Rules? What rules?

 I am glad I went to school in the fifties and sixties, for various reasons. Back then, we learnt 'proper' cursive handwriting that few younger people seem able to read today. We did not have the luxury of calculators so mastered the art of doing simple mathematics in our heads. But, above all, we were taught those many punctuation and grammar rules involved in communicating via our English language. What a bonus for me as a writer today!

Perhaps you disagree about those pesky punctuation and grammar rules. After all, language changes or evolves over the years in all sorts of ways and, if we insist on continuing to use all those commas and apostrophes today, our writing could seem unnatural, stilted and pedantic. I understand that – and, as writers, we want today’s potential readers to be able to connect easily with our books, stories and blogs. Yet how much easier it can be, it seems to me, if we know those punctuation and grammar rules well. Then we can make wise decisions about whether and where we use them or not in our writing in this day and age.

As far as punctuation is concerned, take this sign, for example, that I saw recently outside a café:

Perhaps there was only one scone that came with jam and cream? Or only one sausage roll? And what was inside that the open fire could possibly possess? How tempted I was to march in and proceed to explain to the owner that simple plural nouns ending in ‘s’ do not need an apostrophe. At that point, I remembered Lyn Truss’s (yes, an apostrophe is needed there!) clever book, Eats, Shoots & Leaves, and wished I had handy the ‘Punctuation Repair Kit’ she mentions so that I could easily plonk a sticker over those unnecessary apostrophes or rub them out.

In the case of this sign, at least we still know what it means. So why the fuss, some may ask. But when it comes to our use of commas, that can be another matter. Take the title of Lyn Truss’s book, for example, where that comma after ‘Eats’ makes all the difference. With it there, we understand that the panda walks into a café, proceeds to eat whatever, then shoots someone, then leaves. Much more exciting than a sentence about pandas eating shoots and leaves!

At times when editing manuscripts, I have to reread certain sentences to understand their meaning, all because a few commas were missing in relevant spots. Take the question, ‘John was that difficult?’, for example, or the statement, ‘I know Mary.’ Without a comma after ‘John’ and another before ‘Mary’, the intended meaning of both is unclear until we perhaps read on further or work it out from the context. How much better if we remembered the simple punctuation rule that, when we are addressing someone, their name (a ‘proper noun’) needs a comma (or perhaps two) to separate it from the rest of the sentence.

I understand not all writers have had the opportunity to learn those pesky punctuation and grammar rules well at school. But all is not lost – there are plenty of books and courses available on the subject, so why not check them out? This may well save editors’ or proofreaders’ costs in the long run, as well as stop future generations from writing signs like the one above outside cafes!

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and four non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves encouraging others through both the written and spoken word and is a keen blogger.

Jo-Anne’s latest book, God Moments, is available via her website, Koorong Books and Amazon.

Omega Writers Retreat: Views from the Pews

On 10-11 October, many of us tuned in to the Omega Writers online retreat. Omega Writers is an Australian Christian Writers network that helps to encourage one another, and provide skills and resources to help others in their writing journeys. This year's theme was 'Transformation: Renewing Our Minds, Sharpening Our Skills, Writing With Purpose'. We had the chance to hear some amazing speakers and network with fellow writers flung near and far.

It started out on the Friday night with the annual AGM and writing workshops in our smaller genre groups. Then the main retreat day on the Saturday included:

• A keynote address by American author Lori Roeleveld, with some insights from the book of Nehemiah to strengthen our writing.
• An action-packed advertising and marketing presentation by Carolyn Miller.
• An AI panel with Pete Court, Karen Brough, Susan Bruce and David Rawlings.
• A panel on publishing models with Meredith Resce, Jenny Glazebrook, Rochelle Stephens, Carolyn Miller and Gina Walters.
• More time in our genre groups.
• Later that night, we capped off the event with the CALEB awards for unpublished manuscripts.

I asked some of the attendees if they could share something they got out of the retreat and here are their responses.

Barbara McKay, Southeast Queensland

As iron sharpens iron, so likeminded people can sharpen and challenge you, refine you, and strengthen you. This is what I experienced from the girls in the Toowoomba Omega chapter who warmly welcomed me to the Online Retreat last Saturday. Their kindness was overwhelming.

