Hi, everyone! Today I write here because I've got an dilemma with respect which English I should use for writing my novels – a seven-book nonsense series. Probably are you asking what I mean with respect ‘which English I should use for writing my novels’ and the thing is I can't decide if write my novels in Modern English or in Elizabethan English (Early Modern English). Why? It's for two reason: Firstly, my story is related with Elizabeth I; secondly, it just becuase is a nonsense story so I think that would be good for nonsense effect. So I want to know what are you thinking about and your opinion or if you've got some piece of advice.
It depends on your intended readership.
If the narration and even the dialogue is unreadable by the masses, then it could remain unread. I gather Early Modern English was the language of Shakespeare, which can be understood, if not fully, by most, but it slow the pace of reading for the majority. As Antionette suggested, it could work well for dialogue. I'm not against the idea of using modern dialogue in period pieces, especially in comedy. One lovely example is in the Airmen sketches by Armstrong and Miller.
Only use Elizabethan English for dialog. You wouldn't hear someone back then walking around saying things like;
"Yo dude, did you see Qunnie? She was a right looker." Or in a different way people speak now.