How to Use How to Use Metaphor, Simile, and Other Analogy Well in Writing
Writing is like giving away the few loaves and fishes one has, trusting that they will multiply in the giving. Once we dare to “give away” on paper the few thoughts that come to us, we start discovering how much is hidden underneath these thoughts and gradually come in touch with our own riches.
(Henri Nouwen, Seeds of Hope: A Henri Nouwen Reader, 1997)
I’ve been told once or twice that my writing sometimes waxes poetic…
…and what’s good poetry without a bit of metaphor, simile, or other type of analogic device?
But it IS possible to go too far with these devices in writing, as I explain in this video.
The basic rule of thumb? Analogic devices function best when they allow readers to visualize or empathize deeply. So, as you draft, consider where the writer really needs to have a picture of what’s going on, or where they need do feel emotion hard. Then insert your device there. By limiting the number of devices you use and placing them strategically in this way, you naturally will draw more attention to them and improve the impact, similar to if you used one high-quality image on a website instead of a dozen.
[Transcript summary]
So, I have been reading this book, and I thought it would love it. Love it. No, no, no. I did not. Why? And it kind of dawned on me as I kept going through it.
Every three seconds there was some kind of metaphor, some kind of simile. And I’m sure that the author who was writing this book really just wanted to be expressive. That’s what you use those kind of writing devices for.
But here’s the thing. Analogies, metaphors — they’re kind of like these French fries. I like them. I like me a French fry. But if you make too many of them, if you eat too many, doesn’t make you feel good. It — I kind of don’t want any more. So, if you bombard a reader with too much imagery, it’s like this. Like, they get overwhelmed. They don’t want it anymore.
So, my advice is, understand what the real function of the metaphor or the simile is. And there’s really just two. The first is to create a visual in the mind of the reader. Or, it helps the reader to relate to what you’re saying. So, it’s about empathy.
So, if you want to use them well, use them sparingly. And you ask yourself, “Where does the reader really need to have the visual and to see what you are talking about?” Or, “Where do they need to feel what’s happening?” Where do you really want the emotion to happen? That’s where you insert it.
Take care. Bye.