Day Job Writing vs. Fiction Writing

AKA Writing Style Clash

Writing fiction is very exciting to me because it’s about telling a story and invoking emotions. At my day job, however, they are more interested in my business writing skills.

Which is an entirely different style of writing, in terms of … well, everything.

My fiction

• has characters
• has a plot
• uses escalating conflict
• contains a climatic confrontation
• ends in a satisfying resolution
• is told in active voice
• is as gritty as appropriate for the story and audience

On the other hand, my business writing

• has a table of contents
• has an executive overview section
• uses bullet lists
• contains observations and recommendations
• ends with an appendix
• is told in passive voice
• is as straightforward as possible while remaining polite

living shells

Quite the difference.

When I start writing fiction in the evenings, my day job writing can get in the way. The bullet lists aren’t an issue, but the passive voice sometimes sneaks in when I’m not paying attention.

And I will admit it is a relief to write characters who say what they think without having to be polite about it.

If you also spend time writing something other than your fiction, step back and see if the writing styles are compatible. One may be bleeding into the other, weakening it.

If there is a writing style clash, re-read some of your fiction, or that of an author you admire. See the story and feel the emotions. Then write your fiction your way.

And avoid using the passive voice.

Avon: It just occurred to me, that as the description of a highly sophisticated technological achievement, “Avon’s gadget works,” seems to lack a certain style.
- Blake’s 7, “Trial”, 2.6

Jan 14, 2010

Tags: style

Categories: writing