As an octogenarian with physical challenges, I loved fellowship with these girls and others in Omega Writers online. Our speaker, Lori from Rhode Island in the USA, shared insights from the book of Nehemiah highlighting how she coped with adversity. I love this Old Testament book. Her words did encourage me to keep writing. I will listen again to her words, and like Nehemiah, take on board those Biblical principles of prayer, total dependence on a living God and planning, to help me achieve my writing goals.

Donna Gains, North QLD

It was so nice to see faces I haven't seen for a year and to be able to spend time with my tribe—writers with similar hearts and connecting beliefs. Lori's words spoke to my core reason for being a writer; God has called me to this, I am assigned and designed for these times, and I'm needed to build my part of the wall. So encouraging, like a vitamin shot in the arm.

Sara Powter, Central Coast NSW

Having never done an online retreat, I was somewhat fearful of what to expect. I had no idea whether there would be ten people or a thousand (not that it really matters). But I loved it. Due to various family commitments, we couldn’t attend the face-to-face conferences, but having them online was great. Although meeting other known names was fabulous, I selfishly wondered how this would help my writing. Well, it did!

I loved the talks from Lori and Carolyn, but the completely new area of AI—something I have NEVER been game to experiment with—was eye-opening. Consequently, I have been playing with ChatGPT using an incognito window. Ask it, 'What sort of books does so-and-so write' (in my case, Sara Powter), and it's amazing what you can find. I then asked it more questions—How many books has she written? How can she improve her writing? How can she improve her visibility (re advertising)? Potential areas for improvement & strategies for growth? And lots of other questions. This is BRILLIANT.

Then I played with shortening blurbs (I have done this through Grammarly Pro before). Once I had the blurb, I entered my draft title and asked it to suggest other options. I’ll probably stick with my original, but their suggestions make great subheadingss for advertising. When asked about other plots, it supplied those and suggested both how to make the main characters stronger and how to make the secondary characters more interesting. So, to the Adelaide team who led the AI panel, I bow with thanks. I still won’t use it for my writing, but for a dyslexic girl like me, this is a game-changer. (N.B. You can find Sara's books here.)

Adam Collings, Tasmania

There was a lot to love at the Omega Writers Online Retreat last weekend, from the many useful tips shared by Carolyn Miller in her marketing session, to celebrating the amazing winners of the various CALEB prizes. But for me, the standout was Lori Roeleveld’s keynote talk. I especially connected with her second point: “you were specifically designed and assigned to these times and this place.” While we can sometimes feel out of the loop here in Australia, I feel that doubly so in Tasmania. I love my state with a burning passion, but I sometimes identify with Luke Skywalker’s words. “If there's a bright centre to the universe, you're on the planet that it's farthest from.” We don’t have comic-cons or a large assortment of author markets (although we do have the biggest dedicated indie author book fair in the southern hemisphere!) But while I may not have the same opportunities as others, God chose me for here and now. And that’s exciting. (N.B. Adam writes as Adam David Collings)

Wrap-Up

Thanks for those comments, everyone. I can reiterate what everyone has said. I too got a lot out of Lori's talk, especially regarding writing the assignment God has given you without fear. Carolyn shared a lot of helpful tips on marketing. The AI panel was thought-provoking. I'm probably one of those who had looked on AI with trepidation, so it was good to hear more about the pros and cons and how you can think through ethical uses of AI that could help in your writing tasks. I appreciated that the publishing panel also explained a bit more about how to tell the difference between genuine author services that help you to self-publish your own work versus the vanity presses that rip you off. And the genre groups were a great way to liaise with others who are writing in a similar area.

Thank you to the Omega president, Carolyn Tonkin, and to all of the office-bearers, committee members and helpers who organised the retreat. Thank you to all of the presenters and genre group leaders for your efforts, and a big shoutout to Tamara Wenham and the judges who did so much work towards the CALEB awards.

Next Year's Conference

The 2026 Omega conference will be held  at the Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair, Adelaide from 16-18 October. Guest speakers have already been lined up from the US and the UK, and local speakers will be announced at a later date. So mark your calendars now.

If any of the other retreat attendees would like to share what you got out of the retreat, we'd love you to add a comment below. It was a blast!

