Two helpful writing methods to spice up your writing and make it more fun is to use a metaphor or simile to illustrate a point in your writing.
DEFINITION OF THE SIMILE OF THE GOLD OF THE METAPHOR
Both a metaphor and a simile are comparison statements between two different elements that share a common aspect or trait. Unlike analogies that use five or six points of comparison, a metaphor or simile uses just one and allows the reader to expand the thought on their own.
One metaphor uses the wording, “X is Y.” For example, “Life is a banquet.” The reader thinks of a banquet, imagining all the food, people, fun, and activities, and then relates those images to life, and the reader sees the similarities. Points of comparison are implied but rarely explained.
A simile uses the wording, “X is like Y” or “X is like Y”, the comparison being explicit, that is, with more explanation. For example, one of the famous lines of Forrest Gump is “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” That simile actually gives an explanation in addition to the simile itself, in case we don’t realize that a box of chocolates usually contains different flavors or types.
When selecting the right metaphor or simile, make sure that the point you’re making with that figure of speech exactly matches the tone and theme of your writing. A mismatch will sound weird or unintentionally become funny, neither of which would be a good reaction.
These comparisons are harder to find than, say, examples, but they can add flavor and interesting content to your writing when done right.
WHEN TO USE METAPHORS AND SIMILES
Use them when you’ve found one that really suits the writing situation. Don’t overuse them as their use should be a bit of added spice. Too much and the spice becomes overpowering.
That said, if you’re looking for humor, an excessive number of metaphors and similes could work in your favor, but again, be careful to get it right.
TWO EXAMPLES
Here’s another metaphor: “Life is a bouquet of flowers, varied and beautiful.”
Here’s another simile: “Life is like a picnic: it’s better when shared.”
QUESTIONS TO DETERMINE THE USE OF METAPHORS OR SIMILES
1. Do you have a point that you could really benefit from one of these?
2. Do you have any metaphors or similes that you would like to use in your writing? Find the right place to put it, making sure it fits exactly.
3. Do you need to give an author credit for providing the metaphor or simile or is it considered common knowledge? Check this out and give credit where credit is due.
4. If you feel like you need to put a metaphor or simile somewhere in your writing but can’t find one that someone else said, then create your own. Focus on the point you want to make with the way you speak, and then think. If one doesn’t come to mind, think of something else and let it slip through your mind.
Using metaphors and similes can add flavor and fun to your writing, but only if done well and in moderation.