I know I risk sounding like an English teacher when I use the words “figurative language.” The phrase may sound frightening but figurative language will make your writing more interesting evocative and memorable. And who doesn’t want that –even in non-fiction? Here are some examples of figurative language:
• allusion
• hyperbole
• metaphor
• oxymoron
• personification
• paradox
• simile
I read widely and follow many forms of media, keeping my eyes and ears attuned to figurative language so I can share a piece of it with you each week.
Reading time: Less than 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of similes from Michael Crummey… I’m not a fan of the way celebrated Newfoundland writer Michael Crummey plots his novels. Still, I really like […]
Michael Crummey’s figurative language Read More »
Reading time: Just over 2 minutes I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of similes from Claire Lombardo…. Claire Lombardo (pictured above), is a fiction writer, teacher, and 2017 graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Her first
Claire Lombardo’s figurative language Read More »
Reading time: Less than 2 minutes I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of metaphors from James McBride…. I’ve been a dedicated reader since I was six years old. But if you backed me up against a
James McBride’s figurative language… Read More »
Reading time: Just over 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of similes from John MacLachlan Gray…. I saw the award-winning musical Billy Bishop Goes to War — written by John MacLachlan Gray — about
John MacLachlan Gray’s figurative language…. Read More »
Reading time: Less than 2 minutes I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of metaphors from Elizabeth Weil…. Even though I have almost zero interest in organized sports, (let me read, instead!) I watched some of the
The figurative language of Elizabeth Weil…. Read More »
Reading time: Just over 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of metaphors from Delia Owens…. I had heard many positive comments about Delia Owens’ first novel. As well, It had topped the The New
Delia Owens’ figurative language…. Read More »
Reading time: Just over 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of similes and metaphors from Julia Phillips. I think it was the New York Times book review podcast that introduced me to the writing
Julia Phillip’s figurative language… Read More »
Reading time: About 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about similes from Alexander Chee… Alexander Chee is an American fiction writer, poet, journalist and reviewer. He spent his childhood in South Korea, Kauai, Truk, Guam and Maine. He attended the Iowa Writers’
The figurative language of Alexander Chee.. Read More »
Reading time: Less than 2 minutes I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of similes and metaphors from Nell Stevens… I like writers with a sense of humour. Perhaps this explains my fandom of Nell Stevens (pictured
Nell Stevens and her figurative language… Read More »
Reading time: Just over 2 minutes I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of metaphors and similes from writer Rachel Cusk…. Rachel Cusk is not much interested in plot. Or characters. Her widely praised 2014 novel Outline
Rachel Cusk’s figurative language….. Read More »