____ 

Nola Lorraine has a passion for faith and social justice issues, and loves weaving words that inspire others with courage and hope. Her books include the inspirational historical novel Scattered, the Christian devotional book Comfort Zone, and the Christian charity anthology Glimpses of Light which she co-edited with Jeanette O’Hagan. She also has more than 150 short publications, including fiction, poetry, devotions, true stories, magazine articles and academic papers. She loves sharing the words and stories God impresses on her heart, and prays that He will use them to bless others.  http://www.nolalorraine.com.au

The Meta-Narrative

Hello everyone, this scribbled reflection came to light in a drawer of documents in my bedroom. I read through it wondering who wrote it, then realised that I did, some time ago. This sort of surprise doesn't happen very often, but I thought it worth sharing again, especially since 'doom scrolling' social media seems to yield increasingly bleaker results in the areas of climate change, politics, social structure disintegration, and natural disasters.

 I believe as Christian authors, the thing that ties our work together is the meta-narrative. In other words, it's the far broader story into which our smaller stories fit. This is true whether our fiction has overt Christian themes or slides more covertly into secular markets. Our stories share some of the following points, or at least never deny them.

 

* Jesus died for us on the Cross and all who look to him receive forgiveness of our sins, eternal life and covenant care from this moment forward.

 

* God is the higher power shaping history behind the scenes. This includes the broader brush strokes of world history, as well as the more humble, hidden histories of individuals.

 

* There is no need for us to worry about anything, when we decide firmly in our hearts that since we see a limited picture, we will trust entirely in the creator and caretaker who sees the whole. For he stewards us just as he endorses us to steward the world.

 

* There is WAY more going on than what we perceive with our five senses or read in the media.

 

I think it's easy to sense the difference between our writing and the writing of others with a different, bleaker, more Nihilistic or pessimistic meta-narrative. While our writing offers hope and encouragement, theirs may fit the type of literature which makes readers feel hopeless and despondent, for no apparent reason.

 

May God bless you all, as you go ahead and spread joy and peace through your written words. Have you ever sensed the subtle difference I'm speaking of?

Paula Vince is the award-winning author of several Christian fiction novels set in her state of South Australia. She also has Post Graduate Diplomas in Divinity and Creative Writing. Once based in the Adelaide Hills, Paula now lives in the breathtaking coastal region. Once a homeschooling parent, she and her husband are now very recent empty-nesters.

  

Indie Publication – A Study in Patience and Pitfalls

Last month I released my first indie novella, Flare Up (yay! 🥳). In so doing, I joined the body of authors who have dipped their toe into (or for some, plunged right in!) hybrid publishing. Hybrid refers to an author who has some books released by a traditional publishing house, and some independently (self) published.

Some readers were super excited—not in the least because there was finally a story featuring Jett Faraday, a much-loved character from my Blaine Colton trilogy.

Various writing peers offered encouragement for venturing into the brave new world of indie publication. (And those with wisdom beyond my own kindly answered panicked questions as I stared at yet another gatekeeper option blocking my goal.)

I also had questions of whether I’d abandoned traditional publishing. Er, no. But I can assure you this process has given me renewed respect for my publishing house’s team.

So why go indie?

Simply, Flare Up as a novella wasn’t a suitable length for my traditional publisher. So, I decided to embark on the journey of indie publication. Sounds breezy, right? But no. This story had been latent in a file for a while, waiting for me to decide what to do with it. It took a lot of mustering for me to pluck up the grit to launch down this path.

The indie publishing market is growing incrementally and I can appreciate the appeal, especially for those who have a story that doesn’t quite fit with the majority of publishing houses. However, I can also see the pitfalls of temptation that could lure a writer to release their work too early or launch out without taking upon themself sound advice, such as a need to kill one’s darlings or restructure etc.

Image Credit Hermann Traub, Pixabay

As for the indie publishing process, I’ve bumped up against the “how hard could it be?” attitude. I’d even tiptoed down the self-publishing road a few times before, but swiftly found myself with more questions that I knew how to answer. For every step forward, there seemed to be even more blind stumbles back and questions I’d have to go away and dig into further.

It was only after my fourth (or was it fifth? 🤔) workshop on self-publication and after talking to numerous writing friends that I finally felt competent enough to at least give it a shot. Was it what I expected? Yes and no.

After my most recent self-publishing skills training, I felt reasonably confident I could bring a book to market—as to what quality it would be, well … The advantages I had included having my manuscript professionally edited and a beautiful cover designed by my talented friend, Kirsten Hart. However, on launching in, I was promptly required to consider production, distribution and market-related aspects I’d not even heard of, let along thought about.

