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Q&A Classical Style vs. Modern Innovation

You should only attempt the style of the 17th/18th centuries if you're writing some kind of pastiche or mimicry of a book written then — for example, a Sense and Sensibility and Dragons kind of thi...

posted 7y ago by Lauren Ipsum‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

Answer
#4: Attribution notice removed by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-13T12:00:44Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/27719
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T06:22:46Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/27719
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by (deleted user) · 2019-12-08T06:22:46Z (almost 5 years ago)
You should only attempt the style of the 17th/18th centuries if you're writing some kind of pastiche or mimicry of a book written then — for example, a _Sense and Sensibility and Dragons_ kind of thing. CE Murphy did a [reworking of _Pride and Prejudice_ and added magic to it,](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/1613171056) using a style similar to Austen's but without strangling herself with her own sentences.

However, modern readers can find this convoluted structure and stately diction hard to follow, so I wouldn't try to replicate it precisely. Approach it, but aim for clarity.

And honestly, if you do use this kind of style, be aware that it's a gimmick, and treat it accordingly. It will narrow your audience. You may find a deep niche audience (readers who love Regency romances, for example), and devoted niche readers are not to be taken lightly, but that kind of writing will not get you broad acclaim or sales.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2017-04-25T03:31:58Z (over 7 years ago)
Original score: 0