All About Extended Metaphors

by Suzanne Lieurance

We all use simple metaphors in our writing. 

But not everyone uses extended metaphors or even understands them, so let’s look at the definition of an extended metaphor first. 

What is an Extended Metaphor?

An extended metaphor is a literary device that takes a single metaphor and expands it over several lines, sentences, or even an entire piece of writing.  

Unlike a simple metaphor, which might compare one thing to another in a single statement, an extended metaphor develops the comparison in greater detail, weaving it into the narrative or argument.  

Think of it as painting an intricate picture with words, layering meaning and imagery to deepen the reader's understanding and engagement.

Why Use Extended Metaphors?

Extended metaphors are powerful tools for writers because they: 

Create Depth: They allow you to explore an idea or emotion more thoroughly, adding layers of meaning to your writing. 

Engage Readers: A well-crafted extended metaphor can capture the reader's imagination and hold their attention. 

Unify Themes: By linking different parts of your work to a single metaphor, you create cohesion and resonance. 

Simplify Complex Ideas: They make abstract or complicated concepts easier to grasp by anchoring them in familiar imagery. 

Tips for Creating and Using Extended Metaphors 

#1. Start with a Strong Core Idea.  

Begin with a single, vivid metaphor that resonates with your theme.  

For example, if you’re writing about a creative journey, you might compare it to planting and tending a garden. 

#2. Develop the Metaphor Gradually.  

Once you have your core metaphor, expand it piece by piece.  

In the garden example, you could describe planting seeds (starting an idea), watering the plants (nurturing creativity), and dealing with weeds (overcoming obstacles). 

#3. Stay Consistent.  

Keep the metaphor’s imagery and logic consistent.  

Mixing unrelated elements—like suddenly shifting from a garden to a spaceship—can confuse readers and weaken your writing. 

 

#4. Use Sensory Details.  

Bring the metaphor to life with vivid descriptions.  

Engage the senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that align with your chosen image. 

#5. Connect to Emotion.  

Great extended metaphors evoke emotion.  

Don’t just describe the garden; make readers feel the joy of new blossoms or the frustration of unexpected storms. 

#6. Avoid Overdoing It.  

While extended metaphors can be powerful, they should never feel forced or overused.  

Know when to step back and let the narrative speak for itself. 

#7. Tailor the Metaphor to Your Audience.  

Choose imagery that resonates with your readers.  

For example, a metaphor about cooking might connect with food lovers, while a sports metaphor might resonate with athletes. 

#8. Tie It Back to Your Message.  

Ensure your extended metaphor reinforces the central theme or argument of your piece.  

Every element should serve the larger purpose of your writing. 

Examples of Extended Metaphors 

The Writing Process as Sailing a Ship: Writing is like navigating a ship through uncharted waters. The blank page is the open sea, full of potential and uncertainty. Your ideas are the wind filling the sails, and your revisions are the course corrections that keep you on track. Storms (self-doubt) and calm waters (writer’s block) test your perseverance, but with determination, you eventually reach the shore of a finished draft. 

Life as a Puzzle: Life is a giant jigsaw puzzle. Each moment is a piece, and some fit together easily while others take time to place. Sometimes, you feel like you’re missing pieces, but with patience and perspective, the full picture begins to emerge. 

Practice Makes Perfect 

If you want to get better at creating extended metaphors, try this simple exercise: 

#1. Pick a common concept or emotion (e.g., love, success, failure). 

#2. Choose a concrete image or idea to compare it to (e.g., a mountain, a river, a marathon). 

#3. Write a paragraph or two exploring the metaphor, expanding on how the two ideas connect. 

Using extended metaphors is a powerful way to elevate your writing.  

It can help you captivate your readers, communicate complex ideas with clarity, and leave a lasting impression.  

So, the next time you sit down to write, don’t just tell your story—paint it with an extended metaphor and watch your words come alive.  

And, for more writing tips, be sure to visit writebythesea.com and get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge. 

Once you're a subscriber, you'll also have access to a Private Resource Library for Writers.

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 35 published books, a freelance writer, and a law of attraction coach for writers.

Jumpstart Your Signature Product Offerings by Writing a Book

 

Writing a book offers many benefits to professional coaches. You may be surprised to discover how the process of writing a book can help you jumpstart other projects, such as signature product offerings that gain you more business, a wider presence in you industry, and other avenues for helping others.

Writing Stimulates Creativity

Writing is an utterly creative process. Regardless of the endless hours you spend researching and outlining your book, the time you spend in front of the keyboard pounding out chapters is an entirely creative time that actually serves to feed your creative tendencies. These are the times when ideas, plans, and processes for other projects will come to you.

Take a little time to jot a not so you don’t forget about these new ideas, then get back to work on your book. You want to make sure you don’t lose track of these signatures ideas but also that you do not get lost in planning that project rather than completing your book.