I had no idea about distribution restrictions based on book dimensions, which also dictated the production options of paper type and finish. If releasing the book on multiple platforms, you could inadvertently double up on distributor for certain regions, and if the wrong box was ticked, it would make other distributors unhappy. (Insert stern emails about said book.) For example, agreeing to make your book available on Kindle Unlimited on Amazon means you cannot have it released on Kobo or other such e-sites. I also learned there were different breakpoints for pricing in relation to royalty rates.

Photo Credit: Bruno, Pixabay

My experience with traditional publication had at least given me knowledge of key words, catalogue descriptions and category codes (BIC, BISAC, Thema). Yet, just when it seemed I'd succeeded and the book was published, I’d receive a notification that something wasn’t right. For example, one time the cover wasn’t the correct dimensions—yet it was. The difficulty was that the way the layout is done means the file is not centred. Would it not make sense to centre a document designed to align from the mid-point out?

I’m still wrangling with Ingram Sparks, but slowly, slowly I’m creeping through the minefield of braille-like learning points. What I do know is I’ve figured out a lot and made some notable mistakes. Successful indie publication is not as straightforward as it sounds, but I’m certain with practise the process will get smoother. Most of all, I have a deeper appreciation for my wonderful traditional publisher. Thanks Rhiza Edge team!!! 💗💗

Adele Jones writes fringe and near young adult "Science fiction for the real world". Fuelled by her passion for family, faith, music and science, she tackles complex teen issues including self-worth, disability, loss, domestic violence, youth crime and more. To learn more visit: www.adelejonesauthor.com

Running Your Own Writing Race

On a summer's day in 1954, the air was palpable in the Empire Stadium in Vancouver. British athlete Roger Bannister and Australian athlete John Landy were about to compete in the one-mile race at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. They were the only two men to have broken the four-minute mile and this was their first head-to-head showdown. 

Landy was leading as they came into the final straight. He looked left to check the position of his opponent, and Bannister ran past on his right at that very moment. Bannister went on to win, with Landy close behind. Would Landy have won if he'd kept his eyes on the finish line instead of trying to look at what his opponent was doing? We'll never know. But Landy's sideways glance has become an iconic image. There is even a statue in Vancouver that captures that moment.

I'm not a runner, but I've watched enough athletics to know that middle-distance races are as much about tactics as speed. It's not a bad thing to be aware of your competitor's position, but you also need to run your own race and keep your eyes on the goal.

So what does this have to do with writing? 

I Am Not Kate Morton

When I started writing my novel many moons ago, I wanted to 'do a Kate Morton'. If you haven't come across her writing, she's a wildly successful Australian author known for her sweeping parallel narratives. Namely, books that weave different stories together within the same overall story arc. In Kate's case, this usually means having at least one story from the past and one story from the present, that move along in parallel and then intersect in a way that eventually brings the whole story together.

I especially loved her books The Forgotten Garden and The Distant Hours. To me, that was the pinnacle of writing and I wanted to do the same. I had the chance to meet her when I went to an author lunch and talk with my friend Janet Camilleri (fab founder and director of Front Page SEO). Not long afterwards, I enrolled in an intensive weekend novel writing workshop at the Queensland Writers Centre (QWC) to kickstart my fabulous career. When the instructor did the usual introductory whizz around the table to see what everyone was writing, I even said that I wanted to write a parallel narrative like Kate Morton. 

I persisted with that novel for about three years until I did QWC's 'Year of the Edit' course in which we had to critically evaluate our works in progress. After a big helping of denial, I finally realised that the novel I was writing just wasn't working. I was trying to fit the pieces together, but the links between the past and present story were becoming contrived. The past story had become the dominant one and I needed to pull that out and make that the story. That meant a lot more cutting, plotting, editing, writing and rewriting; but I think the finished product was worth it. My debut novel Scattered was an historical novel rather than a parallel narrative, but that was the best way to tell the story. 

I am not Kate Morton and that's okay. 

The Comparison Trap

There are a lot of wonderful writers out there and we can take inspiration from them, be encouraged by them and learn from them. But if we start comparing our writing journey to theirs and wishing we were like them, we can fall into a trap.

