English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 446 PDF page 452 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

2. Personal Voice and Style:

Your personal voice and style are what make your writing uniquely yours. This is your

distinctive way of expressing thoughts, ideas, and emotions, and it reflects your personality,

experiences, and worldview. Voice is how you "speak" on the page; it could be formal or

informal, humorous or serious, reflective or direct. Style, on the other hand, is the technical

aspect of your writing—how you use language, structure your sentences, and choose your

words.

In creative writing, your voice might emerge through the use of humour, satire, or irony,

making your work stand out. For example, a writer might use a playful, whimsical voice that

resonates with both children and adults. Your style might be lush and descriptive, with vivid

imagery and elaborate metaphors, or it could be sparse and minimalist, focussing on the

bare essentials of storytelling. Regardless of the approach, the most important thing is

authenticity—your true voice shining through, making your work instantly recognisable.

   3. Character Development:

Characters are the soul of your story. Developing well-rounded, believable characters

involves giving them depth and complexity, making them feel like real people with their own

personalities, flaws, and motivations. A character's background, experiences, and

relationships all contribute to who they are and how they behave within your narrative.

Good character development means showing growth or change over time. For example, a

timid, unsure protagonist might evolve into a confident leader by the story's end, or a

seemingly villainous character could reveal a softer, more sympathetic side.

Dialogue, internal monologues, and interactions with other characters are essential tools for

revealing character traits and development. Additionally, giving your characters unique

voices and behaviours helps differentiate them and make them memorable to readers.