5 Introspective Steps to Define Your Writing Style

Big question, I know. But it’s important! You can’t show up in your art as your best self if you don’t know who they are. If you don’t know where to begin, ask yourself these questions:

• What adjectives would you use to describe yourself? Do you think you are friendly, aggressive, or maybe joyful?
• What do you like to write? Are you looking to tell stories, spread ideas, help others, or perhaps entertain?
• What topics excite you to discuss? Are you into politics, nature, personal growth, or fantasy? A lot of the time, your interests can lead you to your inclination to write about certain things.

Once you have a clearer sense of your “why,” you’re ready to explore different writing types and which one you resonate with the most.

There are many options to choose from, so peruse the rack before choosing.

Storytellers are imaginative, detail-oriented, and emotive. They have a keen eye for character development and creating engaging narratives.

• Traits: Observational, curious, attentive to detail.
• Motivated by: A desire to entertain, explore human experiences, and connect with readers emotionally.

Questions to consider: Do you find yourself inventing characters in your mind? Are you drawn to creating scenes, settings, and sequential plots? Do you like highlighting different perspectives?

Possible titles: Comic Writer, Comedic Novelist, Screenwriter, Playwright, Memoir Writer, Poetry

Researchers are writers who investigate facts, theories, and explanations deeply. They enjoy revealing the truth and presenting it in a clear, digestible way.

• Traits: Curiosity, analytical thinking, patience.
• Driven by: A desire to inform, educate, or clarify.

Questions to consider: Do you enjoy looking up information and facts? Do you take pride in citing sources and providing credible information?

Possible titles: Academic Writer, Journalist, Blogger, Technical Writer

Advertising writers are very strategic at capturing attention and driving action. Highly adaptable, their words are used to resonate with their audience.

• Traits: Engaging, entertaining, and adaptable.
• Driven by: A desire to persuade, entertain, or inform.

Questions to consider? Do you enjoy connecting people with words? Do you take pride in inciting action within people?

Possible titles: Copywriter, Content Writer, Social Media Writer, Technical Writer, Email Marketing Specialist

If you’re not sure where you fall, give yourself permission to try out different styles. Write a short story one day, a research-based article the next, and then a unique social media caption. This will give you a chance to experiment with different interests, strengths, and desires.

Try these different styles:

• Flash Fiction: Write a story in 500 words or less to explore creative storytelling.
• Opinion Piece: Pick a social or political issue and write a persuasive essay about it.
• Blog Post: Pick a topic you enjoy, research it, and write a mini-article.
• Comedy Sketch: Try writing a humorous dialogue or short scene.
• Poetry: Recall a detail of your day and write a poem about it.

Once you’ve tried a few different styles, take a step back and reflect:

• What felt easiest to write? If a certain style or genre flows naturally, it’s a sign that it aligns well with your natural abilities.
• What were you most excited about? Passion is one of the most important parts of writing. If you felt energized and excited towards a certain medium, that’s a strong indicator of the type of writing that suits you.
• What was challenging? While challenges are natural, if you find yourself constantly having difficulty with certain types of writing, they might not align with your natural strengths.

Now that you know what writing style works for you, it’s the perfect time to put the pencil to paper. Change “..one day” to “Day One” and begin this stage of your writing journey! Remember that your writing style may evolve over time, which is normal. You might start as a Storyteller and later find interest in research-driven content. You might write personal essays and eventually explore fiction novels. Growth is part of every writer’s journey, so don’t be afraid of change.

Finding your niche as a writer might seem overwhelming at first, but with some introspection, reflection, and experimentation, it can actually be an exciting journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re drawn to poetry, advertising, or fiction, the key lies in understanding who you are as a writer and what you feel drawn to the most. By exploring different styles and testing what feels right, you can carve out a space in the writing world that feels uniquely yours. And remember, it’s okay for your style to evolve—writing is a journey, not a destination. So, grab your pencil, visit the lab, and embrace the joy of finding your true writing voice.