Similes
Although not as strong as metaphors, similes are great ways to follow that time-tested literary maxim: show, don’t tell. They’re easily identified by the words like or as.
Definition
A simile compares two unlike things that have one thing in common.
Examples
Her heart fluttered like a butterfly.
His excitement soared as high as the moon.
Cautions
- Don’t use a simile that’s a cliché. Clichés are ineffective.
Cliché: Cindy was as busy as a bee.
Cindy was as busy as a hamster running on her exercise wheel.
- Don’t use a simile where no comparison exists.
Bob flexed his biceps like spaghetti.
Be Original
The first similes that come to mind are usually cliché because we hear them all the time. Go ahead and write them in the first draft, if you need to, and then in your revision work on creating a fresh image, that is, something original.
Personification
Personification is a figure of speech that’s easy to use, helps create mood, and makes our writing more vivid.
Definition
Personification is a literary device that gives human attributes to non-human things.
Examples
Flames danced in the fireplace.
Darkness slipped into my room.
Cautions
- Don’t overdo personification.
- Use personification strategically, in places where you can create atmosphere and mood.
- Keep your personifications fresh/original. In other words, be creative with them.
More on figures of speech next week.
The Author's Cove: John "Jack" Cunningham on Writing & History 
Thanks for this post, Jack!! Good info!! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing this.
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You are welcome. Thanks for visiting the blog!
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I like these figures of speech, Brother Jack. Next, how about a cure for cliches? A list of cliches with not-so-common alternatives.
Dave *Old Tales New *
On Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 8:55 AM The Author’s Cove: John Jack Cunningham
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That’s a good idea about a list of cliches. I may use it in a future post. However, the best alternatives are the ones authors think of themselves. This is where the real “brain work” comes into play. Spend time thinking of the most original similes and metaphors you can come up with to help express yourself on the page.
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