When I look closely at different writing styles, there seems to be two styles that work in competition with each other. Your basic first-person narrative or you can take it a step further and we see the diary style. These two perspectives have many similarities but naturally function differently. While we should accustom ourselves to both, there are a few particulars that I enjoy about each style.

Points for Diary Style

• It can feel more realistic or relatable. Since people in real life often keep diaries, it can feel like something that might have actually happened. It immediately inspires us to be more receptive to their story because it feels truthful.
• The presence of dates adds more drama to the story. As each passage typically begins with the date or some intro, we know exactly when each passage is taking place. When something monumental in the story happens, we immediately are suspecting because we see that they waited to add to their narrative longer than usual.
• It gives an excuse to include interesting, but mundane details. In any other medium we might read, those details are out of place and take away from the story. But in a diary form, these details are a sweet addition that adds to the dynamic and help us understand our characters’ lives more deeply. While this tool can be overused, it can also be a great way to add to the story.

And now… First Person

• It feels more natural than a diary. It sometimes just feels odd or awkward for us to hear about events that happened in a diary. It feels like they would not have normally written those events in their diary, at least not in such a story-telling manner. In these instances, first-person seems a more natural choice,
• It is easier to connect with the narrator. Instead of reading about events after they happen, we get to experience them with the character. We get to experience all of the emotions they do along with them. There is no chance for them to lie or even word things to make themselves look like they are in the right. It can feel very open.
• It is often more engaging. An uninterrupted story-telling session might be just what we need. Not having to break or add in uninteresting details allows more cliffhangers to happen and can help the story to build better.

In conclusion, I prefer an excellent diary style to any first-person perspective. However, it can be very difficult to find a good diary because they are truly very challenging to write well. They require the right kind of story, the proper main character, and excellent writing to create an inviting story for readers. I cannot resist admiring the creativity that can go into writing a book in this style. It adds an element to every story and makes our minds think in different ways.