Writing aesthetics are all about the vibe of the writers. What are they writing about? Why are they writing? What theme are they following? Such factors combine to give off a collective energy or a vibe from their writing.
Every piece of writing has its vibe. However, the problem is that many new writers struggle with finding their unique style. If you are someone who is struggling to develop your unique writing style, then I have got you!
In this guide, I will share my thoughts on writing aesthetics definitions and how you can develop your vibe. Writing is about evoking emotions, exploring themes, and establishing your rhythm. Your writing aesthetic is like your signature, which can significantly shape your author brand.
Let’s explore how to find your vibe and connect with your readers!
What is Writing Aesthetic?
I am going to discuss writing aesthetic definitions. It is a unique vibe that comes from a writer’s work. You may consider it a mixture of how they write, their tone, the topics they explore, and the messages they convey.
All these things create the overall feeling you get from reading their piece.
If I ask you to think about your favorite author, you must answer these questions: How would you describe their writing? What feelings does it bring up for you? Your answer to these questions leads to the feeling or vibe that the author is conveying.
That’s their writing aesthetic, which affects the mood of the readers. It can be suspense, fear, sadness, joy, and more.
Let’s take the example of Ernest Hemingway. His style is super recognizable. He keeps things simple, with no fancy words or long explanations. His stories might seem simple and easy, but a lot is happening underneath.
We can also talk about Nicholas Sparks. He’s all about those heart-wrenching love tales. He focuses on the characters’ feelings and what is happening in the story. And he’s not afraid to leave you with a sad ending. His writing vibe is all about emotions, often with a romantic twist.
Writing aesthetics is like the basic vibe of your work. You should be aware of your aesthetics to cultivate a specific literary genre tone. It’s the feeling the reader will get when reading your writing.
Examples of Writing Aesthetics
Now that you know about writing about aesthetics, let’s discuss some easy examples. It will help you deeply understand the concept of writing aesthetics. Below are the examples of different writing aesthetics:
1. The 18th Century Aesthetic Movement
Ever heard of the term “Dandy”? It’s all about guys who care about how they look. Oscar Wilde, a big name from the 18th and early 19th centuries, captured this vibe beautifully in his novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
When you read his books, you get a feel for this movement’s fancy and extreme vibe. It’s like finding the right inspiration and appreciating life’s different flavors.
2. The Romantics
Now, let’s talk about symbolism. It is one of the elements of literary aesthetics. It’s like a powerful tool for writers. By using symbolism, writers tend to pack extra meaning into their words. Romanticism is a literary movement that uses symbolism a lot.
The Romantics, like William Wordsworth, Percy Shelley, and William Blake in England, and Emily Dickinson in America, were big on using symbolism.
It’s like they painted pictures with their words, making you feel hopeful and happy inside.
3. Shakespeare
I am going to discuss suspense as writing aesthetics. It’s that feeling when you just can’t wait to discover what happens next.
Today, crime stories and mysteries are full of suspense. It keeps the readers hooked to your stories, increasing their interest and curiosity.
Back then, even Shakespeare knew how to create suspense in his play “Macbeth.” It’s like he had us all on the edge of our seats, worrying about what would happen next.
How to Find Your Writing Style?
If you need more clarification about your writing aesthetics, then I am providing simple methods on how to identify your desired writing aesthetic.
Let’s take a look at that:
1. Analyze Your Writing Style
First things first, take a good look at how you write. Check out your sentence structure, how you tell your story, and the vibe you give off.
Are you more like Hemingway, keeping it simple and to the point? Or maybe you’re more on the flowery side, like the Romantics, with lots of descriptive language.
Think about what you’re good at, whether painting vivid pictures with your words or getting inside your characters’ heads.
2. Pay Attention to Themes
What are your stories all about? Do you find yourself coming back to certain ideas time and time again? Then those are your themes.
They could be about love, loss, friendship, or anything else that speaks to you. Please pay attention to how these themes make you feel and how they come across to your readers.
