Similes and metaphors

Haggis · May 24, 2007

Why can't I manage to come up with them when I need them? Anything I try sucks like a greedy newborn baby.

Okay. Forget that last line.

It is a serious issue with my writing and I don't know how to get better. I welcome any ideas or suggestions y'all may have.

Ol' Fashioned Girl · May 24, 2007

Avoid them like the plagu--

Never mind.

Haggis · May 24, 2007

Ol' Fashioned Girl said:
Avoid them like the plagu--

Never mind.

Big freakin' help. I knew I could count on you.

Danger Jane · May 24, 2007

Because then you're on the spot, just like when your friends go, "Say something funny about your Italian Ice!"

:|

Dawno · May 24, 2007

Why do you think you need them? I'm serious - is a simile or metaphor really needed? Not saying they aren't needed, I'm honestly curious.

Danger Jane · May 24, 2007

Sometimes I talk about things that are pretty much indescribable in terms of themselves. That's when I have to use a metaphor. For really abstract stuff. It's way more concise, assuming my metaphor is a good one.

Anya Smith · May 24, 2007

I'm trying to reduce both similes and metaphors in my writing.

SpookyWriter · May 24, 2007

I believe they give the reader an opportunity to form a mental image in their head. Like a light bulb. As if they can relate to the shining object overhead and take the picture to the next scene.

Used sparingly (adverb alert) they can be useful tools that help the reader make a connection that otherwise they may have difficulties with given the scene.

Haggis · May 24, 2007

Dawno said:
Why do you think you need them? I'm serious - is a simile or metaphor really needed? Not saying they aren't needed, I'm honestly curious.

Pretty much every short story or novel I read has an abundance of them. They are highly effective in helping the reader visualize what the writer is trying to get across. An overabundance of them can be a problem, but it's gotta be good to get some in there. Can a story be written without them? Sure. I do it all the time.

But I often find myself searching for a better descriptor than I have been able to put down on paper. The right simile or metaphor would do the trick, if only I could come up with it.

Does that help at all?

eta: What Spooky said. Forget what I wrote.

Haggis · May 24, 2007

Anya Smith said:
I'm trying to reduce both similes and metaphors in my writing.

I think King overdoes them. But who am I to argue with his success? I'd just like to get one or two in there occasionally.

Haggis · May 24, 2007

Anya Smith said:
I'm trying to reduce both similes and metaphors in my writing.

One more thought.

Perhaps you'd share your leftovers with me.

SpookyWriter · May 24, 2007

Haggis said:
Pretty much every short story or novel I read has an abundance of them. They are highly effective in helping the reader visualize what the writer is trying to get across. An overabundance of them can be a problem, but it's gotta be good to get some in there. Can a story be written without them? Sure. I do it all the time. But I often find myself searching for a better descriptor than I have been able to put down on paper. The right simile or metaphor would do the trick, if only I could come up with it.

Does that help at all?

eta: What Spooky said. Forget what I wrote.

We's on the same page again. I agree with what you said. Spooky, yes?

SpookyWriter · May 24, 2007

P.S. Since I read and like your work, I can understand how I'd feel the same way as you. It's as if we shared a common father.

justpat · May 24, 2007

If one pops into my head while I'm writing, then I use it. But whenever I try to force one, it just doesn't come or its really bad.

SilverVistani · May 24, 2007

Haggis said:
Why can't I manage to come up with them when I need them?

Okay... So here's my question...

Do you come up with them when you don't need them? When you're just sitting around? Because saying you can't when you need them makes me think that might be the case.

If so, all you have to do is carry around a little notebook in your back pocket or book bag or whatever else and wipe that sucker out when something pops to mind.

Otherwise... I dunno. I've found that similies and metaphors can end up sounding too forced. Yes, good ones can be very useful, beautiful tools in writing. But when it comes down to not being sure about them or trying to force them out... Eh, I'd kinda rather just not have them.

So... sorry if that's not helpful at all. ^_^()

((So far as the notebook thing goes, I recently started working as a chasier and have started carrying a little notebook in the purse I stole from my little sister so I can transport it easily and pull it out during my breaks. It really is a nice little thing to have. Totally imagine yourself as having The Handy Dandy Notebook!!))

Dawno · May 24, 2007

Thanks, folks. I don't have any good advice, just lots of curiosity about how writers think.

JoNightshade · May 24, 2007

My advice: If you want to use them well, read classic poets. Milton, Robert Frost, Donne, Shakespeare (sonnets), etc. It's a great way to understand how images can be used to convey a point or other information without being... cliche.

akiwiguy · May 24, 2007

I keep getting this book out of the library again and again, and must buy it...

http://www.allenandunwin.com/Bookseller/product.aspx?isbn=9781741140156

The best book I've ever seen on innovative writing strategies. With a specific section on how to create similes and metaphors (the whole book is written with the premise that such things are not mystical, but can be learned). Seriously, check it out. Probably aimed at university level writing courses. A very different book! PS, this is not sales spam or something... I just think it is a damned good book LOL!

Southern_girl29 · May 24, 2007

I am not good at similes or metaphors. I used to be better, but writing for a newspaper seems to have knocked the ability out of me. I don't know if I have even one in my book. I wish I did have the talent to write great ones, though.

lfraser · May 24, 2007

I try not to use them, because if I do they're either really lame, or cliche. It's my belief that good, original similies and metaphors come unlooked for; they just happen -- that this is one part of writing where talent and inspiration take precedence over the perspiration part of writing.

SpookyWriter · May 24, 2007

lfraser said:
I try not to use them, because if I do they're either really lame, or cliche. It's my belief that good, original similies and metaphors come unlooked for; they just happen -- that this is one part of writing where talent and inspiration take precedence over the perspiration part of writing.

They passed another thick strand of trees that stood along the side of the road like a homeless family waiting to greet weary travelers.

lfraser · May 24, 2007

SpookyWriter said:
They passed another thick strand of trees that stood along the side of the road like a homeless family waiting to greet weary travelers.

See? Like I said...

licity-lieu · May 24, 2007

Well...you really should look no further than this http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61247&highlight=metaphors for all the S&M inspiration you'll ever need

SpookyWriter · May 24, 2007

lfraser said:
See? Like I said...

Either lame, uninspired, or original. :Shrug:

If those are my options then which was it?

akiwiguy · May 24, 2007

licity-lieu said:
Well...you really should look no further than this http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61247&highlight=metaphors for all the S&M inspiration you'll ever need

OMG they are hilarious!

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