Can reading too many books kill your natural writing style?

I was writing a book earlier in the year but kind of drifted away from it. Too many new ideas, still loving the old one etc etc. Finally after a few months I’ve decided to face the demons and continue writing.

The only problem is I seem to have changed my writing style.

The old work is very punchy and tongue in cheek – and I love it. It feels like my writing but it’s different to the way I write now. I’ve got a bit grittier and nastier but I’m not sure I like the change.

I do however know why I’ve changed.

I’m reading different books. This may sound silly but my writing now is far more like Andy McNab or Wilbur Smith than before. And the books I’ve been reading recently have been by Andy McNab and Wilbur Smith. Before I was reading books by Eoin Colfer and it shows in the writing style.

I’m not saying my newer writing is worse – far from it. I just like my old stuff better.

Slowly but surely I’m going to discover myself again. I think this is one journey I’m going to like.

So remember – if you want to write a book read the books you want to emulate.