Writing clearly AND poetically

authors who use words simply because they are obscure, instead of using them to enhance or advance the story or feel of the piece.

 

I want to choose words based on rhythm, not obscurity.

 

Have you ever considered writing poetry? Your obsession with rhythm would serve you well.

 

I say this in the nicest of ways, so don't hate me for it:

Regarding style, I'd say consult the OP... that's a good example of author-centric writing. I know it was clearly not meant to represent the prose style being asked about, but there is some clear "ego-stroking." For a better example, take this truly AWFUL piece from some of my own bad writing:

As far as vocabulary, stick to words that people would know and that make sense in context. Instead of "rufescent," just say deep red. In m example, there is no good reason to use "prodigiously" as I have...

In other words, if your writing resembles that, it will need definite rethinking.

 

But why not based on meaning?

 

in the poetic style of imagism, the meaning of words is not really even necessary; and sometimes, you will miss the point of the entire poem thinking like that. it uses the sounds of words and what they make a person feel to convey an image: an emotion. rhythm is an extension of that. any literary device can be used to obtain deeper and richer meaning as you saturate each poem with layer and layer of complex and meaningful beauty. that is what i think waitingforzion should attempt.