Use the power of recurring signs and symbols to keep your readers engaged.
When faced with a difficult decision, it’s tempting to ask the universe to send us a sign. While life isn’t black and white, the pages of literature are. In real life, it’s impossible to be completely sure of how a decision will turn out. Authors, on the other hand, can sprinkle signs and motifs throughout their work to guide their audience and characters to an end result.
These motifs give us, readers, a taste of omniscience. I’ll never forget my high school film teacher explaining his theory on the use of oranges in The Godfather movies. Each time we see oranges on the screen, he explained, that’s a foreshadowing that someone is going to die or be killed. Once I became aware of this tidbit, it was impossible to not see oranges throughout the movie, and I subsequently reveled in my prescient glimpse of what would happen next.
As inspiration this week, explore the use of motifs and symbols in your writing. Consider how you can incorporate visual elements as a way of either heightening the meaning of your work or giving your readers clues as to what comes next in your tales. When writing your next piece of fiction or poetry, ruminate on the primary message you’re trying to get across. Is there an element of nature that represents this theme for you? If so, how can you incorporate that element into your work?
Signs may be but the sympathies of nature with man. – Charlotte Brontë
If realism and personal blogging are more your scene, explore the role of signs in your life as if you were a literary figure in a play or story. Is there a certain number or symbol you always see? What does it mean to you and has this impression held true?
By digging deeper into the meaning of repetition — in our lives, and in literature — we have the opportunity to get a taste of that omniscient perspective. Look for that carton of oranges — allow yourself to find a deeper meaning in the small coincidences you see every day.
Currently blogless? You’re a click away from sharing your story.
Create your blog at WordPress.com
That my goal. All day, every day. Even if I don’t, quite know how to say it. This post let’s me know, I’m at least on the right track. #NOTHINGMatters but You
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a very interesting concept and I can understand how it could be useful on literary blogs. However my blog is more centered around crafts and business, so haven’t quite figured if motifs and symbols could serve a purpose on mine. I tend to just use photos (when I can) to illustrate the particular focus of the specific post. Any suggestions?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pictures are great! When working on a craft project, the project itself could also act as symbolism. What does the project mean to you? Have you used any similar elements in other projects, as well? There may be some threads running through what you’re working on that you can try to tie together 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Erica, since I spin (and knit, and want to weave more) I guess my yarn may be the fiber thread of my blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is one of the most intriguing writing tips I’ve come across in a long time. As you say, it’ll need a bit of personal exploration to come up with something that can fit in seamlessly. A good challenge, thanks!
LikeLiked by 6 people
I’ve used ‘secret’ motifs in my book. I thought it might be fun for the reader to find.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I respect, like and practice the idea of incorporating/partnering images with my posts.
LikeLike
I love this concept. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have many repeating motifs both in my blog posts and the drafts of my novels that I am working on offline. One of my principle characters has a particular kind of magic and that right there is where my motifs come in. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is helpful and ur site example was too
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you found some inspiration on my site 🙂
LikeLike
I experienced this Melinda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
LikeLike
We watch Madam Secretary, and notice how all the main characters seem to wear blue.
LikeLike
Good idea. I just watched someone talking about photography and this post underpins its importance.
LikeLike
I like this idea. Presently thinking how I can incorporate this on my blog..Ifreedom anyone has any ideas, please feel free to share
LikeLike
Thanks for the good ideas.
LikeLike
Really good Concept that helps to look future events. but most of us thinking that this may be negative meaning of our Inner mind. any way I am going to think if I get such type of incidents then we can do it positive. I am waiting this kind of posts from you. http://www.lomaxwood.co.uk/timber-windows/
LikeLike
.. Nice… 👍👍👍 im new here. Check me out
LikeLike
Great inspiration! Hope I can use this in the future!
Signs sometimes mean much more though seem little at first.
LikeLike
Great ideas. I’ll think about what my recurring signs are. Thanks.
LikeLike
I found that the deeper I got into my novel, the more these motifs manifested themselves and I found myself going back and interjecting them inconspicuously earlier in the story. It wasn’t what I had originally planned to do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Brilliant! Thanks, I will keep this in mind
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is very thought provoking. Interesting questions
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this post ! I’m going to give this a try somehow someway in my writing. Thanks for sharing this idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great tip. Though my blog’s focus is on food and art. I need to think how repeated pattern can be applied to it. Any suggestions by fellow bloggers? Here is the link to my blog. Thanks in advance.
http://bhaili.com/
LikeLike
Excellent advice…I will review my poetry and revise….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love posts that make us pay attention more! The world is full of links, references and memories: meaningful and too easy to miss!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So interesting and helpful!! Thank you!! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to use this idea in my creative writing class. Awesome! I’m new to blogging and only have 1 post but I would enjoy constructive criticism. 🙂 thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Alec – nice post. I’d love to read more. I chose to look because your name reminded me of two characters that bring truth to their stories. 1. Effie Wilcox from A Year Down Yonder 2. Alice Wilinsky from So B. It. They both remind people that truth is not always as we wish – and your post did that too. So – your name was the motif for my reading today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great idea – I think I, too, could use this in my English class. Kids relate to visual imagery and it could certainly be a way to encourage engagement.
LikeLike
I love this. Although my blog is a lifestyle blog, I tend to use the “college” motif because that’s what my life centers around right now. Well, that and trying to figure out what my career path is. However, my motif will probably change once I graduate.
LikeLike
Very good tip, reoccurring themes mean people know what to expect, subconsciously or consciously, which can help turn people from a one-time reader into a follower. I have tried to keep my riddles daily to help draw back readers day after day! You can see my blog here http://thepeasantblog.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Interesting, interesting post! I’ve thought about this a couple of times in my life but I find that I almost never remember or notice these ‘oranges’, if there ever was.
LikeLike
Amazing read 🙂 I love the word omniscience.. Thanks for sharing your art; your mind to letters
LikeLike
cool check me out https://fnafcraft.wordpress.com/
LikeLike