“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw As writers, we can use that problem between our characters.
Book cover for the Summer 2013 issue of THEMA
Litotes Rhetorical Device in Writing
Litotes consists of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite. Examples: Hada was not unaware of Samuel’s manipulation. She didn’t dislike it. Lev was not a little upset. Litotes describes the object to which it refers not directly, but through negation of the opposite. The meaning is not clear. The […]
Anadiplosis and When to Use It
Anadiplosis is a rhetorical device that repeats the last word of one phrase, clause, or sentence at, or very near, the beginning of the next sentence. The main point of the sentence becomes clear by repeating the same word twice in succession. An example from HADA’S FOG: “Hada’s immediate reaction to Lilli’s announcement wasn’t […]
Rhythm, Cadence, and Beats in Writing
Rhythm, cadence and beats are a powerful series of three (see previous day’s post) to keep in mind when you write your novel, short story, essay, and of course, poetry. Remember “Lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!” Dorothy, the Scare Crow, and the Tin Man sing this line along the Yellow Brick Road. (Notice […]
Power of Three in Writing
“Writers Talk” is the monthly newsletter of the South Bay Branch of The California Writers Club. In the June issue, Marjorie Bicknell Johnson, the editor, wrote an article titled “Power of Three”. She explains that “Information presented in groups of three sticks in our heads better than other clusters of items”. The use of a […]
Title Contest for Group Poem
The end of June I’ll submit everyone’s titles to a committee for a vote. There’s a few weeks left to enter. The contest is open to everyone, poet or not, writer or not, tweeter or not. Click on Contests to read the poem and reply.