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ASK AN EDITOR
The Problem with Metaphors
Free Writing Advice from a Pro
I am a writer, but I’m also an editor-for-hire.
For decades, I’ve worked with writers to improve and publish their prose. I’ve also edited dozens of story collections for a variety of publishers.
I work with beginning writers and accomplished writers, and every kind of writer in between, on projects ranging from 500-word humor pieces to 500-page novels.
My current specialty is helping essayists upgrade and publish their work.
This week I’m working with a writer who is a Metaphor Machine.
Engaging metaphors come to him so easily that when he has to describe a setting, emotion or experience, he has no problem stringing together a bunch of absolute dazzlers.
Easy peasy!
But here’s the problem.
They’re all good metaphors. But a big batch of them coming at the reader all at once like that quickly becomes too much of a good thing.
