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Similes and Metaphors in Description by Jeremy D Vance

 


     I’m currently reading a craft book on loan from the library.  Written by Noah Lukeman twenty years ago, the title reads The First Five Pages: A Writer’s Guide to Staying out of the Rejection Pile. While needing an update, it has been a good read up to this point. 

     In chapter three, he comments on a writer’s lack of comparison in description. By comparison he means, the use of simile and metaphor to evoke an image.

     A simile uses “like” or “as” in describing something. An example: His glare tore through her like a slug from a .45. 

     A metaphor is an implied comparison. An example: His eyes lit up with hellfire. Notice the absence of like or as.

     For someone like me who uses few comparisons, Lukeman’s following comment is a challenge. 

     “Conversely, a work devoid of comparison may also be problematic; sometimes a clearer picture need be drawn, especially of an obscure idea. A manuscript bereft of comparison usually ends up registering with the reader intellectually but not emotionally; he may understand it perfectly well but still mysteriously put it down, for some unnameable reason not feeling compelled to turn its pages.”

     As a children’s author, I want my readers to be invested emotionally in the story as well. Bringing in a comparison, an uncliched but familiar one, will bring out the needed emotions and illuminate a vague concept.

     I’m thankful I read this, as it spurs me on to use similes and metaphors in my writing to evoke the needed response. Perhaps you can use them too. 

Press on, writers!

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