Telling a story is just like sewing.
A tailor (or seamstress) is able to weave the fabric and string at their disposal together in order to create something worthwhile and of use to others. Examples of this include clothing, fabric storage bags, and the like.
An author can do the same with his/her words. The words are arranged in such a way that a story is created, bringing a whole world to life. The imagery and other figurative language used in a story have the potential to create an entire world in your mind. (This makes it worthwhile and of use to others.)
The tailors provide the clothes on our backs, whereas the storytellers provide the "clothes" for our brains. The imagination and creativity brought to us through stories lets us express ourselves, like the clothes we wear on our bodies do when we wear them.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteYou have an insightful metaphor here and a great starting point. But it's too shallow as it is. Add depth by expanding on your premise. Consider these questions:
Are you suggesting that we can express ourselves by reading stories (much as we do by wearing clothes). Or is it just the author who is expressive (much like the taylor is)? Because we wear clothes on our backs, they are outwardly expressive. But "clothes for our brains" don't quite work the same way. Explain this better.
Consider what the best (and worst) storytellers have in common with the best (and worst) tailors. What's the difference between a well-talilored story and a poorly tailored one?
Emily, I love the metaphor you created. I took your blog from the viewpoint of a reader. As a reader, we are able to take the words of the author, interpret, and create. The author may have an idea, but the ultimate decision of the fate of the story lies within the creativity of the reader. However, does this mean sewing is just like reading a story as opposed to telling it? Maybe I modified your metaphor...
ReplyDeleteEmily, I liked the conciseness of the metaphor you used. It's true in a lot of aspects that writing is as versatile as one's own sense of fashion. The world is an empty canvas of potential, and authors and story-tellers often utilize their own brand of words to share their ideas with readers. However, I also agree with Tasha on the one point that most of the story's fate is up to the reader's own viewpoint.
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