Words With Impact: Discover Metaphoric Threads

Workshop: Discover Words That Sing

“The conscious use of mythic themes and tropes-that is elements and language that reflect either figuratively or literal use of images, symbols and folklore-is the key ingredient, allowing authors to explore realistic themes on a symbolic level.” Julie Bartel

In her book, Dreams and Wishes, Essays on Writing for Children, Susan Cooper makes a comparison between writing and fantasy. “Fantasy is the metaphor through which we discover ourselves. So it is for the writer, too. Every book is a voyage of discovery.  … The work begins with a deep breath and a blindly trusting step into the unknown.”

This sense of anticipation, curiosity and courage that accompanies all beginnings provides a helpful insight into the writing process. Some days we are ready for adventure and some days we are not.

Susan Cooper also states that, “We are all at the mercy of the quality of the imagination we inherit. The book can never be better than that.” And alongside that statement she says that no one can write fantasy on purpose, that like poetry it won’t come on demand. This idea is extremely freeing. If each work is discovery and a new land, then if we don’t respond to our ‘inheritance’, we don’t discover ourselves either, nor discover the symbols that engage us, or those we need to share.

Speaking of poets and writers of fantasy she states that, “Both deal with images, and with their links to and within the unconscious mind.” By doing so as writers they tap into the archetypes of behavior and emotion—variations on the same theme, “until he achieves his goal, his quest. Fantasy, of whatever kind, may seem to be picking you up and carrying you away but in fact it’s taking   you right back home.  All fantasy involves metaphor.”

Action Steps:

1. What is one of the main thoughts in word/image/or emotion that is a crucial thread in your narrative?

2. Whichever you chose make a list of possible connections with the other categories. For example if you choose the word laughter then make a list of how that can translate into images or emotions. Or vice versa.

3. If you have made your list with positive threads now reverse it into negative words and images and emotions.

Share: Were you surprised by any images? Why?

Read deep, marcy