Influences
Anyone who writes is invariably influenced by the writers that they read. This influence could mean overtly aping the style of that writer. Or it could be more subtle, such as using narative structures similar to those of a favourite author, or even using or timing a turn of phrase in the way that writer might.
I’m constantly asked who my influences are. In the realm of business and technical writing, I can’t really point to any one person. I’ve absorbed a lot of advice from books by writers like Robert Bly and Peter Bowerman. But my style is pretty much my own. Even when I adapt my writing to the standards of a particular client, my style does come through.
On the other hand, several non-fiction writers have influenced my opinion pieces and essays. My most notable influences are Harlan Ellison, Issac Asimov, George Orwell, and Norman Mailer. I’m definitely not in their league as a writer. But having read so much of their non-fiction, I’ve picked up more than a few tricks. Some of the lessons that I’ve learned including pacing, forming images, and the economical use of language.
In the end, though, these influences really only put me on the path to finding my own style and voice. And what’s that? Informative, but not preachy or condescending. To the point, but not dull. And having enough turns of phrase or twists to retain the reader’s interest while not seeming too clever.
Of course, I sometimes infuriate people with some of my opinions (like this one), but I do get readers thinking — just like Ellison, Asimov, Orwell, and Mailer do. And isn’t that one of the goals of writing?
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