I love finding metaphors in stories - it amazes me when something common or unassuming represents a much deeper meaning for a character as his or her story unfolds.
One of the recurring metaphors in my recently-completed ms, SHADOW PARK, is the sunset. And with a title like that, I should probably be embarrassed to admit that it was unintentional until the very end of the novel.
Those of you who follow me on Twitter know it makes sense that I'd find a way to make this everyday occurrence into something significant to my beloved main character, whether I meant to do it or not. Why, you ask?
Because I'm a little obsessed. And I have the pictures to prove it (All of these were taken with my cell phone):
Every night I stand by my front door and watch the sun sink into the horizon. It never fails to enthrall me. Stunning pinks and golds, clouds that appear lit from within, colors changing and shifting and igniting until the light finally dies. And I get to witness a new version of it, every. Single. Night.
The same and different, all at once. Endings and beginnings. Time moving forward.
Metaphor? YES PLEASE.
Your turn, peeps - tell me all about your favorite metaphors you've incorporated into your stories. Was it intentional, or happy coincidence?
beautiful pics! Most often the sunsets where I live consist of grey, grey and more grey.
ReplyDeleteI'm obsessed with stars so they have managed to find a way into my MS. It's kind of to show the vastness of not just the world, but the universe. And that you can be in so many different places, but still be looking at the same stars.
ReplyDeletePlus they're just pretty :)
I LOVE your obsession. Because it's one of mine too. So happy that Ellie and Merrin have that in common.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous post, G. <3
I adore your pics of the sunset and hereby absolve you of any "obsessive" compulsion related to it. Call it a "discriminating taste for nature putting on a dazzling nightly show" :-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't considered any metaphors related to my published work or WiPs. Something for me to think about, though.
These photos are beautiful! I love that you have sunsets as a metaphor (I often use the night sky in my work). New follower here! Great post and best of luck with your writing :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! Isn't it so fun when you unintentionally put a metaphor in? I did that a few times in my last book (and probably have in my WIP) and I didn't even notice; it took my wonderful CPs to point it out. I bet you'll have lots of fun playing up your sunsets in revisions. And just think of all the things English classes will have to talk about when they read your book!
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