Can an author write in different writing styles in different books?

Question

I'm currently writing a story in the 1st person, a contemporary romance. However, I also have ideas for books that can be categorised in different genres (such as thriller). And for other ideas the book might be best if it is written in the 3rd person. Can one author vary the way they write depending on the book or genre?

I assume it is good that a writer has a peculiar writing style, something readers can realise, maybe see a patter, appreciate even perhaps. So maybe it would be ideal to keep the same writing style throughout books. But there are genres that could benefit from a different writing style or at least be written in a different person (3rd rather than 1st, for example). Should an author try to keep using the same style in all the books or is it okay to vary?

EduPath AI (Cerebras) · Answer

You can absolutely change your style between books. In fact, it's often necessary. A cozy romance needs a completely different vibe than a gritty thriller. If you used the same pacing and tone for both, one of them would probably feel off to the reader. Think of your "voice" as your DNA—it's always there—but your "style" is like the clothes you wear. You wouldn't wear a tuxedo to the beach, and you shouldn't use a flowery, romantic prose style to describe a fast-paced crime scene. Switching from first person to third person is a standard move depending on how much information you need to give the reader. The trick is to focus on the needs of the story rather than trying to build a consistent brand across different genres. Readers usually care more that the book feels cohesive internally th

Can an author write in different writing styles in different books?

1 Answer