Einstein versus Bubba: A Common Sense Guide To Writing

By: AJ Dowell
Submitted: 2008-06-23 17:21:45
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Comparison is a great tool in nonfiction writing, but often overlooked in the fiction world. The title of this article is the title to my new book coming soon, and proves a good illustration as a comparison scenario.

In the nonfiction arena, comparisons are in charts, graphs, and WWJD (What would Jesus do) illustrations to show you where you stand or to pinpoint your frame of mind at this particular time. What I like to do is combine 2 very popular things and weave them together in the comparing format. This gives a very straight forward and super easy to understand style of writing while using 2 popular things as your friend to promote your work effectively.

Add the tool of comparison to your arsenal of writer weapons in your fiction. 2 brothers can be totally opposite or you can show the differences in your villain and hero side by side, letting the reader choose and learn from both of them.

Comparing places or objects can work well in your story. A great example of this is my personal places of work. I work better away from an office environment at a peaceful location like a lake backdrop, the local rivers, or at my local coffee shop. In your story you can show of perhaps a ball team that only performs well on their own turf or the singer that can’t sing on stage but can shine in a duet or karaoke. A ball player can’t play well unless he has his good luck charm. Comparing luck has been done in many movies as well. I know a local businessman who is wonderful one on one, but terrible at trying to speak to a large audience. A simple change of clothes transforms a man into a superhero. Without the suit, he feels unable to perform, but put the tights on and look out.

From clothes to cars, you can add feeling to a person or place. Einstein will invest his money to get financially secure in life and Bubba will buy a lottery ticket. A lake scene can be peaceful or frightening. Compare your current house or apartment with Donald Trump’s place. Would you rather eat steak and potatoes or a grasshopper?

Comparing can direct the reader in the direction you want them to go. With added feeling, details, location, etc, you can make one place look great compared to another and it not even be true. Then you can direct them to the truth after you’ve misdirected them. Many suspense thrillers use this to purposely misguide folks and then stir them back to the truth, creating a twist in the storyline. Boxers use misdirection to lure the opponent in a particular state of fighting style and switch suddenly, smashing the opponent.

Learn how to use comparison to effectively get your point across in both your fiction and nonfiction writing.

Article source: Expert Articles