Discouragement

We might feel discouraged because our writing seems to pale into insignificance beside theirs. We can't imagine ever writing as well as they do; or achieving the sales, accolades or followers they do. 'Woe is me. I may as well give up this fanciful dream of a writing life. What made me think I could write a book anyway?'

Envy or Sour Grapes

Comparison can also turn to envy or good old sour grapes. 

'How come his debut novel is selling like hotcakes, while the sales of mine are still limping along after several years?' 

'My book is just as good as hers, but I wasn't shortlisted for the prize. That stinks.'

'If he's publishing that many books a year, they must be shoddy quality, unlike my stellar work. Another few years should do it!'

Envy is never a good look, especially for Christians who are supposed to be cheering each other on.

Taking our Eyes off the Goal

If we're too busy watching what another writer is or isn't doing, we're not focusing on our own writing journey and what God wants us to be doing.

Running Our Own Race

God has given each of us different talents and spiritual gifts. We have different passions and personalities. We have different backgrounds and life experiences. We are all at different stages of life and have different responsibilities. And here's the clincher. He wants each of us to serve Him in ways that only we can. He has called us to run our own race, not someone else's.

So what has God called me to write? I was working on the sequel to Scattered when God sent me on a detour to write a devotional book, which was published this year: Comfort Zone: A 40-Day Devotional on the Father of All Comfort. It turned out to be a big detour because I'm currently writing the second book in that series. I'm also putting together an anthology of short stories and poems on the theme of social justice, as well as a separate poetry collection. God has also been prompting me to do more with all of the songs I've written over the years, and the sequel to Scattered is still in the mix somewhere. However, there has been no mention of me 'doing a Kate Morton'. Funny, that!

The following verses, written to first-century believers, could just as well apply to us as Christian writers.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

What race has God called you to run? I'd love to hear your stories and cheer you on.

Sources

Bible verses taken from the New International Version of the Bible that appears on Bible Hub. Featured photo of runner on track by Roshan Rajopadhyaya on Pixabay. Photo of Bannister/Landy statue by Paul Joseph from Wikimedia Commons and used under their licence. Photo of Janet, Kate and Nola from the author's collection. Author pic by Wayne Logan from Encouraging Photos.

Author Bio

Nola Lorraine has a passion for faith and social justice issues, and loves weaving words that inspire others with courage and hope. Her books include the inspirational historical novel Scattered, the Christian devotional book Comfort Zone, and the Christian charity anthology Glimpses of Light which she co-edited with Jeanette O’Hagan. She also has more than 150 short publications, including fiction, poetry, devotions, true stories, magazine articles and academic papers. She loves sharing the words and stories God impresses on her heart, and prays that He will use them to bless others. 

Nola would love to connect with you on her website: www.nolalorraine.com.au

Why Write, when cost is so high?

This morning I met with a group of passionate writers. We come together under the banner of Omega Writers Sunshine Coast. Sharing with like-minded people is an encouragement. We laugh, celebrate our wins and share the load.

 As I drove home and mulled over our conversations, I asked myself again. ‘Why do I write? Why spend the hours and the dollars to produce another book that I love, but few read?’

 At home I opened the emails. My publisher confirmed that she’d love to publish, El Roi, my third book next year. How exciting! One more book in the birthing canal. Another opportunity to spend hours editing, pouring over words that they may skilfully portray the story to a reader. Another opportunity to spend dollars, lots of dollars, on professional editing and printing. Why? So a few people pick up the book and absorb it, be inspired to walk and talk with our amazing God.

 My question extended. ‘Why do feel such excitement and satisfaction out of a project that would horrify any business person?’

 The answer comes in a quiet idea that sneaks into my mind. ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ (John 4:32)

 Jesus, when he walked with men, was more satisfied by a conversation with a Samaritan woman than he was by the bread the disciples had obtained for him. It reminds me of the opportunities I’ve had to preach. A sermon where I watch revelation awakening in a listener is so satisfying. In one way. In another it often left me depleted, craving a good steak. Even when my physical body wanted food, my spirit was deeply satisfied.

In the gospel John goes on to explain. ‘My food is to the will of him who sent me an to bring it to completion.’ (John 4:34) In other words, following God’s leading was Jesus’ source of satisfaction. Jesus broke a lot of the current social rules and religious expectations as he walked among men. His obedience came at a cost. Yet he delighted to do ‘the will of him who sent me’. 

