Often, writers will choose a side. They’ll either write for the media and tabloids, or they’ll write books and stories. While the two can cross over, they are very different writing styles that involve different elements.
Writing for the media and writing a novel are two very different forms of storytelling, each with its own rules and goals. While both involve creativity and communication, they serve different purposes and audiences. Here’s how they differ.
1. Purpose
When writing for the media, the main goal is to inform or entertain quickly. News articles, blogs, and online content are written to share information clearly and concisely. The focus is on delivering facts, ideas, or opinions that are relevant and timely.
In contrast, writing a novel is about telling a story over a longer period. Novels are meant to engage readers through character development, complex plots, and emotional arcs. The purpose is to entertain, provoke thought, or explore deeper themes in a way that unfolds slowly.
2. Audience
For media writing, the audience is usually looking for quick and digestible information. They may be skimming through articles or reading on mobile devices. Because of this, media writing uses shorter sentences, straightforward language, and gets to the point fast.
Novel readers, on the other hand, are often looking for a more immersive experience. They expect detailed descriptions, rich language, and intricate storytelling. The pacing can be slower, and there’s room for creative expression, world-building, and in-depth exploration of characters.
3. Style and structure
Media writing tends to be more structured with clear headlines, subheadings, and a standard format like the inverted pyramid, where the most important information is at the top. Writers use facts, quotes, and statistics to back up their points.
Writing a novel allows for much more flexibility in structure. Authors can experiment with different narrative styles, timelines, and perspectives. The focus is on developing a unique voice and drawing readers into the story over time.
While both types of writing require skill and creativity, the goals, audience, and style set them apart in important ways. You’re writing in very different styles for different people to read. One arguably takes longer than the other, but both are important.
