prosefocused

Prosefocused is a stylistic descriptor used in literary criticism and writing pedagogy to characterize works whose primary emphasis is on the craft and quality of prose rather than on poetry, experimental narrative structures, or ornate language. The term describes both a mode of writing and a sensibility among authors who treat sentence-level craft as central to the reading experience.

Origin and usage: The term emerged in online writing communities and craft essays in the late 2010s to describe a trend toward accessible, well-made prose in contemporary fiction and memoir. It is descriptive rather than a formal genre, and it can apply across fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid forms.

Characteristics: Prosefocused writing foregrounds readable sentences, natural dialogue, logical paragraphing, controlled pacing, and precision of diction. It favors economy over flab, avoids unnecessary archaisms or rhetorical flourishes, and seeks clarity and emotional resonance through well-constructed prose rather than gimmicks. The approach often includes varied but purposeful sentence rhythm and careful attention to syntax.

Applications: Editors and teachers use the label to guide revision and critique, encouraging authors to strengthen prose before pursuing stylistic experiments. It is commonly associated with fiction and memoir but can appear in essays and literary journalism.

See also: Prose style, literary realism, minimalism, show versus tell, writing craft.