Here's an example of something written in a "relentlessly commercial" style.
No prizes for guessing where it comes from -- one of the most relentlessly
commercial novels ever. It's full of 'tell', cliche, melodramatic language,
interpretation, pleonasms. And deliberately so. I'm making an observation,
not a judgment. The paradox at the end is most likely a mistake, mind you.
"Renowned curator Jacques Saunière staggered through the vaulted archway of
the museum's Grand Gallery. He lunged for the nearest painting he could see,
a Carravagio. Grabbing the gilded frame, the seventy-three-year-old man
heaved the masterpiece toward himself until it tore from the wall and
Saunière collapsed backward in a heap beneath the canvas.
As he anticipated, a thundering iron gate fell nearby, barricading the
entrance to the suite. The parquet floor shook. Far off, an alarm began to
ring.
The curator lay a moment, gasping for breath, taking stock. I am still
alive. He crawled out from under the canvas and scanned the cavernous space
for someplace to hide.
A voice spoke, chillingly close. "Do not move."
On his hands and knees, the curator froze, turning his head slowly."
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nathan Cain" <IndieCrime@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: RARA-AVIS: SMALL CRIMES AND DRAGON TATTOO
> What exactly is a "relentlessly commercial" style.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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