Writing comes at a cost, so why continue? Unlike Jesus I’m not called to save the world…but I am called to inspire others to experience Jesus. I preached for a season and that was satisfying, but writing is the same call with a different look. Written words can reach multitudes. The possibilities are endless.

 

I write stories because Jesus told stories. If God wants me talk about his light touching lives of those he loves, I could write a teaching book. Or I can write a story. A story can hide new ideas and theology in fast moving action, demonstrate who God is and how much He loves the people of the world. A good book can display the love of God to a protagonist. A reader who relates to the question the heroine struggles with will receive the new truth.

 

There lies my answer.

My time is the Lord’s. My money is the Lord’s. The Spirit fills me, and brings stories. I continue because the call of God is on me and really there is nothing else I’d rather do.

My next book, El Roi, is coming soon. Dan is trying to find light… and he needs a good father. Here’s a short insight into Dan’s search, if you’d like to get a taste.

“On the end of his bed, near the open window, he sipped coffee and opened the Bible at random.

'Our Father in heaven...'

There's a father in heaven? Dan shuddered. Whose father? His father wasn't there. One thing he knew; he wasn't going to heaven if he had a father there. He read on... 'hallowed be your name.'

Dropping the Bible, he gulped hot coffee. It didn't even make sense. Why was his grandmother so fond of the book? He preferred a God who claimed to be the light of the world, rather than anyone's father. How he could he find more about light? He needed light. The darkness was freaking him out. Flicking through the book, he looked for light, reading bits here and there.

Jesus went up the mountain to pray... why would he do such a thing?

The disciples started to argue... Well, that sounds normal.”

 

What about you? What inspires you to continue following God, even when it’s costly and time consuming?

Jo Wanmer is a story teller. But struggles to put those stories into accepable prose. She writes with the help of the Holy Spirit. Without His inspiration there would be no books. Though the Bud be Bruised was published thirteen years ago. Last year El Shaddai was released and it's prequel, El Roi, is just been published. 

She lives with her husband of fifty-three years just north of Brisbane. Family, God and writing are here three passions. Eleven great-grandchildren (under 5) now fill their home with love and chaos. 

 

Using Metaphors and Similes for Deeper Understanding

 

Are you a visual person? Do concrete examples help you to picture what’s happening in a story? The Bible is full of it. Brilliant imagery, that is. Metaphors, similes, strong verbs, parables, word pictures—they’re all there and help us to understand God's word at a deeper level. Let’s consider two of them in this post—metaphors and similes.

Metaphors and similes help us visualise a scene by comparing one thing to another. The difference is that similes typically include the words ‘as’ or ‘like’ (she’s as quiet as a mouse), while metaphors state that one thing is another (she is a mouse).

There are hundreds of similes and metaphors in the Bible, but here are a few examples.

Biblical Examples

Similes

• As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. (Psalm 42:1)
• [Jesus speaking] Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (Matthew 23:37)
• Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:7)
• [Paul speaking] I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. (2 Timothy 4:7)
• The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. (Proverbs 4:18)

 

Metaphors

 

• Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life’. (John 6:35)
• You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13)
• Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ (Acts 4:11)
• Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)
• [The false prophets] are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. (Jude 13)

 

Tips for Crafting Similes and Metaphors

 

If we stop and think about those word pictures, it can give us a greater understanding of the scriptures. In the same way, well-crafted metaphors and similes can help paint a scene for our readers, whether we’re writing fiction or nonfiction. Here are some tips for writing metaphors and similes that sing (and zing!)

Avoid clichés  

Try thinking of something fresh.  Instead of saying an object is ‘as white as snow’, think of other things that are white and use something less common (e.g. milk, pearls, clouds, whipped cream, photocopy paper, bridal gown).

Change perspective  

Don’t just look at obvious similarities between two things. Try looking at it from different angles. I attended a workshop in which poet Cameron Semmens asked us what the moon is like. Most people thought of round objects like a ball or a pizza.  He then asked us to think of different phases of the moon (e.g. crescent moon, half-moon) or to consider what the moon looks like at different times of the day or with different types of sky as a background.  The variety of examples people came up with was amazing. 

