Using ellipses

How to use an ellipses

Ask The Writer: I have an amateurish habit of using ellipses, the three dots all in a row that are supposed to indicate “hesitation, interruption, or unfinished thoughts.” Should there be spaces in between each dot? What about before and after?

Metaphor | Microstyle: The Art of Writing Little | Gotham Writers' Workshop

Some of you had more questions on the uses of metaphor. I find this article delightful and informative. Check it out.

Metaphor | Microstyle: The Art of Writing Little | Gotham Writers' Workshop

More on Metaphor

For those of you struggling to write your slice of life story in 600 words using metaphor. Here are a couple I heard yesterday:

Regarding the political discussion of raising our debt ceiling: 

“We are just going to have to eat our peas.” 

Regarding a temporary three to six month solution: “take off the bandaid”

More: “Are we on the same page?”

“Let’s lift the hood and see whats in there.’

“Am I touching an exposed nerve?”

Picture these as literal statements and you see what makes them metaphors.

See you Wednesday, July 20th, 6:00 PM Safety Harbor Library. All invited.

Regarding 8 minute audio

Thanks for listening to the audio - it was an old one. I found it in my files from my preparation for the Story Circle National Conference in Austin, TX several years ago.   I didn't edit it - I haven't learned how to do that yet! But good job Jan, for learning how to convert a file from a digital recorder and put it on my blog.
Hurray! Next I'm going to learn to put up a video! 

An eight minute talk by Jan for the Story Circle National Conference

http://www.fileden.com/files/2011/6/26/3158646//metaphor talk.mp3

We discussed metaphor and your assignment was to choose one that suits you. This audio will help! 

Metaphor

Hi Writers,
We discussed the use of metaphor in our stories. Your assignment was to pick a metaphor that will help tell your story in a 600 word memoir about your life. Use an image that recurs in three or so episodes of your life. Remember, mine was dancing. Bring your 600 word piece to read. See you July 20th, 6 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Library. Please keep checking the blog - I'm trying to learn how to upload an audio file discussing metaphor.

Writerly Wisdom of the Ages/collected by Jon Winokur

This quote will guide you on your writing journey: "Writing a novel is like driving a car at night you can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."                  E.L. Doctorow

Could this be why we get so much when writing from a prompt? It's like getting in the car at night without a map to take you where you are going. You trust and just start driving. If you don't know what you want to write just pick up your pen - you can't drive anywhere if you haven't engaged the starter.