How to Use Style
For the most part, it’s up to the author to develop a style and put it in place in their work. There are all types of decisions go into determining what style a work will have, and authors make those decisions depending on their genre, audience, and purpose. Usually, it’s hard to point out one specific thing that defines and authors style; instead, it’s a combination of things.
In fiction and other types of creative work, a piece of literature’s style is completely up to the author. Fiction writers use styles to tell their stories in the way they want it to be told, instead of in the same way its been told before. That’s one of the ways stories survive throughout time—authors tell them in new and unique styles, sharing the same tales in a completely different ways. Style is the way to make a story or work your own.
When to Use Style
Every piece of literature that has ever been written has a style, regardless of its genre, format, subject, or audience. However, certain types of literature rely less on style for their success. For example, academic works, reference works, or periodicals (like newspapers) need to conform to a certain formal style so that they deliver their information in the best way, so there is less room for creativity or personality. While a work of nonfiction about butterflies will follow a simple, informational form, a short story about a butterfly will use more creative techniques.
So, while both nonfiction and fiction have styles, as mentioned, fiction really relies on style. The success of a story relies completely on how interesting it is and how well it is told. A dry, boring style might work in a textbook, yet could cause a reader to abandon a novel—but, if the style is engaging and colorful, readers will be drawn into the story.
At the same time, style should also match the audience: a highly detailed work with complex sentences is great for adult readers, while simple word choice and imaginative style is great for children’s literature, for instance. The better you know your audience, the better you can define your style.