Writing styles

Writing styles fascinate me.  Why do we pick, say, Peter James over James Patterson?  Why do many people love J K Rowling and Dan Brown and yet others have issues?  I love the Regency period but prefer to watch Jane Austen rather than read her, yet adore Charlotte Bronte and Georgette Heyer.

Whilst reading Thomas Hardy for A level I could never understand why he felt it necessary to spend four pages describing a meadow and yet he is deemed one of our 'classic' authors.

I have dabbled with different styles after learning that authors such as M C Beaton and Elizabeth Peters write under different names for different genres and quite enjoy writing through the eyes of my dog Bentley.... Here is a diary entry from December:

"We've had another busy month  - mostly shopping, which Enzo loves.  Weird!  He goes all waggy-tail and bouncy when we arrive at the garden centre.  I wanted to see Santa but they wouldn't let me in sadly.  We've chosen baubles, lights and crackers as well as beefy treats that were amazing.  Enzo spent all his pocket money and our spare room is off-limits again as he keeps going and shoving his little nose in the bags and having a rummage. 

We've got Treacle staying with us today as her Mum is going out.  She's a naughty Labrador and steals stuff.  Enzo and I just watched as she came with a treat - where did she have it from, we wondered?  Had she managed to open the cupboard door?  Impressive!"

Try out some different styles; put on another 'hat' whilst writing.  It's great fun and you can be anyone you chose to be.  Try a Pam Ayres style for poetry or a Danny Bhoy comedy piece, then send some to us and let us have a look.