Clichés, Similes, and Metaphors

Recently, I was asked what the difference was between these three literary terms. 

Here's the short answer: 

A cliché is a phrase or an idea that has been repeated too many times, a simile likens something to another (this is like that; this is as big as that), and a metaphor says something is another (this is that...but not literally).

Examples: 

Cliché: The pen is mightier than the sword.

Simile: The pen is like a sword.

Metaphor: The pen is a weapon.

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Cliché: That's like the pot calling the kettle black.

Simile: The pot is like a black kettle.

Metaphor: The pot is a black kettle.

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Cliché: He couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

Simile: His shooting is as bad as aiming for the broad side of a barn and missing.

Metaphor: His bullets are missing the broad side of a barn.

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Cliché: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Simile: These lemons can be as sweet as lemonade.

Metaphor: Lemons are lemonade.

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Cliché: It's raining cats and dogs.

Simile: The rain is so heavy today, it's like cats and dogs.

Metaphor: It's raining cats and dogs.

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Your turn! Try turning the following clichés into similes and metaphors, or make up your own:

Make like a tree and leave.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. 

Since most people feel clichés are overused, it's best to avoid them. If you can put a new spin on them, though, go for it! Similes and metaphors can be used in moderation. When in doubt, don't use them.

Author Interview: Marilynn Dawson

Today we have an interview with Marilynn Dawson, author of Dressed for Eternity, which was released today! You're invited to join the online book launch on Facebook.

Can you give short summaries of your books?

Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey

This is my story of healing and restoration presented in a manner allowing the reader to appropriate those lessons to their own life.

Mom's Little Black Book: Godly Advice for the High School Graduate

This book, filled with tidbits of advice, was written for my own graduating teenagers in 2013 and is available to parents and youth pastors who wish to offer their own high school graduates that extra bit of encouragement as they start life in the big world.

Dressed for Eternity

This book seeks to answer the question, “How does God adorn His Bride in the Scriptures?” The answer takes the reader through Scripture, history, archeology, and even the New Jerusalem.

What genre are your books?

My books are 99% non-fiction, with a small bit of fiction opening each chapter of the series.

Who is your books’ audience?

My books are generally aimed at the 16 – 95 crowd—anyone who is already a Christian and seeking to go deeper in their faith. Though the grad gift makes a great gift for the unsaved teen as well.

What first inspired your books?

My series was inspired by the lessons God was teaching me in 2007 and by a Pastor's wife encouraging me to share that story with others. The grad gift was inspired by quote books I'd read, and fed by the need for something I could give my kids on a budget. My latest book was inspired by questions that entered my head while going through the 2007 healing and restoration period. I just wasn't ready to deal with it at that time.

How long have you been writing, and why did you start?

I began writing short stories, poems, puppet plays, and youth skits as a kid. I began branching into devotional writing as a teen and got a couple poems published in the late 80's. But it wouldn't be till 2012 that my first book (read small series) would be published.

Where do you write most often?

I generally write at my computer at home.  I dream of writing via laptop at the beach, but that hasn't happened yet.

What are your ‘author quirks’?

Um...not sure I really have any quirks, per se. Although when I'm really concentrating I'll get so deep into the tunnel-vision zone that I won't even hear my kids trying to get my attention just 10 feet away.

What advice do you have for other authors?

The publishing landscape has opened up to accept all types of authors now. Don't let your subject matter or lack of affordability keep you from presenting the thoughts you long to get out. Research the options cropping up and go with the one that best suits your message and audience.

What do you do when you lack motivation?

I will let the writing sit for a bit in case lack of motivation is related to burn-out. Then I'll re-read what I've written, which usually stimulates me to continue.

What do you most want your readers to know?

I want them to know that the Christian faith is all about an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ as the unseen Lover of our Soul, and with God the Father as that ultimate Dad many have never had, and the closest friendship with the Holy Spirit as our teacher. When you enter into this kind of relationship, the commands of Christ become “want to's”.

Online Book Launch Bazaar and Fashion Show: Marilynn Dawson

Author Marilynn Dawson has extended an invite to the online launch of her latest book, Dressed for Eternity. The book launch is happening on Facebook and starts at 6:15 Pacific (that's 8:15 Central) on Saturday, February 8th. There will be prizes!

