a writer who knows how to be lyrical, and who threads her stories with damaged beauty.
there is absolutely nothing wrong with purple prose
Well, purple is one of my favorite colors. ;)
I have a tendency to lay it on thick, though. I once had an entire writing group throw a snit because they were tired of slogging through my overwrought prose in search of the poor hapless plot. So, yes, the exact shade of purple is an art form, and I revel in the writing of those who excel at it. *breathes on Angela Carter's memory and polishes it* But there's artistry in knowing when to stop, and my own work will be stronger if I can master that.