Match the mood  

Ensure that any similes or metaphors correspond to the mood of the piece you’re writing (e.g. amusing metaphors for a funny article, dramatic similes for a serious scene).  Your protagonist’s eyes might be ‘so bloodshot they look like a Google map of Mars’, but that humorous description may ruin your heartfelt scene.  Save it for later and write something else. 

Less is more  

Metaphors and similes have a greater effect if used sparingly.  You want your reader to linger over your beautiful words or funny analogies rather than being jarred out of the story.  This is especially true for action-packed scenes.  A well-placed metaphor or simile can heighten the action, but too many slow it down. 

Ensure they make sense

‘Her voice was like a stick of liquorice in a jar of boiled lollies.’  Huh?  You’ll be happy to know I just made that one up, but it’s not unlike some metaphors and similes I’ve seen in published work.  What sound is conveyed by a stick of liquorice in a jar of boiled lollies?  Is it the clanking sound as you stir the lollies with the liquorice?  Does it mean her voice seemed out of place with the others in the room?  The author obviously had something in mind, but the reader is left clueless.

Avoid mixed metaphors  

These occur when you combine two metaphors, similes or clichés that don’t really go together and thus create a confusing image.  For example, ‘This toothache is a pain in the butt’.  Um … I’m not sure where your teeth are, but … you see what I mean.

Avoid anachronisms  

You know how Mel Gibson wears kilts in the movie Braveheart?  Well, they weren’t invented for another four centuries.  That’s an example of an anachronism—something that is out of place in a particular time period.  So if your novel is set in the 1880s, you can’t say your hero’s snoring was so bad it sounded like a jet taking off.  However, you can say his snoring was like a locomotive or a foghorn. 

Match the setting or theme  

Are you writing a rural romance?  Try including some metaphors or similes with a rural flavour (‘Her hair was the colour of rust on a corrugated roof’).  You wouldn’t want to overdo these, but a well-placed one can really add some punch to your narrative.  Anthony Doerr’s short story So Many Chances tells the story of a family from America’s mid-west who move to coastal Maine to start a new life.  The daughter is entranced by all of the new things she discovers while exploring the beach.  By the time we hear ‘her mother’s face retreats inside itself like a poked sea anemone,’ the contrast is palpable.

Use extended metaphors

If you have an important scene, you can also use extended metaphors for added impact.  For example, think of the girl with hair like the rusty corrugated roof.  You could keep the rural imagery going by describing other aspects of her appearance or personality in rural terms (e.g. eyes the colour of cornflowers; disposition like an electric cattle prod). Jesus’ illustration of the vine and the branches (John 15:1-8) is a great example of an extended metaphor.

Final Thoughts

It takes time and thought to come up with just the right image, but it’s worth it if it helps the reader to gain a better understanding or deeper appreciation of your words.

 

Have you used metaphors and similes in your writing? I’d love to hear some of your sizzling examples.

Sources

All Bible references are from the New International Version that appears on Bible Hub. Featured photo from Hans on Pixabay. Author photo by Wayne Logan from Encouraging Photos.

Author Bio

Nola Lorraine has a passion for faith and social justice issues, and loves weaving words that inspire others with courage and hope. Her books include the inspirational historical novel Scattered, the Christian devotional book Comfort Zone, and the Christian charity anthology Glimpses of Light which she co-edited with Jeanette O’Hagan. She also has more than 150 short publications, including fiction, poetry, devotions, true stories, magazine articles and academic papers. 

She would love to connect with you through her website: www.nolalorraine.com.au

Even More Important than Your Writing ...

 by Anusha Atukorala

I will never forget that season – a season of deep grief it was, when much that I cared about was prised out of my hands. It started with God's leading to leave my much loved church family of 15 years and a ministry I’d enjoyed for more than 10. Life had thrown a few curveballs and I was bewildered. Sad. Lost! Why did God give me a task but whisk it away from me, an all too brief 8 months later? Why did God give me such a purpose and passion to serve others – if He didn’t want me to continue? But … we know the truth, don’t we? Scripture tells us that God’s ways are not our ways. His ways are always better of course, but it takes hindsight to realise it!

 

It was a season of deep pain and sadness. Questions filled my mind ... large grey clouds pregnant with rain, filling up every inch of sky before a downpour. I’d loved serving those in our community who came to us for financial and other kinds of help through this arm of the church I’d been involved in. I loved praying with non-believers – I don’t think anyone refused my offer of prayer – even though most had no personal knowledge of God. It was wonderful – being able to be part of their journey, to bring light and hope into lives that were hurting. It had been a God-breathed, God blessed ministry.

