Comments on the Writing Style of Leonard Pitts Jr.

     Leonard Pitts Jr. is the award winning, syndicated columnist for the Miami Herald, known for his eclectic choice of subject matter and distinctive writing style. Pitts seems to have his finger on the pulse of American society. The issues tackled in his columns are always current and relevant. Pitts often pens columns about divisive issues, but also comments on pop culture and family life.

     Pitts uses short, attention grabbing leads to draw his readers in and then cleverly develops his points with the use of rhetorical questions, alliteration, vivid imagery and occasional humor or sarcasm. Pitts doesn't waste words. His writing is succinct. Pitts sometimes uses sentence fragments as punctuation to emphasize an important idea. It is an effective device, even if it does break the rules. He closes his columns with sentences nearly as brief and attention grabbing as his leads. Leonard Pitts Jr. always leaves readers with a thought to ponder.

     While these things are important elements of his unique writing style, the real secret to his writing magic is the way he draws upon his personal experiences and feelings to relate to his readers. Pitts never fails to make a case for logic, common sense or simple humanity. These things also make his writing immensely relatable and understandable. This author's passion, his heart and his ideas seem to leap directly off the page and into the hearts and minds of his readers.