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: About 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 Meg Mason… Meg Mason began her writing career as a journalist. She started with newspapers including The Financial Times and The Times, …
The figurative language of Meg Mason… Read More »
Reading time: I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about a series of metaphors from novelist Gary Shteyngart… Author Gary Shteyngart is a really funny guy. Several years ago, I enjoyed his novel Super Sad True Love Story. And, more …
The figurative language of Gary Shteyngart… 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 a series of metaphors from Tana French. Generally, I don’t read murder mysteries. I find the genre too predictable and, often, the writing is pedestrian. I make …
Yet more figurative language from Tana French 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 a series of similes from Dwight Garner…. Dwight Garner is one of my favourite book reviewers in the New York Times. I especially enjoyed his recent take-down …
The figurative language of Dwight Garner… 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 and similes from Jonathan Franzen…. I’ve never been a huge fan of Jonathan Franzen. I found his 2001 novel — a satirical …
The figurative language of Jonathan Franzen… Read More »
Reading time: Less than 1 minute I like to share interesting pieces of figurative language I encounter in my reading. I write today about the figurative language (and other writing skills) of novelist Julian Barnes… As a longtime fan of the superb British writer Julian Barnes, I was thrilled to …
The figurative language of Julian Barnes… 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 Edward St. Aubyn… I had never heard of Edward St. Aubyn until recently. News penetrated my dim consciousness when …
The figurative language of Edward St. Aubyn… Read More »
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 metaphors from Noah Hawley…. I don’t typically read murder mysteries but when my friend Carlos Chavez recommend such a title a few days …
The figurative language of Noah Hawley… 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 Elizabeth Strout… I’ve admired the writing of Elizabeth Strout (pictured above) ever since I read her remarkable Pulitzer-Prize winning novel …
The figurative language of Elizabeth Strout 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 Wayne Johnston… Novelist Wayne Johnston (pictured above) was born and raised in the St. John’s area of Newfoundland but now lives …
The figurative language of Wayne Johnston… Read More »
