4 Ways to Find Your Writing Style

Every great screenwriter has something that makes their work unmistakable. Whether it’s Aaron Sorkin’s razor-sharp dialogue, Quentin Tarantino’s genre-mashing wit, or Greta Gerwig’s emotionally rich naturalism, distinct writing styles are what set writers apart.

Your writing style isn’t just what you say—it’s how you say it. It’s your rhythm, your mood, your choice of words, structure, and themes. It’s deeply personal, but it also requires conscious crafting. So, how do you find yours? Let’s break it down.

1. Write. A Lot.

There’s no shortcut here. The more you write, the more natural your style becomes. It takes trial and error, writing scenes that don’t work, trying different tones, and experimenting with pace and structure before you start noticing patterns in your writing that feel naturally you.

When you put in the hours, you’ll begin to recognize what flows effortlessly from your fingertips. Are you drawn to bleak, ironic humor? Do you prefer tightly controlled, economical dialogue, or sprawling, poetic monologues? You won’t know unless you write—and rewrite.

2. Borrow… Then Break Away

Your influences shape you. If you love Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s fourth-wall-breaking irreverence or Jordan Peele’s sharp social horror, let that admiration fuel your writing. Mimic their style—not with the aim of copying, but with the intent to understand how and why their choices work.

Every great screenwriter starts by standing on the shoulders of those who came before them. Over time, you’ll blend different influences, filter them through your own perspective, and create something distinctively yours.

3. Listen to Feedback—and Ignore Some of It

Feedback is invaluable, but knowing how to interpret it is key. If multiple readers point out that your dialogue feels wooden or your action lines are too overwritten, take note. But if someone says, “I just don’t get why your comedy is so dry,” and you know that’s your strength, trust your instincts.

Your writing style isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about making your voice as clear, effective, and confident as possible. Learn when to adapt and when to double down.

4. Push Yourself Outside Your Comfort Zone

You won’t refine your voice by writing the same type of scene over and over. Challenge yourself. If you’ve only ever written snappy, dialogue-heavy scripts, try something more minimal and visual. If you lean toward dark, brooding drama, attempt a lighthearted comedy.

You may find that an element you never considered—subtext-heavy dialogue, unconventional structure, or atmospheric tension—becomes an unexpected signature of your work.

Finding your style is an evolution, not a decision. It happens over time, through writing, failing, refining, and taking risks. If you’re serious about sharpening your unique voice, high-quality feedback is the fastest way to see what’s working—and what’s holding you back.

With ScriptFire, you get a detailed, 10-page feedback report in just 12 hours. From pacing breakdowns to tone analysis, our insights help you develop your style with precision. Ready to refine your voice? Let’s ignite your script.