Different writing styles

When it comes to writing novels, there are many different ways to do it, and everyone does it differently depending on their style and what's easiest for them. However, there are two main types of writers that generally fall into two different and broad writing styles. These two kinds of writing styles are "outlining" and "freestyle". Neither style is "the right way" or "the wrong way". They both are just simply different ways to write that different writers prefer. Some writers are a mix of both, and that's totally fine. I personally am more of a freestyle writer than an outlining writer. I'll explain what exactly these two writing styles are...

The outlining writing style is detailed and well constructed. Before you actually begin writing, you build an outline, timeline, or illustration of the plot for your story. How detailed you want to get is up to you. This outlining style makes a very smooth and well constructed story because all the plots and scenes are written down in order of occurrence. Foreshadowing is easier this way, and you are less likely to stray off topic or forget details. You also are less likely to get writers block if you completely stick to an outline, and editing and revising are probably going to be less of a struggle. The outlining style is very efficient and smooth, and I can usually tell when reading a book if the author used a detailed and well constructed outline! However, the method does require more patience and thorough thinking than freestyle writing.

Freestyle writing is for those writers who don't want to be tied down by an outline, and like to write completely at their own pace and freely write whatever comes to mind. You jump right into the deep end and get to writing. You know where the story is going to go and how it's going to end, but you add scenes and plots as you go along. I am more of a freestyle writer, because outlining is not my most favorite thing to do, and like to jump right in and get the story going. You are more likely to get writers block this way if you don't have a detailed outline, and it is easier to stray off topic and forget little yet important details. Editing and revising will probably be much heavier once you finish your first draft. But if you enjoy doing that sort of thing, then that part shouldn't be a problem.

Every writer is different, so go with the style that is the easiest and most enjoyable for you! I fall more towards freestyle, but am trying to do more of the outlining style. But like I said, there is no right or wrong way!