Style And Its Relationship To Good Writing

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Cheri Ghant Jody Weaver ENC 1101 – 14560 October 6, 2011 Style and its Relationship to Good Writing Style, it’s a small word that packs a powerful punch, and most writers do not stop to think about what it truly means. Writing style is the manner in which a writer chooses to write to his or her audience. A style reveals both the writer’s personality and voice, but it also shows how he or she perceives the audience, and chooses conceptual writing style which reveals those choices by which the writer may change the conceptual world of the overall character of the work. Initially, I thought style was a personal element in writing specific to the writer and to change this personalized style of writing was absolutely forbidden. What is a good writer? I think there is actually a way to measure good writing. It’s true that writers can differ wildly on style and execution, but I think what really defines a good writer is how much work they’re willing to put into editing. None of us are immune to making mistakes, so I can’t say that perfect grammar is required. Even after countless edits, tiny issues can be missed by almost everyone. I think it’s the effort that shows through in the writing. If a writer sends out a first draft, thinking it’s good enough for publication, clearly they don’t care enough for the story to make it the best it can be. There is no such thing as a perfect first draft. Truly hard work (mostly editing) and our willingness to do it, is what defines a good writer. However, through exploration of two style manuals,” Style Toward Clarity and Grace” by Joseph M. Williams and “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, this original definition was challenged, and eventually changed based on compelling evidence. Contrary to popular belief, style is not specific to one’s writing; it is much more involved than that. This notion of style

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