Friday, March 29, 2024

3 Examples of Writing Virtuosity


In just a few words spread over a few pages, Patricia Cornwell, in her book "Predator", expertly demonstrates 3 writing tools:

the metaphor

On page 32, Cornwell writes: "Wind gusting from the bay sounds like silk whipping, reminding her of silk stockings whipping on a clothesline,"

relate-ability

Cornwell continues: "although she has never seen silk stockings on a clothesline or heard what they sound like in the wind."

the call back

Seven pages later on page 39 Cornwell writes: "Lucy lies awake listening to the eerie whining of the wind, trying to figure out exactly what it sounds like, deciding it doesn't sound like silk stockings after all, but like something distressed and in pain."


Predator by Patricia Cornwell

Patricia Cornwell (1956-) is and American crime writer best known for her best-selling novels featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta. Cornwell has sold over 120 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries and authored dozens of New York Times bestsellers. Her earlier work includes "Postmortem" - the only novel to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards and the French Pix du Roman d'Aventure in a single year.

Patricia Cornwell
Patricia Cornwell


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