Practical Advice on Literary Device
Wednesday, January 24th, 2024
by A.M. Carter
Have you ever built a yurt?
Ever even seen one?
Have any idea what that is?
You might say yes if you live in rural Turkey or Mongolia, but even then, they’re more of a cultural aspect than preferred housing. People stopped using fancy tents a while back, at least for permanent solutions.
Maybe you're just well travelled. Bully to you.
I’ll assume, loosely, that most of you have little knowledge about yurts, let alone how to build one.
So just … build one.
No Google.
No Amazon kit with free 2-day delivery.
No tools or materials.
You’ll figure it out, and it’ll be perfect. Something like this …
Image from The Ovenstone Yurt
Seems silly, doesn’t it? Why would anyone attempt to build a yurt without instructions, tools, and materials? These are base-level requirements for literally everything. Yet, this is exactly what we do when we consider writing a novel.
“I should write a book.”
If I had a dollar for every time a friend has said this to me, I’d be able to afford an expensive steak dinner for two at the sort of restaurant with fabric tablecloths and napkins, and some snooty wine I can’t pronounce. The funny part is these same people aren’t the bookish sort, in my experience.
It’s mostly an off-handed comment made as one boggles over a bizarre happenstance or laments the savagery of their life experience. We all think our lives are interesting, a book anyone would read and never put down. Though that’s objectively false, we can’t see it. I can’t tell you why and I’m guilty of it too. It’s the human condition.
But put any of them in front of a word processor and one of three things will happen:
That cursor will remain blinking, the only spot of black on an otherwise unblemished screen.
The first line would read something like, “Once upon a time,” or “Hello. My name is Kent Hovind,” like a toddler with large crayons might write.
A masterpiece would ensue.
The first two are far more reasonable, don’t you agree?
And, if the third were to happen, there’s one thing that's 100% certain about this writing prodigy: they must read all the time.
Why?
Because literacy is fundamental to storytelling.
“Reading is like breathing in, and writing is like breathing out.”
- Pam Allyn
To build a yurt, you’ll have to research. Go see them, live in them, look up schematics online. Hell, can you read a schematic? You must start at the foundation and work your way up, stick by tedious stick.
Why would writing be any different?
To write a book, you’ll have to research. Go read them, live in them, look them up online. Hell, can you read a book? You must start at the foundation and work your way up, word by tedious word.
Fortunately, literacy is three key components:
Read. A lot. Books of multiple genres, compositions, styles, and voices. Without this, you’ll have a foundation of quicksand. Read every day, as much as you can. Expose yourself to the literary devices you’ll need to plot, frame, structure, provide depth and theme, explore morals, and flesh your story out. Even if you lack the ambition to write, reading is one of the best ways to wind down at the end of a hectic day. It can help you sleep and it will increase your intelligence. Reading is just good for you.
Write. Even if it’s tid-bits or blurbs or journaling, write something every day. Writing a book is like growing a child. You can’t skip all the pain and wake up with a sweet-smelling infant in your arms. It’s months of nurturing, frustration, and puking, and then the genuine struggle has only just begun. If you aren’t writing, nothing you’ve learned by reading will ever really hit the bottom of your skull. Apply the concepts you're reading and practice them.
Comprehend. No amount of reading or writing will do an ounce of good if you don’t understand the meaning of a text. When choosing a book, aside from your interest, choose one that’s just a touch higher than your reading level. When you encounter an unknown word, don’t glance over it. Take the time to learn it. If a new concept is introduced, Google it. Try to empathize with the situations and characters, to step away from your bias, especially if they're so very different from you or you feel a certain distaste for them. Literally, go see if you can empathize with Voldemort. Expand yourself in meaningful measures.
It's really this simple: read, write, and comprehend. Put your hands on any pages you can and intentionally absorb what they hold. What are you waiting for? Oh, right, you’re waiting for my next blog post: Writing is Rewriting. To tide you over, you can read about Finding Your Authentic Author Voice instead.
Until next time, that’s my practical advice.
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A.M. Carter
A.M. Carter is a freelance author and RV enthusiast moving out onto the open road with her pack of chihuahua babies to see the world and write stories. You can read her other works at amcarter.net and connect with her on X, Instagram, and Tumblr.
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