The novel is a challenging art form. It demands adherence to the rules of usage and style. It is a discipline that molds writers to becoming better with every book that they create. Every writer has his style, but one thing they have in common is the intention of becoming stylish with their prose. They fashion a sophisticated style since prose is a form of language that has no formal structure. The writer then creates a sense of value through complex sentences and word choices. As his craft evolves, he gains a skill that enables him to tackle the artistic. Of course, not all professional writers choose sophisticated prose. Laymen often prefer the simple to the flowery. But the writer, from time to time, armed with both knowledge and wisdom of the craft, tackles the literary novel when he feels that he needs to without pretense or compromising clarity. 

Non-literary prose: Harvey gasped and clenched his fist as the doctor revealed his findings that he was HIV-positive. He was no longer listening to the other things the doctor was telling him. His mind had flown elsewhere. He was getting married next month and he just got promoted to the firm as a junior vice-president. He had no idea that the cold that had been festering him for weeks was evidence of his symptom.

This scene establishes a scene, mood, and a transition toward the next episode. It is teeming with emotion and whets the reader’s appetite to find out what happens next. The drama is intense enough and the variation in structure achieves a form of artistry even if it lacks rhythm.

Literary prose: The doctor stared indifferently at Harvey who was waiting with bated breath for what he had to say. He could tell that his patient was agitated. This patient was not the first. He had given this diagnosis to other careless types before that and he had grown desensitized to their tragedy. As he gave the news, Harvey gasped and clenched his fist. He could not control his rapid breathing as his mind shifted to denial. He was no longer listening to the other things the doctor was telling him. His mind had flown elsewhere. HIV-positive-- a stigmatizing label that could render him a pariah in social circles. He was getting married next month, and he was in a fever of restlessness thinking how he would explain it to Rebecca. He just got promoted to the firm as a junior vice-president, and the board would not hesitate to strip him of his new position if they found out. Harvey had no idea that the cold that had been festering him for weeks was part of his symptoms. He pressed his face against his palms and broke down.

Do not confuse wordiness with stylized prose. Literary prose works when a scene is intense enough to merit its participation. The rhythmic flow must reinforce the drama and should not hinder the flow of tension. It must even amplify it. Stylized prose must be used with caution. Prose should never compromise content.