5 Essential Writing Techniques And Styles Every Fiction Writer Should Know

You might have observed that different people express or communicate their ideas differently. Just like not all musicians have the same style of composing songs. Likewise, there are various writing techniques and styles. So, in this blog, we have mentioned the list of writing techniques.

What Are Writing Techniques?

It is one of the methods writers use to effectively convey a message to the audience. They create descriptions and engage readers.  It can differ and should be modified depending on the purpose of the message and who is reading it.

Different Types Of Writing Techniques

There are five major writing styles and techniques: descriptive, narrative, persuasive, expository, and argumentative. Writers use these styles and techniques to not only engage readers but also effectively convey their message. We have explained each writing style and technique in detail below. 

Descriptive Writing Style

It is commonly used in poems and creative writing techniques. Here are the listing writing techniques:

Figurative Language

This technique includes metaphors and similes. It allows writers to convey ideas and emotions imaginatively and helps readers connect emotionally.

Hyperbole

It underlines the intensity of a situation or feeling. For example, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” This expression humorously or dramatically highlights extreme hunger.

Metaphors

This makes direct comparisons between two unrelated things. It helps convey meanings and ideas more powerfully. For example, “Time is a Thief”. This suggests that, like thieves, time steals moments from our lives without implying criminal behavior.

Personification

It involves giving human traits to non-humans, such as animals or objects. This technique makes descriptions. For example, “The wind whispered through the trees”. It gives the wind a human action.

Onomatopoeia

It refers to words that imitate sounds associated with objects or actions. Words like “buzz” and “sizzle” are used in this technique. It adds auditory imagery to writing.

Sensory Detail

A writer can use this technique to create a realistic scene. It allows the reader to experience the situation as if they were present there.

Alliteration

It is the repetition of the same letter at the beginning. It creates a rhythmic effect in writing.  For example, “Clary closed her cluttered clothes closet.” 

Foreshadowing

It hints at events that will come later in a story. By giving subtle hints, the writer builds anticipation and tension. It leads the reader to guess about the future plot. 

Oxymoron

It is a figure of speech where two contradictory terms are combined. It includes “deafening silence” or “bittersweet.” This adds depth and provokes thought in writing.

Strong Word Choice

It is the selection of exact, powerful words that convey meaning and the author ensures they stir the intended emotion. These words combine to make a powerful and memorable reading experience.

Using Adjectives

Adjectives can enrich your writing by making your descriptions fuller. Instead of writing “a house,” use “an ivy-covered cottage.” It gives a much more precise and more appealing picture in the reader’s mind.

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Narrative Writing Style

Below are narrative writing techniques:

Viewpoint

The common points of view are first-person, third-person limited, and omniscient. These views determine the reader’s understanding of the characters and events.

Character

Good characters in stories are unique and well-developed by the author. They vary in personality and motivations, so readers can relate to them. A character’s actions and thoughts and interactions bring out the drama in messages.

Narrative Hook

It is used in the opening of a story to grab the reader’s attention. This encourages readers to continue reading by creating curiosity.

Simile

It compares two things that are unliked by using “like” or “as.” It is used to make descriptions more relatable. For example, “Her smile was as bright as the sun.” It highlights the brightness and warmth of the character’s smile. 

Tone And Mood

It is how the feeling or emotion conceptualizes its readers from the literary. For instance, if it is stated in a dark tone, there would be suspense.

Symbolism And Imagery

Symbolism and imagery enrich the narrative, adding layers of meaning and making it meaningful and approachable to the reader.

Voice And Style

This comes with voice and style. It is simply a unique way of explaining a story. Hence a reader’s opinion is formed about the story as well as the author.

Narrative Techniques

These techniques include flashbacks and foreshadowing. Writers can enhance the story’s overall impact through these techniques. 

Persuasive Writing Style

Below are some timeless persuasive writing techniques for persuasive writing:

Emotive Appeal

It uses language geared to create intense emotions like happiness or fear. By showing that you care about the other person’s feelings, the writer can make their appeal easier.

Storytelling

Stories can illustrate an issue’s real-world impact. This is more persuasive when it is shown rather than just told.

Social Proof

This technique relies on the idea that people adopt behaviors from others. For example, a marketing campaign highlights customer reviews or statistics. 

