Hollistavat

Hollistavat is a term that has emerged in certain online communities, particularly those focused on creative writing and worldbuilding. It generally refers to a specific type of narrative technique or stylistic element characterized by a deliberate and often excessive layering of descriptive details. This layering can be so dense that it sometimes obscures the underlying plot or character development, becoming a feature in itself.

The term is not a formally recognized literary device. Instead, it appears to be a neologism used by practitioners to categorize and discuss a particular approach to prose. Those who employ hollistavat might do so to create a rich, immersive atmosphere, drawing the reader deeply into the sensory experience of a scene. The intention is often to evoke a strong sense of place or mood through meticulous attention to visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile elements.

However, the term also carries a slightly critical connotation when used by observers or those who find this style overwhelming. It can imply a lack of narrative drive or an overreliance on description at the expense of more traditionally valued elements like pacing and plot progression. The effectiveness of hollistavat is therefore subjective and depends heavily on the reader's preference and the specific context of the work. Discussions around hollistavat often involve debates about the balance between descriptive richness and narrative momentum.