Purple Pansy Prose

Purple prose is fancy-pants, over-the-top, flowery writing. Kind of like the sentence you just read. This type of writing defeats the purpose of the story’s intended message. It distracts from the flow causing readers to unwittingly zero in on the author’s lavish writing rather than on the story’s prose as a whole. It’s characterized by an excessive use of adjectives, metaphors, adverbs, embellished vocabulary, sentences that are over-long and winding, words that seem out of place for the narrative, and clichés.

While descriptive details are necessary, too much of this becomes tedious. Authors must stay cognizant of the purple prose trap as they draft and edit their novel. They must strive to paint a portrait of action, characters, settings, and scenes using description that's authentic and not ostentatious or overboard. Those who get tangled up in purple writing may find themselves in a situation where they must give up what they deem as the good, to go for the great.

Purple prose may feed an author’s ego, making them feel impressed with themselves and their clever use of words, but the truth is, showy writing can diminish the reader’s experience and cause agents and publishers to pass.

DON’T FOLLOW THE PURPLE BRICK ROAD IT’S A DEAD-END

The cliché, less, is more fits perfectly in this literary situation. The use of too many words in a sentence is a waste of space when a few will suffice. It also serves as an appropriate rule concerning word choice. Aim for clarity in your writing by replacing elaborate words with straightforward ones. Simple is best. Readers don’t want to have to look up the definition of words while they’re reading.

LAVENDAR EXCEPTIONS

There are exceptions to this word rule. Fantasy writers often sprinkle in more descriptive words to help transport readers into the worlds they create. For example, an author might use the word kerseymere instead of wool, diaphanous instead of light, delicate fabric, or tunic instead of shirt to describe clothing. Historical fiction authors may swap standard words with ones that are outdated to fit the narrative or character’s lingo, like henceforth, morrow, and vespertine hour — taking place in the evening. Words such as these are fine as long as they don’t overwhelm the story, scenes, or sentences.

BREAK THROUGH THE PURPLE HAZE

Ditch any clichés you find while editing your manuscript. Clichés alert agents and publishers that the writer lacks experience. They will surely toss your manuscript. Writers who rely on clichés instead of figuring out a better and more interesting way to relay their message are looked upon as lazy writers. Get your writing and editing act together and navigate through the violet fog.

STEP AWAY FROM YOUR POSSIBLY PURPLY MANUSCRIPT

Taking breaks is good for the writer and the story. Stepping away from your manuscript and returning with fresh eyes allows you to see clearly. Come back with purpose and hunt down the purple text lurking in your story. When your sights are set on the purple weeds, you’ll spot them with ease. Once seen you won't be able to unsee them.