These pages contain numerous ideas and suggestions for writers. We are in the development of a comprehensive listing of idioms, metaphors, and similes. As part of our services, we do evaluate both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts and provide complete editing services. You can obtain additional information on our services by clicking on the services link, located on the top navigation bar.
Although the storyline is the most significant feature that draws and captivates readers, descriptive writing separates the good from the excellent writers. Does your writing stimulate the senses of your readers? How would you describe the border or aroma as a child when entering your grandmother’s house? Try this: The aroma rushed through my nostrils when mother opened the door and I knew the freshly crushed garlic and basil was melding in grandmas tomato sauce. Or this: I brushed around mother to the warmth of the kitchen, hopped through the threshold where my goosebumps magically disappeared.
Most new or inexperienced writers fail or under utilize idioms, metaphors, and similes to enhance the readers descriptive awareness of a given setting. Don’t tell the reader how a character feels, instead, describe their emotions through actions. the reader will obtain a different reading on the characters mood and emotional state simply by rearranging descriptive terms. Can you tell what the character and the phrases below are feeling simply through altering a few descriptive terms?
1. George shook the house as he rushed outside. He jerked the car door open and toss the briefcase over the front onto the back seat.
2. George eased through the front door and shifted the briefcase from one hand to another and locked it behind him. He stood by the car for a moment and inhaled the fresh dew morning, before opening the door and gently placed the briefcase behind his seat.
In number one above, the reader will believe George is: late for work, angry, or simply in a hurry.
In number two above, the reader will believe George is; calm, in a good mood, and taking his time.
Try these:
1.George entered the house and fell into his favorite chair.
2. George entered the house and sank into his favorite chair.
3.George entered the house and collapsed into his favorite chair.
4. George entered the house, slouched into his favorite chair and clutched the briefcase on his lap.
In number one above, the reader will believe George is; depressed, tired, or not in a good state of mind.
In number two, the reader will believe George is; tired, seeking comfort,were feeling weak
In number three,the reader will believe George is; exhausted, depressed, or simply fed up.
In number four, the reader will believe George is; seeking comfort, withdrawn, lazy, or wants to hide.
You will note that some of the descriptions overlap in that they give the reader the same impression. In order to convey to the reader that a character is tired, you need to utilize different descriptive terms noting same on occasion throughout the story. Utilizing the same turn to describe a tired person on a continual basis, becomes redundant and boring to the reader.
We make every attempt to install a new idiom at least once a week. Zoltan Kovecses (1) noted, an excellent method to attain the metaphorical concepts in any language is to learn idiomatic expressions. Idioms are often metaphorical and expand your use of the English language. If you ever intend to write that great novel, then idiomatic and metaphorical phrases are a key to stimulating the senses of your readers. readers are more likely to maintain interest when the page is not flooded with unnecessary words. The use of idiomatic phrases by a character conveys more meaning and visualization then long drawn out sentences attempting to convey the intent of the writer.
1. Metaphor: a practical introduction- Although typically utilized widely when writing fiction, metaphoric words and phrases are also utilize in works of nonfiction. In general, metaphorical words and phrases alter the original or most common meaning. A metaphor can be further defined as a figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object, action or situation that it does not literally denote in order to imply a resemblance.
2.Writers must also utilize similes to enhance their descriptive settings and create a picture of a person, situation or object. A simile is a direct comparison between two things essentially unlike each other, but resembling each other in at least one way, usually using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.