Author’s
Writing Style
Writing Styles and why this
matters!
What is style?
 Definition:
the manner of expression of a
particular writer produced by: choice of
words, sentence structures, use of literary
devices, rhythm, and other elements of
composition
 Many writers have their own particular
style

This is chosen by the author with a purpose
depending on the audience
What is a vignette?
 Definition:
a short, well-written sketch or
descriptive scene

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
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It does not have a plot, which would make
it a story, but it does reveal something
about the elements in it
It may reveal character, or mood, or tone
It may have a theme or idea of its own that
it wants to convey
It is the description of the scene or
character that is important
Mood and Tone
 Mood
is the atmosphere of a piece of
writing; it’s the emotions a selection
arouses in a reader.
 Tone is the author’s attitude on a subject
or idea
Why do authors write??
 Every
piece of writing has a reason for
being in existence…that reason is the
author’s purpose.
 Remembering the main purposes for
writing is as easy as PIE

To Persuade, to Inform, to Entertain…but
remember, sometimes it is a combination of
these and the purpose is not usually directly
stated.
Persuade, Inform, Entertain?

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The author’s goal is to enlighten the reader
about real world topics and provide facts on
those topics. Facts are not used to support an
opinion…
The author’s goal is to convince the reader to
think about something differently or in the
way the author thinks about things. pushing
an opinion…
The author’s goal is to tell the reader a story or
describe real or imaginary characters, places,
and events…there may be an opinion in
there but it is not clearly stated!
Superman and Me
 What
is the purpose of this essay?
 What is significant about the writing style
used for this essay? Be Specific
 What is Superman doing in the comic
book panel Alexie remembers? Why is it
important to remember this detail at the
very end of the essay?
 What is the overall message of this essay?
Purpose (cont.)
 Depending
on the author’s purpose,
authors may choose different types of
formats, vernacular (language), and
genres.
 Short stories are written for many different
reasons depending on the author and
his/her purpose! We will explore many
different kinds!
What is a short story?

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a brief work of fiction meant to be read in
one sitting and containing a plot, conflict,
character(s), setting, symbols, and theme.
Combines objective matter-of-fact
description with poetic atmosphere
Can be considered “Slice-of-life” stories giving
a reader a snapshot and very little
development
Leaves the reader with a vivid sensation
rather than a number of remembered facts.
Literary elements
 When
writing a short story, authors need
to be descriptive so they use different
literary devices…

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Symbolism, imagery, irony, personification,
metaphor, simile, hyperbole…
Examples: “The Masque of the Red Death”,
“The Ransom of Red Chief”, “The Lady, or
The Tiger?”, or “The Lottery”