What’s prose fiction?

Prose fiction is an imaginative story written in natural language, allowing exploration of characters and events limited only by the writer’s imagination. It uses various techniques and has a wide range of lengths. Universal themes trigger emotional responses from readers, but “good” and “bad” are subjective. Prose non-fiction is based on fact, while poetry relies […]

What’s purple prose?

Purple prose is overly elaborate language used in written prose, first recorded in 1590. It occurs when too many adjectives, metaphors, and similes are used. Writers should avoid it, but it can be addressed during editing. Raymond Carver’s editor removed nearly half of his stories. Purple prose occurs when a writer decides to use overly […]

Poetry vs. prose: what’s the diff?

Poetry is structured with rhythm and often rhymes, while prose is closer to natural speech. Both express emotion and tell stories, but prose is more rigid in grammar. Poetry uses symbolic language and sound, while prose can combine narration and dialogue. Writing effectively in both forms depends on the individual writer. The main difference between […]

What’s Prose?

Prose is non-poetic language used for written communication, including novels and business letters. It differs from poetry in structure and lack of rhyme and meter, but can use elements such as metaphor and imagery. Prose developed after poetry as a means of formal communication, and the earliest surviving example is Herodotus’ history. Prose is a […]

Prose styles: what are they?

Prose styles vary based on the writer’s personality and subject matter. The Elements of Style establishes rules for grammar and encourages writers to cultivate their own style. Kurt Vonnegut believes writers should sound like themselves and write about what interests them. Clarity is universally important, and established writers have differing opinions on what style is. […]

Stylistic prose techniques?

Prose uses stylistic techniques such as simile, metaphor, motifs, and irony to add depth and character to the story. Simile and metaphor are the most common techniques, while motifs are recurring themes and irony occurs when the reader expects one situation but another occurs. Writing prose involves more than just recording events as they happen […]

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