Similes and Metaphors
I recently read a quote by Kira McFadden that said: “In some ways, working with similes and metaphors is similar to “ly” adverbs. Having a few is okay, but most of the time, the writer will strengthen his or her work by describing the scene rather than relying on a simile or metaphor to do the work.”
Well, Hooray! Since I have a terrible time using either of those, that’s good news to me!
I admire writers who do use them and use them well, but for the life of me, I can’t do it. Lord knows I try, but when I do, I just embarrass myself. I belong to a writing website where I post my works in progress and get it critiqued. My readers are quick to point out how bad I am at it.
Once, I wrote an opening scene where my main character is staring out at snow falling and I compared it to being the size of golf balls. I know, such a bad comparison. Here’s what a couple of my reviewers said.
1. Ann, Snowflakes aren’t really in the SHAPE of golf balls, are they? So the comparison sorta falls flat. FALLING FLAT is what I’m getting at, I think. How ‘bout: snowflakes the size of DVD’s or snowflakes the size of flapjacks or..you get the idea.
2. Seeing that snowflakes are flat and golf balls round, the comparison was lost on me. I’ll be a wise guy and try. Snowflakes the size of hub caps, or be romantic with, snowflakes shaped like glistening diamonds fell furiously against the window.
Now, I’m not sure their suggestions were any better than my lame attempt, but they did remind me just how bad I am at writing those.
I gave up and rewrote the opening to this: Maggie thought there was something peaceful about watching snow fall. Its flakes soft and delicate, silently frosting everything in its path, making the world like one big birthday cake.
Still not great, but better than snowflakes and golf balls!
If you have trouble knowing the difference between a metaphor and simile, check out my friend, James R. Callan’s blog, http://www.jamesrcallan.com/blog/ He wrote a good article about them on September 4, 2012.
Do you like to use lots of similes and metaphors in your writing? I’d love for you to send me some examples.
When i was in high school and college english was my most favorite course along with english literature. But after all these years, i have seem to forgotton metaphor and simile. All i know is that when i write it flows from within my spirit like a gushing river down a mountainside. But i liked the post, i will have to check out James’s to spark a distant memory to life thanks for sharing Ann, it does give me something to think about!
Hi Wendell!
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I think in poetry, the use of similes and metaphors would be much more acceptable than in writing stories. For me, they seem to lend themselves to poetry.
Do check out Jim’s blog. His article on the difference between the two explains in clear, concise form with examples.
Many thanks,
~Ann
First off, I’m honored that you quoted me.
Second, similes and metaphors are tough to get a handle on, because much of what we see on TV or read in articles, books, magazines, etc. has become almost overdone. I agree that some authors do a gorgeous job of bringing life to their comparisons, but it’s a skill that takes time.
Here’s an exercise: Look to your left and write down the first item you see. Now close your eyes and compare it to something. Whatever it is, write it down, then examine what you’ve written. Does it make sense? Can you see how the shapes/”feeling” of the words/colors might be similar?
For example, when someone is sweating, don’t say, “His tee-shirt clung to him like a wet cloth.” Try, “His tee-shirt clung to him like wet seaweed.” “Seaweed” conjures an image of stickiness, and you can almost sense the shirt against your skin.
Don’t forget to be creative in your research as well. If you’re having a hard time thinking of things to link an item, scene, person, etc. to, do a Google or Dogpile search for interesting nouns, verbs, images, etc. As a writer, you have a multitude of media available to you. 😉 Feel free to be as creative as you like, and remember that writing always changes. As you grow and learn, you’ll revise and rewrite what you’ve written before.
All the best, and never give up on your dream!
Kira McFadden
Editorial Lead
Novel Publicity
Ms. McFadden,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment on my blog post. I truly appreciate it.
Regards,
~Ann