Writing is a subjective practice to the umpteenth degree, but there are techniques and styles that are popularized simply because of how well they work. Seeing how this site is mostly compromised of non-professional writers, I'm curious to hear about some of the self-developed, or adopted techniques that you use in your writing.

I'm primarily interested in unique ideas and the thought process behind them. Why you use commas, semicolons, where you might apply many syllables or shorter words to change sentence flow, how you may change the length of sentences to accomplish a similar effect, how you handle speech, and why.

'How' and 'Why' are the big questions here.

Additionally, I would encourage anyone who chooses to participate to feel free in reflecting on the techniques of others, while also being open to critique yourself. Feel free to use examples to emphasize your style, or ask your peers how they may change/adopt one of your chosen techniques.

Comma splices are worse than Hitler. That is all.

Edit: Nah, I'll expound eventually. My two biggest writing peeves both revolve around punctuation.