During the months that followed, I questioned my worth. If what I did was taken away from me, what did that say about me? I was a nobody! Useless! Yes, I was a Christian writer and I loved writing for Jesus. But … I was more than a writer – I was also called to bless and help others. I knew it was what God had created me to do. One day, as I read the words of a well-known author and speaker, light came flooding in, dispelling the darkness I'd been wrapped in.

 

“Your significance doesn’t come from what you do. 

It comes from being a child of God.” Joyce Meyer

Her words created an arrow of joy that pierced deep into my spirit, renewing my heart and mind. It was true. I was a child of God. The peace that washed over me then, was not just a step towards healing, but like running up a whole staircase towards it. God's truth took root in my heart where it now abides deep within, giving me the sure knowledge of being loved and of having worth, apart from anything I do. 

And so … during the past 8 ½ years, when my writing moved from centre-stage to the periphery due to ill health, this same knowledge held me – I had worth, not because I was a Christian writer, but because of Whose I am! It’s been my toughest season … but I got through it, because God said I was enough. Thank You Jesus! How grateful I am!

 

Today, I’d love to cheer on anyone who needs a word of hope and encouragement. Perhaps you have not achieved your writing goals in the recent past? Perhaps you have been fighting writer’s block? Perhaps your book sales have been dwindling of late, as mine have been? Perhaps you have had little time or energy to spend on your writing pursuits, despite yearning to do so – that’s me! 

Perhaps your editor’s comments on your latest manuscript made you wonder if you would ever make it as a writer? Whatever the source of discouragement, here’s a thought. While our writing craft is important, perhaps this season is a gift - a path to finding untold riches of the spirit?

What’s more important than your writing? Well, YOU, for instance. You matter. Did you know that? You are a child of God. Beloved. No matter what successes or failures you’ve encountered in your calling, you matter even more than that to Him. You really do. El Roi, the God who sees, is looking at you this moment, His Daddy eyes resting on His beloved child. He is proud of you just because you belong to Him. He loves you with an everlasting love. You are safe in Him!

What’s more important than your writing? Your walk in perseverance qualifies for that space too. No one but you know the challenges you’ve faced, the tough times you have overcome. No one but God knows how you have kept clinging to Him, no matter what. I know He is proud of you for keeping on, despite the setbacks. Well done, my friend! Well done!

 

What’s more important than your writing? Obedience to God! God has a way of asking us to give up what we prize most, just like He tested Abraham. He tests our hearts by requesting that we step away from our ambitions. He removes what we believed was our goal and we stumble headlong into a perplexing season. At times, obedience to Him makes no sense at all. But we know that even more important than writing a best seller, to be obedient to what He calls you and me to do today – and that’s what matters most of all!

 

What’s more important than your writing? The Father’s heart of love! That’s what! He doesn’t want you to lose out on the riches of His Spirit that He pours out on those who yield to Him. So sometimes, when it seems we have been failures – God knows that we have succeeded, because we have done what He has asked– no matter how small and insignificant it seems in the world’s eyes. 

Today I say Well done, dear one. God sees you. He knows you. He is pleased with you. I see the twinkle in our Father’s eyes as He cheers you on, His precious child. So be encouraged. Be blessed. Keep doing all He calls you to – we are in this together. You are not alone. You matter. 

And YOU shine!

Anusha’s been on many interesting detours in life, as a lab technician, a computer programmer, a full time Mum, a full time volunteer, a charity director, a full time job chaser, until one golden day (or was it a dark moonless night?) God tapped her on her shoulder and called her to write for Him. She has never recovered from the joy it brought her. She loves to see others enjoying life with Jesus and does her mite to hurry the process in her world through her writing and through her life. The goodness of God is her theme song through each season, as she dances in the rain with Jesus.

 

Her first book Enjoying the Journey contains 75 little God stories that will bring you closer to your Creator. Her second book Dancing in the Rain brings you hope and comfort for life’s soggy seasons. Her third book, Sharing the Journey is a sequel to Enjoying the Journey.

 

Do drop in on her two websites to say G’day! She’d love to connect with you.

Dancing in the Rain

Light in the Darkness