Create Mini Classes for Group Coaching Sessions Based on Topics Your Book Covers

Your book offers a straightforward guide your readers can follow to achieve real success. However, diving in deeper to some of the topics your book covers through group coaching and mini classes can help your audience accomplish so much more. Jot down outlines for these classes and group sessions as you are writing those chapters for your book. Your mind is fresh with the details and you can get double rewards for the information you’ve researched.

Consider Developing a Book Series

If not a book series, at least consider creating a workbook series supplemental planners that are based on your book or topics related to your book. That offers you opportunities for greater profitability while helping your audience transition the principles in your book into actions in their lives. The more books, workbooks, planners, and other products you have available, in addition to your book, the more opportunities you have to earn greater profits from your existing audience.

Kick Your Price Point Up a Notch or Two

Books build confidence and trust among your audience. Now that you’ve written a book, it’s time to consider the value of the courses, products, and coaching sessions you offer and reevaluate how much you’re charging for your time.

Books create authority and expertise in the eyes of your followers. Make sure the prices for your new items reflects the added value your time and talent now command.

Also take the time to review existing products for ideas about updates and upgrades that can make them more valuable to audiences and help them command a greater price from consumers.

The more time you spend creating products, reworking existing products, and planning out new products for the future, the easier the writing, planning, and publishing process will become for you. The key is to actually start and see how quickly it all comes together for you.

***

Rebecca Camarena is the Book Coach that helps memoir and business book authors write, publish and market books that grow their brand. As a best-selling author with her co-authored book Out of My Comfort Zone: Stories of Courage, Perseverance and Victory she helped women share their stories of how they got of their fear zone to excel in their business.

Sign up for my FREE 30-minute Author Consultation call so you can start on your book writing journey. Click here www.rebeccacamarena.com/contact/

 

Make Your Writing Plan for the First Quarter of 2025

 by Suzanne Lieurance

If you’re a writer, planning your first quarter can set the tone for an entire year of creativity and productivity. 

 

A solid plan gives you clarity, focus, and something to aim for as you turn your writing dreams into realities. 

 

Here’s how you can map out a winning Q1 plan that keeps you moving forward.

 

Step 1. Start with Your Big Picture Vision.

 

What do you want your writing life to look like by the end of 2025? 

 

Maybe it’s finishing a novel, landing a book deal, building an engaged audience, or launching a freelance writing business. 

 

Get specific about your goals and write them down. 

 

Then, ask yourself: what’s one milestone I can realistically hit by the end of March that moves me closer to that vision? 

 

This will be your north star for Q1.

 

Step 2. Break It Down into Quarterly Goals.

 

Take that big milestone and break it into smaller, manageable goals. 

 

Let’s say your Q1 focus is completing the first draft of your novel. 

 

Break that into goals like:

 

- Outlining your story in January.

 

- Writing 30,000 words in February.

 

- Finishing the draft by the end of March.

 

Keep your goals focused and measurable. 

 

The clearer your goals, the easier it is to stay on track.

 

Step 3. Schedule Writing Time Like a Pro.

 

Great intentions won’t get you anywhere without consistent action. 

 

Look at your calendar for January through March and block out dedicated writing time. 

 

Be realistic—whether it’s 20 minutes a day, three focused hours on the weekend, or daily sprints, commit to a schedule that fits your life. 

 

Treat this time like an unbreakable appointment with your future self.

 

Step 4. Create Systems to Stay Consistent.

 

Life happens, and distractions are everywhere. 

 

Set up systems that help you stick to your plan. 

 

This could mean:

 

- Using a habit tracker to log daily writing progress.

 

- Joining a writing accountability group.

 

- Setting weekly goals and rewarding yourself for hitting them.

 

The key is consistency—not perfection.

 

Step 5. Incorporate Flexibility for the Unexpected.

 

Even the best plans need room to breathe. 

 

Build flexibility into your Q1 strategy by setting buffer time in your schedule. 

 

For instance, plan to finish your draft by mid-March instead of the very last day, so you’re not scrambling if something unexpected comes up.

 

Step 6. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection.

 

The goal for Q1 isn’t to write the perfect draft or flawlessly execute every task. 

 

It’s to make progress. 

 

Each word you write, each goal you hit, gets you closer to your bigger dream. 

 

Celebrate small wins along the way—they’ll fuel your momentum.

 

Step 7. Reflect and Adjust at the End of Each Month.

 

At the end of January and February, take some time to reflect. 

 

What worked? 

 

What didn’t? 

 

Adjust your plan as needed. 

 

This ensures you’re not just blindly following a schedule but actively refining your process to get better results.

 

Step 8. Keep Inspired Action at the Core.

