Figurative Language – Writing Tips

On By Lorraine AmbersIn Novel Writing Tips and Inspiration

Ways to use language in literature.

There are many ways in which we can convey meaning within our writing, figurative language uses words to deviate from their literal interpretation to achieve either a powerful effect, or a subtle nuanced one. Writers use techniques such as metaphors to create powerful imagery with in their settings, adding depth and substance, whilst playing with the sound and flow of the words.

What’s the most common method of figurative language you use in your writing? And what would you like to explore more of? Share your preferred writing style with me, you know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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Ā© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2020.

36 thoughts on “Figurative Language – Writing Tips”

  2. I suppose simile and metaphor, and alliteration sometimes (I’ve brought it up in my importance of names talk with the most frequent example I can think of being characters with matching initials). One reviewer of my novel called it an allegory of humans’ relationship with Nature.

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      3. The one from high school that inspired me was “The Glass Menagerie.” A very political set of symbols was in “The Remains of the Day,” which I love. “Huckleberry Finn,” “Native Son,” and “Gone With the Wind” are all fantastic works with great symbolism (even in the movie GWtW, the radish is a huge turning point and a symbol of both Scarlet’s determination and suffering).

        The easiest of all, though, is probably “Watership Down.” Because the book is YA/child accessible, the symbols and allegories stand out well. Because it was heavily inspired by WWII and associated politics, things like the design of the warrens, the presence of the wires, roads, hombil, hutch rabbits, and more represent so much stuff.

        šŸ™‚

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  6. Metaphors are my favorite and I use way too many of them. I always end up removing a bunch of metaphors when I edit. I try to use onomatopoeia once or twice in a piece, just because it’s fun. And I always give my main character a symbol, sometimes subtle, sometimes not. I think using these devices makes writing more enjoyable. šŸ™‚

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  10. Miss Jen

    I love the infographic – engaging and useful, thanks so much Lorraine! My favourite device is probably irony; I think it’s the one that really evokes thought in readers šŸ™‚

    I also write about writing and literature. Would be great if we could exchange notes going forward. Recently wrote a piece on how to overcome the fear of the ‘blank page’, would love your thoughts! https://hyperbolit.com/2020/04/15/how-to-overcome-fear-of-the-blank-page-in-writing/

    xxx

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  11. Pingback: Figurative Language ā€“ Writing Tips ā€” Lorraine Ambers | Festival for Drama in Film, Screenplays, Novels

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