Authority

This highlights using credible sources or authoritative figures to back an argument. By highlighting respected individuals or organizations, the writer can give weight to his claims and make their argument very persuasive. 

Repetition

This technique helps establish the idea in the reader’s mind by using the word or phrase multiple times, making the message more impactful. 

Persuasion Techniques

These methods, based on the audience’s values, emotions, and logic, get them to agree with the writer’s side.

Call To Action

CTAs typically are the final part of persuasive writing techniques. They stand for a final push to ensure the reader performs an action. A good CTA needs to be clear, direct, and compelling. This will motivate the reader to follow the call.

Addressing Counterarguments

A writer strengthens their argument by addressing counterarguments. This makes it hard for a reader to sweep away his claims.

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Expository Writing Style

Below are expository writing techniques:

Narrative Summary

This technique is primarily used to convey information and transition from one scene to another. This maintains the momentum of the narrative going forward because it is direct, and allows the author to advance the action without losing interest in the story’s plot.

Flashbacks

It connects the past with the present. They help the reader understand a character’s actions or the story’s context.

Dialogue

Effective dialogue is crucial for character development. It can make the story more dynamic and immersive.

Descriptive Language

Descriptive writing techniques enhance the reader’s experience. It allows them to visualize and feel what is happening in the story. 

Introductory Chapters

These chapters at the beginning of a book or story offer the reader some context, back story or glimpse of the central plot. 

Info Dumps

This conveys a complex back story or essential details. It should be used carefully and naturally to maintain readers’ engagement. 

Backstory Integration

This is done using dialogues, flashbacks, reminiscences, and short sidetracks. This way, the readers will know why a character is doing this or what is happening in the present scenario.

World-Building

Compelling world-building makes the narrative more engaging. It can be done through descriptions and dialogue that reveal the intricacies. 

Argumentative Writing Style

Below are argumentative writing techniques:

Logical Reasoning

It is the rational linking of evidence and conclusions. This makes the argument flow and objective, thus allowing the reader to trace your line of thought.

Fact

In argumentative writing, facts are crucial for supporting claims and lending credibility. For example, giving historical records or scientific studies strengthens the argument. 

Rebuttals and Counterarguments 

This technique in argumentative writing strengthens the argument. Also, it creates trust with the reader as a result of a balanced and well-considered view that is presented.

Emotional Appeal

This technique engages the reader’s emotions. For example, a writer might use emotive language to highlight the human impact of an issue. 

Rhetorical Devices

This technique includes rhetorical questions, parallelism, and repetition. It can help to persuade the reader more effectively.

Clear Organization And Structure

Clear organization and structure are essential in argumentative writing to guide the reader through the argument smoothly. This is also important for essay writing techniques. Transitions between paragraphs and ideas are also necessary to maintain the flow and clarity of the argument. Click on the link to learn more about the PEEL paragraph format. 

Clarity And Conciseness

Clear and concise writing keeps the reader focused and makes the argument more direct and impactful.

Ethical Considerations

Maintaining ethical standards in argumentative writing enhances the writer’s credibility.

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Tips And Techniques With Writing Examples

We have accumulated some examples of the writing techniques so you can get a detailed idea of them.

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How To Choose Your Writing Style?

Know Your Audience

Make sure you know what you want to accomplish with your writing. For cover letter writing techniques, be clear and organized and should have no spelling mistakes. For instance, in Demonstration Speech Ideas, you will see how our experts have given three questions to analyze your audience. 

Understand The Audience

Next, know who you are writing for. Consider age, interests, and background. Accordingly, adjust your style and tone based on your preference, even when writing an NYU essay. 

Use Appropriate Language 

Use the language that your readers can understand. For example, the language of an academic write-up needs to be professional. Avoid using technical jargon, as this could confuse the readers.

Maintain Flexibility 

Adjust your writing based on the feedback and how well it’s working. Try different techniques and styles to find what’s best for you and the audience. 

Practice Consistently 

The more you write, the better you will get to adjust your style. You can also share your work with friends to gain insights into your style and areas for improvement. You can also take few online classes to learn about it. 

Conclusion

Writers should craft a style that reflects their personality and experiences. Don’t imitate others. Discover your writing style and blossom with practice and experimentation. Sharpen your writing skills and take them to the next level.

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