Natural:
Calla lily flowers
Waves
Water currents
Open flame
Smoke
Sand dunes…
Man-made:
Flags in the wind
Bed skirts
Silk
Swimming pool reflection
Ripple afghan
Corrugated metal…
Synonyms: ruffled, curled, ripple, sinuous, snaky, squiggly, fluid, undulating…
Describing a shape is best done in as few words as possible. Think of the shape as a camera snap shot–you want to capture the gist of what you mean as soon as possible so you can get on with other related (and more important) detail, and the action happening in the scene
Accurate shape comparisons will streamline your prose, allowing you to describe an object quickly so the reader’s focus stays on the action and events of each scene.
Want access to a plethora of real-world comparisons for specific shapes so you can spend your description currency on what matters most? We have you covered. This thesaurus has been expanded by 50% and integrated into our online library at One Stop For Writers. There, you’ll find an intuitive list of ideas to choose from, cross-referenced for easy searchability. To view a free sample of this descriptive thesaurus and others, head on over and register at One Stop.
Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and bestselling author who loves to travel, teach, empower writers, and pay-it-forward. She also is a founder of One Stop For Writers, a portal to powerful, innovative tools to help writers elevate their storytelling.
Kathy, I think that the metaphor or simile or any other type of descriptive comparison/contrast should definitely showcase voice! Whatever word choice should give the reader insight into the POV character’s mindset and personality. We’re seeing through their eyes afterall, not the author’s or our own. 🙂
Great post, esp. the photo. Regarding the bad example, I wonder if that kind of metaphor ever works when trying to establish a character’s voice? An off-beat, wacky voice. Not sure.
I laughed over your bad example. So funny! Great post.
You know, I think your blog is what’s missing from my latest ms. Must revise…
Please, please… don’t play with it if there’s any chance of losing your blog. I just found you and I’m learning so much. This was a wonderful post.
That “undefined” thing is kind of funny…you who try to help define things for us!
Another excellent post.
That “undefined” thing is kind of funny…you who try to help define things for us!
Another excellent post.
Thanks Shannon!
Elana–I’ll look into it this afternoon. Last time I played with my HTML I almost lost my blog *gulp* but I think you’re right–it has to be in there somewhere. Thanks!
I love the imagery of the fluidity in the last statement. Great job!
And as for the “undefined” thing, it must be in your HTML code. Have you looked there?
Good morning, Angela. I’m sorry I can’t help with your undefined problem, but I do love your post. Sweet pea petals and kite tails…lovely. One more for the folder! 🙂
Hey…does anyone know how to get rid of the ‘undefined undefined undefined’ under my name? I’ve looked everywhere and can’t figure out why it’s doing that!