Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies

by Sol Stein

In a metaphor, a word or phrase is applied to something that is figuratively rather than literally similar. This figure of speech results when words or phrases are brought together that do not ordinarily belong together, yet by their proximity convey a fresh meaning: Metaphor: His bicycle had wings. The bicycle was going so fast it seemed like a bird in flight or it was pedaled with élan as if it were airborne. As we’ve seen earlier, some of the best novel titles are metaphors. The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. We easily recognize the truth of such analogies. In commercial fiction, the author often uses top-of-the-head similes and metaphors: Simile: He felt like a million dollars. Metaphor: It was food for thought.