3. Compare Yourself to Other Writers
I am not saying you should copy anyone else, but comparing yourself with other writers can be helpful to check your writing level against others.
Look at renowned authors you love and see what you have in common with them. It is possible that you both love using symbolism or creating suspenseful plots.
There are even tools out there, like ProWritingAid, that can compare your writing to famous authors. I use these tools to get some insight into my style.
How to Develop Writing Aesthetic?
Below, I am going to provide some tips for creating an immersive reading experience and developing writing skills.
This process tells you how to level up your writing aesthetics and make your words shine!
1. Read Your Favorite Author’s Work
I have followed a great way to develop my writing aesthetics. It is by diving into the works of authors I love.
I found the writers whose writing speaks to me and inspires me to craft a distinct author voice.
You must find authors related to your topics and closely examine what makes their writing unique to you.
Is it their choice of words? How do they set the tone? What are the themes they explore? Figure out these things, explore their style, and use that as inspiration for your writing.
2. Write Consistently
Writing is challenging, and brainstorming ideas can lead to some intricate text. Practice makes perfect, right? Well, the same goes for writing. The more you write, the better you will get at this. Make it a habit to write daily, even just a few sentences.
This consistent practice will help you improve your skills and develop your unique writing style.
3. Engage All Five Senses
Try to engage all five senses to immerse your readers in your writing. Describe not just what your characters see but also what they hear, feel, taste, and smell.
This will help create a more vivid and immersive experience for your readers and help you develop your writing aesthetics.
4. Rewrite and Edit
Editing is crucial to the writing process, especially when developing your writing aesthetics. Take the time to go back and revise your work, removing anything that doesn’t fit the style you’re trying to achieve.
I always go back to check what I have written and make the necessary changes. Also, in my initial stages, I could not write the perfect sentences in the first go. Going back and forth in my writing was important to match my writing aesthetic.
5. Use Literary Devices
Literary devices can be powerful tools for creating your writing aesthetics. Experiment with techniques like rhythm, viewpoint, and repeating themes to see what works best for you.
Don’t feel like you have to fill your writing full of metaphors and similes; sometimes, subtle approaches can be just as effective.
And don’t forget to pay attention to the literary devices you use naturally in your writing—they can give you valuable insight into your unique style.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide on Writing Aesthetics has helped you understand everything about the writing vibe. You must know that developing your style is the key for many writers.
A writer must have a unique aesthetic shaped by experiences, surroundings, and inner sensibilities.
Creating the right atmosphere in our writing is essential as a writer. I take the help of various tools and dive deep into my emotions to achieve this.
What helped me come so far as a writer? It’s reading and writing, plain and simple. With time and practice, I have found and developed my writing aesthetics.
You can also check out the resources for developing your writing voice, like writing workshops to expand your aesthetic views. You may also join some online writing communities to share your experiences and learn from others’ experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are aesthetic features in writing?
Aesthetic features in writing include metaphors, similes, personification, imagery, and alliteration. They are the tools writers use to make their writing more interesting and colorful. When authors use these tools in their writing, it helps them create their unique style.
Does reading out loud help me understand my writing aesthetic?
Reading your text aloud can help you understand your writing aesthetics. It helps you hear the rhythm and tone of your words. Plus, you’ll catch any mistakes you might have missed. You can also record yourself reading to listen back later.
How do I avoid copying other people’s writing aesthetics?
Lots of writers have role models who inspire them. It’s okay to be influenced by others, but you cannot copy other people’s work. You can only take inspiration from their work and then create your unique writing aesthetic. Pay attention to how people talk and write in everyday life. That way, you’ll develop your style naturally.
Does editing help with writing aesthetics?
Editing is super important for becoming a better writer. You’ll notice where your aesthetic shines through when you edit your work or have someone else do it. This process can help you modify your work to match your writing aesthetics.
