Like or As?

How old were you when you first learned about similes and metaphors? I was about ten, and I remember experiencing some confusion over these interesting figures of speech.  While I won't say I've mastered them, I do understand them better now. It is amazing how they enhance our writing, isn't it?

As you know, the simile is a comparison of two things using the words like or as.        

            

Here are two examples. (Don't laugh, okay? I may still have residual ten year old trauma as I was only able to identify them when I spotted the words like or as.) 

He ran as fast as an antelope.             

             

Her smile was as bright as the morning sunshine.

The metaphor further stymied my young brain, but I eventually saw how they make a comparison or an analogy, showing the relationship between two things. 

Thank you for not laughing at these examples either.  

Autumn is the relief valve for summer.       

The lake is a shimmering oasis on the landscape.

Metaphors convey a mood, and create a stronger impression than a simile. They provide powerful and stirring images for the reader. 

In her post Inside the Metaphor, Angela Ackerman of The Bookshelf Muse defines a metaphor by saying one thing is another. Angela also tells us how to build strong metaphors, and cites examples for those of us who need more practice (like me!).

Writing similes and metaphors is a great cross training technique. If you feel up to the challenge, check out this link. K.L. Oberst shares an interesting exercise in metaphors that will jump-start even the most reluctant imagination.

How are your simile and metaphor skills? Have you come across any interesting ones lately?  

Anyone care to write one to go with the picture above? If so, please share it!

Have a fabulous weekend,

Karen

P.S. The Random Acts of Kindness fun continues with giveaways and more. Check it out here.

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

 

Copyright 2012, Karen Lange.

Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ!

We interact with people all the time. They encourage us and brighten our days in unexpected ways. I believe that the writing community is particularly adept at this. Wouldn't you agree? Writers are, in a word, awesome.

Think about the writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your article or manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports, and keeps you strong when challenges arise. The author who takes time from their schedule and offers council, advice, and inspiration.

What about the ones who take time to make us feel special by commenting on our blogs, re-tweet our posts, chat with us on forums, and wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook. They're treasures, all.

As Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi put it,
 
Kindness ROCKS! 

To commemorate the release of their book The Emotion Thesaurus, Becca and Angela at The Bookshelf Muse are hosting a TITANIC Random Act Of Kindness BLITZ. And because I think KINDNESS is contagious, I'm participating too! :)

I am blitzing Susan J. Reinhardt of Christian Writer/Reader Connection. Susan and I met shortly after I started blogging, and she offered endless support and inspiration. I barely knew which end was up in the blogging world, and Susan patiently guided me over the many hills and valleys.

Our friendship blossomed from there, and she is now like a sister to me. We chat, brainstorm, laugh, and critique each other's work. We're even collaborating on a novel, and you don't just do that with anyone! As a token of my thanks to Susan, and to celebrate this Blitz, I'll be sending Susan a little surprise via snail mail soon.
 
Do you know someone special that you'd like to acknowledge? Don't be shy, come join us and celebrate! Send them an email, give them a shout out, or show your appreciation in another way. Kindness is one of the best ways to share with and celebrate the others in our lives. :)

Speaking of kindness, Becca and Angela have a special RAOK gift waiting for you as well, so hop on over to The Bookshelf Muse asap to pick it up.

What Random Act Of Kindness have you been gifted with lately? Do you like to surprise people with random, no special occasion actions or gifts?


Happy writing,
Karen