Novel Goals: Captivating and Accessible Reading
by Olivia Salter
Laurence D'Orsay, a renowned author, once said, "Make your novel readable. Make it easy and pleasant to read. This doesn't mean flowery passages or ambitious flights of pyrotechnic verbiage; it means strong, simple, natural sentences." In this insightful quote, D'Orsay emphasizes the importance of creating a captivating and accessible reading experience through the use of clear and straightforward language.
One of the fundamental goals of writing is to effectively communicate ideas and stories to readers. However, achieving this can often prove challenging, especially for aspiring authors who may be tempted to impress their audience with complex vocabulary and ornate prose. D'Orsay cautions against this tendency, suggesting that simplicity and naturalness are key to engaging readers and making a lasting impact.
The first aspect D'Orsay highlights is the readability of a novel. Readability refers to the ease with which a piece of writing can be understood. By making a novel readable, the author ensures that readers can effortlessly navigate through the text, comprehending its message without unnecessary hindrances. This can be accomplished by using uncomplicated sentence structures, concise expressions, and avoiding convoluted language.
Furthermore, D'Orsay encourages writers to make their work pleasant to read. While the definition of "pleasant" may vary from person to person, it generally refers to an enjoyable experience that keeps readers immersed and captivated. Achieving pleasantness requires striking a balance between engaging storytelling and the skillful usage of language. It involves creating an atmosphere that draws readers in, evoking emotions, and crafting memorable characters and narratives.
D'Orsay's quote challenges the notion that impressive writing must be filled with flowery and ornate language. Instead, he advocates for strong and simple sentences that have the power to leave a lasting impact on the reader. The strength of a sentence lies in its ability to convey meaning effectively, evoke emotions, and create vivid imagery. A strong sentence is concise, focused, and leaves no room for confusion or ambiguity.
Naturalness is another key element emphasized by D'Orsay. Natural sentences flow seamlessly, mirroring the rhythm and cadence of everyday speech. This creates an immersive reading experience, allowing readers to connect with the characters and story effortlessly. Using overly complex or artificial language can create a barrier between the reader and the narrative, diminishing the overall impact of the novel.
In conclusion, Laurence D'Orsay's quote encapsulates the essence of good writing. By prioritizing readability and pleasantness and utilizing strong, simple, and natural sentences, authors can craft novels that resonate with readers on a profound level. It is in the mastery of these techniques that the true art of storytelling is found. So, aspiring writers should take heed of D'Orsay's advice and strive to create works that are both accessible and impactful, leaving an indelible mark in the minds and hearts of their readers.
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