This video explores whether similes and metaphors add interest and appeal to your writing or if you’re better off sticking with straightforward descriptions.
I discuss the approach I use in my Josie Prescott Antiques mysteries and offer an example from the famed Spenser series by Robert B. Parker.
Hello, Jane Cleland here. “Is it better to use similes or metaphors rather than actual descriptions when describing someone’s face or body?” In other words, “craggy jaw, heavy brows.” These are trite. Back up a sec and ask yourself why you’re describing the person or really how much description you need.
I do like to describe people a little bit. I like to plant some seeds about what they look like in the context of what the character who’s describing them perceives them to be. Are they breathtakingly good looking? Ordinary looking? Are they short, plump, stout? Are they arrogant looking? I don’t know what that looks like. Do they puff up like a peacock as they walk across the room? There’s that simile.
Once you decide how much description you need, and you know, in my Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries, I always gave a little bit of context, but never really described Josie. She was about my age, mid-thirties. Um, it was a stretch for me to get up into that pickup truck. Or I need a ladder to reach anything, I’m only 5’1″ – something like that. So that you get the idea she’s petite, but we know she’s strong because I have her lifting some pretty heavy things.
That’s one issue, now to answer your question. I do like metaphors or similes, but don’t force them. The “strut like a peacock,” that’s okay, um, it’s not, it’s a little bit trite, a little bit of a cliché. But, um… How about this from Robert B. Parker, his first book, The Godwulf Manuscript. “She was as lean and hard as a canoe paddle, and nearly as sexy.” I think that’s a great description, and you get it. You see what that woman looks like from Spencer’s point of view. Spencer’s the detective in a series written by Parker.
What are your thoughts? Actual descriptions? How detailed? And do you use metaphors or similes? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Put them in the comment section. And if this video had value, would you like it? Would you share it? Would you, um, subscribe to the channel? That opens up features that let us make these videos even more valuable for you. Thank you.
*Transcripts are software-generated. To report any transcription errors, please use my contact form!
