 For Authors: April 19, 2023 Issue [#11902] |
This week: Embracing Modern Style Guides Edited by: JayNaNoOhNo  
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How to use Strunk and White in today's writing landscape is probably more contentious than you think. There are strong opinions on both sides, yet that doesn't mean anyone needs to advocate for the complete dismantling of every concept in the book.
Still, it's important to remember that it is a guide, written at a specific moment in time, and it doesn't necessarily address everything a modern writer needs. Despite what its hardcore adherents say, there is room for the modern author to build on the foundation Strunk and White provided without completely ignoring the important fundamentals of The Elements of Style.
Plus, you can use two books in tandem without destroying your prose, so there's that. |
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The world of fiction is a diverse landscape, and regardless of your personal style, staying up to date with the latest writing techniques and evolutions is essential. While you certainly don't have to jump on every trend, it's important to understand the distinction. Trends are transient, such as fly-by-night genres or the genre cycle, which, much like clothing styles, reappear every so often with a slight twist. Evolutions, on the other hand, are changes in writing that reflect modern language use, properly approaching character development without stereotyping, and pushing back on the starkness of Strunk and White without disregarding its core concepts.
The Classic: Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style"
It's no secret that I am a proponent of the Strunk and White pushback. For decades, "The Elements of Style" has been the go-to resource for writers seeking guidance on grammar, punctuation, and style. Its concise, straightforward rules have helped countless authors produce clear and effective prose. However, its prescriptive approach is limiting when it comes to expressing more modern, diverse narratives.
Although "The Elements of Style" still has some strong underlying rules and has long been a staple in the world of literature, it may not offer everything necessary for fresh and inclusive writing. There are plenty of modern alternatives and resources that can help you polish your prose and create fresh and vibrant stories, all while embracing diversity and representation.
New Choices for Stylish and Inclusive Writing
There is no single book I can suggest because, well, I'm not you. What works for my personal style of writing may not work for yours. While you and I may have a similar target audience, the way we use and interpret language will affect the word choices and sentence structures we put on the page. This is neither good nor bad, provided we understand underlying principles and both create something we feel is worth making public. Or not, if you just like writing for yourself. You do you.
Despite our differences, we can both question if we're making the most of language evolution, if our chosen characters are well-rounded and realistic, or if we've stuck with the sterile nature of "The Elements of Style" a little too hard. Here's a few style guides that can help you expand your writing repertoire:
"On Writing Well" by William Zinsser is a good bridge for anyone hesitant to step beyond Strunk and White. With its emphasis on simplicity and clarity, Zinsser's guide provides practical advice on various aspects of writing, including structure, word choice, and voice. If you're seeking a fresh perspective on writing that doesn't go too far, you should check this one out.
"The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker embraces a more flexible approach to style, focusing on clarity and grace in writing. Pinker's book offers valuable insights into the cognitive science behind language, helping you understand how your readers process your words.
A livelier guide is "Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wicked Good Prose" by Constance Hale. She provides an alternative perspective on style and grammar, encouraging you to play with language and craft more engaging, dynamic prose. Focusing on the building blocks of language, "Sin and Syntax" is the perfect complement to "The Elements of Style," allowing you to explore your creative potential while maintaining a solid foundation in the rules of writing.
Don’t Neglect Inclusive Character Development
As you develop your unique writing style and implement some modern concepts, you'll also want to consider inclusivity and representation when writing characters who have different backgrounds. By broadening your understanding of different perspectives and experiences, you can create richer, more authentic narratives. Two excellent resources for this purpose are "Writing the Other: A Practical Approach" by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward and "The Writing Cooperative's Guide to Writing Inclusively." These guides offer practical advice on crafting diverse characters and stories, helping you avoid stereotypes and cultural appropriation.
Your Path to Fresh, Nuanced Prose
I'm not telling you to toss Strunk and White out the window. Style guides, like creative writing, are built on the things that precede them. In the areas where "The Elements of Style" is no longer serving an author well or limiting your potential, adding another resource to your collection is worth the effort.
Your own style is an ever-evolving aspect of your creativity. By embracing modern style guides and resources focused on inclusivity and representation, you can create vibrant, engaging narratives that resonate with modern readers from all walks of life. So go forth, experiment, and let your distinctive writing voice shine!
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