Join us on Facebook Saturday, February 8th!

Recent Releases

We are excited to share our most recent books with you!

Fighting for Life: The Midnight Hour by Laura Michelle

Available on Amazon for $20.00

This book of poetry is a follow-up to Laura's first, Fighting for Life, and continues to tell her story through her beautiful, authentic poems.

GrandMa and the Miracles by Arthur Marinello

 Available on Lulu for $19.50

GrandMa and the Miracles, a hardcover book of poems, is Arthur's third collection of poetry, written throughout the years. He has a delightful, honest way of writing that shows both his humor and his insight.

Life is Crumbly by Jansina, with illustrations by Mary MacArthur

Available on Amazon for $2.99 (Kindle) and $9.99 (paperback)

Also available directly from Jansina for $12 (hardcover) and $10 (paperback)

Called "morbidly cute" by some, this short story is about cookies and the ways they die - ultimately showing that it's not as bad as it seems. Illustrations are by the talented Mary MacArthur. 

Want to see your book listed here? Contact us to learn more, or view our publishing packages.

Author Award: I Thirst

One of Rivershore's authors was recently awarded "Best Prologue"! Congratulations to Gina Marinello-Sweeney, author of I Thirst!

Book Review: Traitor's Knife

Traitor's Knife by Elizabeth Kaiser

My perspective on this book is that of a reader who hasn’t read the first in the series. Naturally, some of my opinions will reflect that. It took a few chapters, for instance, for me to become invested in the story, but the characters slowly grew on me and by the middle I loved them.

This is decidedly a sequel, so I’m sure reading Jeweler’s Apprentice would increase the enjoyment of the first couple chapters. Still, by the ending, this stood on its own as a complete story, while leaving the reader wanting more. The third book in the series isn’t out yet, but I’m looking forward to reading it when it is.

Throughout the book, there were typos and grammatical errors, and some cliché phrases. Most didn’t affect the smooth reading, but as an editor they’re also difficult to skim over. But while errors and trite wording can sometimes be distracting, the characters and plot are what ultimately decide a book’s worth—and Traitor’s Knife has both.

As implied above, Kaiser assumes the reader already knows Fia and many other characters—as should be expected in any sequel. Since this was my first introduction to them, it took me a few chapters to learn who they were and begin to care about them.

Normally, that would be too far into the book. In my opinion, the first or second chapter should be enough for the reader to become emotionally vested in at least the main character. Some readers might quit reading if it’s longer. For a sequel, however, I believe this is acceptable—and by the end I was completely concerned about the characters’ fates.

The author uses a somewhat limited third person point of view throughout the novel, mainly focusing on Fia, but sometimes moves to the perspective of other characters. This usually worked, though there were a few times the perspective changed suddenly and it became slightly confusing. This interrupted the flow of reading, but only for a moment.

The characters are likable, evoke sympathy, and are realistic. That is possibly the highest compliment I can give an author, since in my mind that is the goal of character development, and I’m a reader who prefers character-driven plots. The “bad” characters aren’t completely evil, and the “good” characters aren’t without faults of their own. The book strikes an excellent balance and reflects the real world in their complexities.
There is a lot of wonderful description throughout the book, and it places the reader right into the scene. There were times when perhaps some of it could have been pared down, but for the most part it added to the book. It also taught the reader (at least, this reader) something new. I feel I know more about how horses behave now that I’ve read this, understand the day-to-day life of a jeweler’s apprentice, and have a good idea of how to cast jewelry.

Fia, Willex, Ilido, and sweet, little Yori are characters that will stay with me. The plot moves forward at a good pace, and there are some gems within the wording—parts I would have highlighted if I’d been reading a print version of the book. This is a great story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will delight in the fictional world Kaiser so clearly paints.

Although I haven’t read Jeweler’s Apprentice, I would recommend reading that book first to get the most out of this one. If it’s anything like Traitor’s Knife, you won’t be disappointed.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review.

Author Interview: Kendra E. Ardnek

Today we have an interview with author Kendra E. Ardnek.

What are the names of your books?

Sew, It's a Quest (Bookania Quests Book 1)Do You Take This Quest? (Book 2)Saffron's Big Plan and other storiesThe Ankulen

Can you give a short summary of your books?

