Here's a breakdown:
* Deviating from rules: This could mean using archaic language, inventing new words, altering sentence structure, or even changing the order of events in a narrative.
* Artistic effect: The goal is to create a more impactful, evocative, or memorable piece of writing. It can add emphasis, create imagery, or highlight a specific theme.
* Not just for poets: While the term originated in poetry, it applies to other forms of creative writing like novels, short stories, screenplays, and even song lyrics.
Examples of poetic license:
* Using archaic language: "Hark! The herald angels sing!" ("Hark" is an outdated word, but it creates a more dramatic and formal tone.)
* Creating new words: "The air was filled with the hum of bees and the buzz of the city." ("Buzz" is used figuratively to describe the noise of the city.)
* Altering sentence structure: "The cat, black as night, sat on the windowsill." (The placement of the adjective "black as night" emphasizes the cat's darkness.)
* Changing the order of events: "The last thing I remember is the red car." (The story starts with the ending to create suspense.)
Important Note: While poetic license allows for creative freedom, it's not a license to be sloppy or inaccurate. A good writer will use it strategically and responsibly to enhance their work, not detract from it.