 

Your Q1 plan should excite you. 

 

Focus on actions that feel meaningful and energize your creativity. 

 

When you take inspired action—writing from a place of joy and purpose—you’ll find the process as rewarding as the outcomes.

 

A strong Q1 plan is more than a to-do list; it’s your roadmap to writing success. 

 

By setting clear goals, creating systems, and staying flexible, you’ll build momentum that carries you through the rest of 2025. 

 

Start now, and when April rolls around, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. 

Try it!

 

And for more tips and resources for writers, visit writebythesea.com and sign up for The Morning Nudge (it's free).

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of more than 40 published books and Law of Attraction coach for writers.

What are Project Mood Boards and Why Do You Need One?

by Suzanne Lieurance

When submitting your manuscripts for possible publication these days, you’ll probably find that many agents and editors want to know if you have a mood board for your current project because it signals a few key things about you as a writer.

 

For example, a project mood board can show that you have: 

 

#1. A Clear Vision for Your Story.

 

A mood board shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the look, feel, and tone of your project beyond just words on the page. 

 

It suggests you have a well-developed vision for the story, which can make it easier for an agent or editor to see its market potential and how it might be positioned in the industry.

 

#2. A Consistency in Tone and Atmosphere. 

 

When you create a mood board, you’re forced to distill the atmosphere and emotional core of your story into a few visual elements. 

 

This kind of consistency is appealing to agents and editors because it indicates you’ve thought deeply about how your story feels—an essential part of making the narrative engaging and cohesive. 

 

#3. Marketing Insight.

 

Agents are increasingly aware of how much visual storytelling matters in marketing a book. 

 

A mood board can hint at your understanding of the aesthetic appeal and market positioning of your work. 

 

It also shows that you’ve thought about how your book might look on social media, in promotional graphics, or even as a part of a book cover design. 

 

#4. Engagement with the Creative Process. 

 

Having a mood board signals that you’re invested in the creative development of your project. 

 

It’s a sign that you’re willing to go beyond the basic writing process and explore different ways of bringing your story to life, which can make you more appealing as a client. 

 

#5. Alignment with the Agent’s or Editor's Vision. 

If an agent or editor sees your mood board and it aligns with the visual style, themes, or tone they typically champion, it can make your project even more attractive. 

 

It helps them get a clearer, more immediate sense of your book, which might resonate with their preferences or current market trends. 

 

In essence, a mood board can act like a sneak peek into your book’s world. 

 

It’s a useful way for agents and editors to gauge not just your writing, but your commitment and creativity in crafting a fully realized story experience. 

 

So, now that you know some of the reasons for creating a mood board, let’s take a look at what a mood board is and how you can create one for your book.

 

What is an Author’s Project Mood Board? 

 

An author’s project mood board is a visual tool that helps capture the atmosphere, tone, and overall vibe of a story or project. 

 

It’s a collection of images, colors, textures, quotes, and even snippets of text that represent the themes, settings, characters, and emotions of the book. 

 

It’s like a vision board for your writing project, providing a visual reference that keeps you inspired and on track as you develop your narrative. 

 

What Might Be Included on an Author’s Project Mood Board 

 

Here are some of the things you might include in your project mood board: 

 

Setting Inspiration: Photos or artwork that depict the locations or time periods of your story. 

 

Character Aesthetics: Portraits, fashion styles, or objects that reflect your characters’ personalities and moods. 

 

Color Palette: Specific colors that match the emotional tone or season of your story. 

 

Themes and Emotions: Images or quotes that embody the key themes or the emotional journey you want readers to experience. 

 

Objects and Symbols: Visual elements that are significant in your plot (e.g., a compass, an old book, a specific type of flower). 

 

Some Additional Reasons to Make a Project Mood Board

 

To Stay Inspired: It’s a quick visual reminder of why you’re excited about the project. 

 

To Maintain Consistency: It helps you keep the tone and atmosphere consistent throughout the writing process. 

 

To Spark Creativity: The right image or color can ignite new ideas and help you move forward if you’re stuck. 

 

How to Create Your Project Mood Board 

 

There are several ways you can create your mood board.

 

Use Digital Tools: Pinterest, Cana, or Milanote are great for creating digital boards.

 

Make a Physical Board: You can also go old-school with a corkboard or scrapbook, using magazine clippings, fabric swatches, and photos.

 

In short, a project mood board is a fun and practice way to visualize your story before it’s written. 

 

It’s like a sneak peek into the world you are creating.

 

Next month, we’ll take a look at how to create an Author Mood Board that defines your brand as an author and sets you apart from other writers.

Now, for more writing and publishing tips every weekday morning, get your free subscription to  The Morning Nudge. 

Suzanne Lieurance and Some of Her Published Books

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 40 published books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers at writebythesea.com.