Using plain English in fact and fiction
Plain English, often thought to be valid only in non-fiction texts, can also extend to works of fiction.
Author Katherine Kirk explores the concept in an article published by IPEd affiliate, the UK-based Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).
Ms Kirk explores the questions:
- What is plain English and why does it matter for fiction?
- How can plain English principles improve the fiction reader’s experience?
- Does writing in plain English mean stripping fiction of its artistry?
Her article, ‘Using plain English to maximise immersion in fiction’, was published in CIEP’s newsletter, Editorial Excellence.
Ms Kirk outlines why plain English is important in works of fiction to improve the experience of the reader without removing the voice of the author.
You can subscribe to CIEP’s Editorial Excellence free newsletter to read a range of informative posts.
Learn more about plain English in another article in this month’s issue of Gatherings.