageboards, chats in MMORPGs. I admire the prose of Nabokov or Platonov, the humor of Sorokin. But I think I won’t be able to find references to them in my own texts unless others point them out. What I do know is that I’ve stolen one interesting stylistic device from a text by Comrade Stalin.
3. I love complex jokes and all kinds of double meanings. Literature gives me a chance to write them with relative safety for myself, because in real-life communication people who don’t get the joke tend to think you’re laughing at their ISQ — and want to break my jaw.
P.S:It’s ironic that I enjoy writing drama, but judging by the feedback, my satire resonates with readers better — sometimes followed by a ban.

 

[hell_yeahMylike]

My style focuses heavily on storytelling and physical combat

1.If looking only at the script (before turning it into a novel), it has come a long way. Compared to the old version from 9 years ago, which looked far too "elementary school level," the development is significant.

2.The script has existed for nearly 10 years, but I only started the novelization a few months ago, and I've only completed 2 chapters.

3.My style is straightforward and must be supported by logic. There is no "softening"—I use full-on violence mixed with a bit of humor. For the fights, I use real-life combat, martial arts, boxing, and functional military equipment as models.

I am still practicing novel writing, so the narration might feel a bit "lifeless" for now. It tends to be in the first-person perspective and focuses mostly on immediate events. I still have a lot to study. Even so, since this is an Isekai story, finding realism in this genre is a bit of a challenge.

tanenter: I think you should just skip writing Chapter 3. I don't want to go to another world. I don't want to visit hell at all. ??‍?
Yamao: Well, from Chapter 3 onwards, you better brace yourself.
tanenter: Noooo!!! I want to sleep at home! I don't want to go risk my life! I don't want to fight! Aaaaah!!!
Yamao: (Whacks him on the head) Stop acting like a child already. You're 15 years old, why are you still being such a crybaby?!
tanenter: Bro! Since when is 15 an adult?! It's supposed to be 18, right?!
Yamao: Shut up and get out of bed right now!! You have Academy!! ?
tanenter: Damn!!! I hate women like you the most. Stop acting like my mother! I want to sleep!!?
Yamao: No Way!!!
tanenter: AHHHHHHHH

 

[LuciferVermillion]

1. Yes.
2. 8 years...?
3. First-person POV. Because I want it to be immersive. I want my readers to be inside the story.
What I like is to leave small hints behind in every chapter so that when you look back, you can see the connection. I also like to ensure that there are no plot holes in my writings.