Decoding Lois Lowry's Distinctive Writing Style and Unveiling Valuable Writing Tips
American author Lois Lowry's timeless narratives and unique writing style have captivated generations of readers. Joel Chaston, who wrote the biography of Lois Lowry, described her as one of the most important American writers for children of the 20th century. Although famous for writing several books for children and young adults, "The Giver" and "Number the Stars" are considered two of her best works.
I read "The Giver" and "Number the Stars" in high school ESL. They remain my favorite novels, and I always recommend them. The writing of author Lowry has greatly influenced me. In this article, we explore the nuances of Lowry's writing, analyzing the elements that distinguish her work. From her poignant storytelling to her graceful handling of complex themes, we reveal the secrets behind the lasting popularity of Lowry's writing. We will also go beyond analysis. We will guide aspiring writers with invaluable writing tips influenced by Lowry’s work and interviews that aspiring authors can incorporate into their creative process.
Writing Style in Novels
Number The Stars
This acclaimed novel tells the story of 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her family, who undertake a mission to rescue their Jewish friends, the Rosens, from the Nazis. The power of Lowry's work rests not only in its historical accuracy but also in its ability to convey complex emotions through the eyes of a child, navigating the delicate balance between innocence and the harshness of wartime.
The Holocaust is a difficult and sensitive topic to discuss. Still, author Lois Lowry has managed to convey the themes of Nazism, the fight against oppression, persecution, and morality in a manner that a ten-year-old can easily understand. Despite the complex and intricate concepts presented in the novel, Lowry's writing style is straightforward and unambiguous, making it accessible even for ESL readers.
The Giver
This novel is frequently included in school curricula and is set in a seemingly utopian society. The plot centers around a twelve-year-old boy named Jonas, who is selected to become the Receiver of Memories. This role exposes him to the true depth and range of human emotions — beautiful and painful.
The Giver has a simple narrative not burdened with glorious complex language or lengthy sentences. But it is also not dull. The narrative is easy to follow yet rich in imagery.
Valuable Writing Tips
Develop Your Writing Style That is Simple but Effective
Lois Lowry's writing style is straightforward. She develops her characters and builds the setting using a straightforward narrative, with minimal use of complex sentences and vocabulary. Despite this, her writing effectively provides readers with a clear understanding of the characters and the world she has created.
Constant Revision
Revisions are crucial for improving your written work. Each time you revise, your text gets better. I constantly revise my text at least five times, drawing inspiration from Lowry.
"Part of the process, of course, is constant revision. In the old days, when I began writing books, I worked on a typewriter with carbon paper. You took out a page, rolled in the next page, and that was all you had. That was your only copy. There was no Xerox machine. It was very tedious, and then somebody invented computers. That was life-changing for me because it meant that I could have it in a computer and print out five copies or 100 copies if I wanted to, and I could make revisions easily." — Lois Lowry, Interview with Slate in 2014
Find a Quiet Place and Do Your Writing Alone
To become an expert in writing, it is crucial to focus on your work without any distractions, especially when working on a novel or a short story. You need to immerse yourself fully in the characters and settings to bring your imagination to life on paper.
"I sit alone in a room every day and do my work, and that's what I love doing. I enter the lives of these characters that I know are fictional and have appeared in my imagination. But they become so real to me that when I finish a manuscript, it's like leaving behind a family you've been close to, and I love that process." — Lois Lowry, Interview with Slate in 2014.
Whether you're an avid fan of Lowry's novels or a budding writer seeking guidance, author Lowry's writing tips can be highly beneficial.
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