Sew: A pair of royal twins seek the Fairy Godmother who mixed up their gifts at their christening. 

Take: The quest for allies, and a mad dash to get home for the wedding. 

Saffron: A collection of four short stories. 

“Saffron's Big Plan,” the story of two princesses who never fit in with their families.

“Tears, Frogs, and Laughter” A tailor's son falls in love with a cursed princess, then gets turned into a frog. 

“The Derao” a story of knights, princesses, daring do, and forgiveness. 

“The Prior Quest” The back story of a minor character in Sew, It's a Quest. 

The Ankulen: The story of a girl who lost her imagination at the age of seven. Fifteen years later, one of her imaginary friends appears out of nowhere and helps her get it back.

What genre are your books?

Fantasy, mostly fairy tale retellings, and Christian allegory

Who is your books' audience?

The Bookania Quests and the short stories are targeted at preteen girls, but I'm told that they also makes a great read aloud for a younger audience. The Ankulen is more YA, but is again, still suitable for younger audiences.

What first inspired your books?

Fairy Tale rewritings have always been favorites with me, so when my mom suggested that I write some myself a few years ago, I decided that it was a good idea. Unfortunately, my Sleeping Beauty sequel was going nowhere fast until one day, whilst folding laundry, I had the random idea of a girl who, due to a Fairy Godmother mistake, was the best swordsman in the world. I instantly had a name, appearance, and backstory for her, and she then took over the book.

The Ankulen came about one bright sunshiney day when I was outside playing with my younger cousin, and we decided that it was high time we put on another play (we both love drama) and an early version of The Ankulen is what came out. Unfortunately, we could never decide on an end, so it fizzled away and was basically forgotten. The idea intrigued me, and would never actually go away, so after making a few minor changes to a few of the characters, I sat down and started writing it in story format, and within a few months I had a nice little story.

How long have you been writing, and why did you start?

Seriously writing? About eight years.

I have been making up stories since I understood the concept, and as soon as I had mastered writing, my mom tried to get me to tap those stories into words. (In fact, I have two of the construction paper-bound books just a few feet away from me as I type.) Unfortunately, while I liked the idea of having my stories written down, it'd take so long, I'd get bored of it and abandon it halfway through. I didn't begin writing seriously until shortly after the The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe movie came out and some friends and I decided that it would be a lot of fun if we made our own movie. Due to budget and cast limitations, we knew that we would have to make a lot of changes, and since I was the oldest and most adamant about the plot, I was elected to write the script. That thing became my baby and I rewrote it three times (each time it resembled Narnia less and less) until I decided to switch it to book form. It still needs another rewrite or two (and a prequel, since I've made it the second book in its series) but I do plan to publish it someday.

Where do you write most often?

About 75% of the time, I write on my laptop at my school desk, though I sometimes take it into my bedroom and work at one of the four desks that I have stashed in there or on my bed. The rest of the time I write in notebooks wherever I happen to be at the moment. (These are the days I'm either babysitting or roaming town.)

What are your ‘author quirks’?

Whenever I'm writing or plotting a really exciting scene, I will suddenly jump up from my computer and run out the door and around our yard a few times. My family affectionately calls these my “outbursts.”

What advice do you have for other authors?

Don't be afraid of the possibility that your idea has been written before, because it probably has been. However, it's never been written before by you, so it's going to be different. (But if you do run across a book with a similar premise, do read it and make sure that they aren't too much alike.)

What do you do when you lack motivation?

I usually bury my nose in a book, pull out my knitting needles or crochet hook, go for a hike in the woods, clean my room, become very interested in my schoolwork …basically anything that doesn't involve my writing. The whole time, however, I feel very guilty because my poor character is left dangling off the side of the cliff and I have no idea how to get her off.

What do you most want your readers to know?

I'd like them to know that, no matter how crazy their lives are, there's someone in control, and if they'll just turn to him, they don't have to worry and fret. In both my Bookania Quests and in The Ankulen, I compare God to an author. He knows what good will come of whatever trial you're going through, whether its for your benefit or for that of your observers. We just have to trust him.

Forgiveness is another theme I deal with a lot.

And finally, where can we find your books?

All of my books are available on Amazon. I have a neatly organized list of links and previews here: kendraeardnek.weebly.com/my-books.

 Thanks, Kendra!