novel writing

[spotted_leaf]

So is it better to write in a way that its easier for someone to understand...less picturesque details and words and flowery language?
Is it better to keep it simple and straightforward?

 

[c.g._eads]

I think you find a balance. Also, you write the style that's most comfortable to you. If that's the kind of stuff that flows off your fingertips and it's the kind of stuff that you love to read, then that's what you should write. I think the best answer is, what are your favorite books? Use the author's style as a blueprint for your own.

Keep in mind you're asking a screenwriting forum. And it's drilled into our heads to keep every sentence as short and simple as possible. I don't know of any novel forums, but they might have a different take.

 

[Gord.T]

So is it better to write in a way that its easier for someone to understand...less picturesque details and words and flowery language?
Is it better to keep it simple and straightforward?

You don't know what your audience is capable of 'understanding' unless you research that particular subject.

So first off, don't dummy anything down. If your talking about a dental procedure, 'know' that procdure and use the terms by consullting a dentist, and write it using that terminology.

Have you ever seen 'simple' or 'straight forward' in a novel before? I never have.

Yeah, I just find the question a bit vague.
I'm not a writer but maybe someone will chime in soon and we'll both learn something.

edit: I do know that novel writing, screen plays and short films are all handled differently due to so many variables. Something to keep in mind also.

//Edit: I may have misinterpreted the meaning of your first post which I think I now get.
That's your fault. 'Your' the writer. a.k.a the more specific your question, the more specific your answer.

 

[Dingos8mybaby]

start with an idea. turn it into a story. know the ending. then write it. don't worry about spelling, sentence structure, or syntax. don't get wrapped up in pacing issues, unresolved conflicts or flowery descriptions. don't ask anybody what they think. don't let anybody read it (unless they're pages for your editor/publisher). follow this until you have a sizable chunk of writing that you are confident can be (or easily finished to become) a first draft. that's when you put it down. and leave it. go spend time with the wife/kids/dog. go to a jazz club. remind your friends that you still exist. then come back to it and discover that you have style. and great timing. and a fantastic ending that brings it all together. but horrible tense issues. and a lack of supporting character development. and too many flashbacks and not enough subplots. then the ending isn't so great anymore. that's when the red pen comes out. that's when you decide whether or not you want input from your friends, because you'll definitely have enough from your publisher at that point. then the editing begins...

sorry for the staccato-esque novel of a reply. what i basically mean is that you should just write. i know it sounds cliche, but if you're honestly passionate about it, you should just do it. no matter what anyone says to you while your penning that first draft, it's your story. so you shouldn't let what people think about your style bother you too much, because it's a premature judgment at best.

 

[ConspiracyPenguin]

It is fine to use colorful words. I do all the time to spice up my works. As long as you don't drown the page in them or choose to never use any word with more than four characters you should be fine. Like CG said...find a balance.