Key Characteristics:
* Lack of Conventional Punctuation: This is the most noticeable feature. Expect:
* Run-on sentences: Sentences flow into each other without clear separation.
* Missing punctuation: Commas, periods, semicolons, and question marks may be omitted, creating a sense of unedited thought.
* Dashes and parentheses used liberally: These can interrupt the flow, mirroring the way thoughts jump around in the mind.
* Fragmentation: Sentences might be incomplete, like fragments of thought:
* "The rain... a symphony on the roof... the city below..."
* "Just like that... gone. Poof!"
* Shifting Tense and Point of View: The writing might jump between past, present, and future tenses. The perspective can shift suddenly, reflecting the fluidity of the mind.
* Repetition: Words and phrases may be repeated, mimicking the way a thought loops in the mind.
* Juxtaposition: Unrelated ideas are placed next to each other, mirroring the way our minds connect seemingly unrelated thoughts:
* "The smell of cinnamon... the old man with the missing tooth... the train pulling into the station..."
Example:
"The coffee, bitter and strong, it burned my tongue but I didn't care. The rain, a relentless assault on the windowpane, drumming out a rhythm. The city, a maze of neon lights reflecting in the puddles, seemed alive with secrets. My phone, silent. Empty. My heart, a hollow drum, beating a lonely rhythm against my ribs."
Important Notes:
* This style is not for everyone: It can be challenging to read and interpret.
* The goal is to evoke a sense of internal thought: The writer aims to capture the feeling of a mind in motion, not necessarily to convey a clear narrative.
Formal vocabulary and construction can create a jarring contrast with the free-flowing style, adding to the effect. This is often used to depict a character who is highly intelligent or is struggling with complex emotions.