"I tend to basically exaggerate in life, and in writing, it's fine to exaggerate. I really enjoy overstating for the purpose of getting a laugh. For another thing, writing is easier than digging ditches. Well, actually that's an exaggeration. It isn't."
~ Dr. Seuss
Exaggeration is a wonderful tool, one used successfully by great writers. And by young adults! Everything is hyperbole to a teenager. They'll just DIE if they don't get lunch by noon, if they have a fight with a friend, if they can't stay out past ten.
The use of simile and metaphor are a way to create hyperbole in our writing. Creating powerful and exaggerated visual images is another. Suzanne Pitner used the following example:
The use of simile and metaphor are a way to create hyperbole in our writing. Creating powerful and exaggerated visual images is another. Suzanne Pitner used the following example:
Great post! Dr. Seuss and Janet Evanovich are two of my fav's ;o) Great advice.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I really enjoyed Michael Grant's book, Gone. And Dr. Seuss is one of my favorites: "At the far edge of town where the grickle grass grows and the wind smells sweet and sour when it blows..."
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this post more than chocolates, I get cramps in my fingers if I go too long without using hyperboles, and Dr. Seuss is my best friend in the universe; he taught me everything I know! How was that?
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I didn't know there was such a book; I must add it to my Christmas wish list. Thanks!
Jen
Exaggeration is incredibly important! Great reminder!
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend!
Hyperbole is a great tool. Great post!
ReplyDeleteExaggeration is perfect in kids books because it makes them smile :)
ReplyDeleteLike everything else, used in moderation is great.
ReplyDeleteI love to exaggerate. And coincidentally my characters are good at it too. Go figure. :)
ReplyDeleteVery good, love this element in writing. I encourage my writing students to use it as a means to get them to write something fun, and to see that writing is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend,
Karen
Oh, the Thinks you can Think in a really big way with exaggeration!
ReplyDeleteOoo, yes, Evanovich is really great! Dr. Seuss is the best! I remember learning about hyperbole in language arts in grade school-kids have fun exaggerating! I still like it as an adult, haha.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I love Dr. Seuss. And I adore hyperbole- I do a whole revision to focus on peppering my MS with those crazy little lines.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Exaggeration, a writer's tool after my own heart. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, exaggeration is a southerner's creed! ;o)
ReplyDeleteLove this; as always!
Visit My Kingdom Anytime
I heart hyberboles:) Great post!
ReplyDeletehyperboles are great when you're writing kids, teens or dogs - they all love to exaggerate!
ReplyDeleteso true when writing for kids and teens :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog. I came by to say a massive thank you for your comment on my post WHY I WRITE. I really appreciate such support. thanks :)
Great point about exaggeration. It's so important to remember that when writing teenagers. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteI too am a fan of expressive hyperbole. Some of my friends back in East Tennessee can really spin good tales and they'll come up with the craziest exagerations. I just love hearing it.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Absolutely true. And that example from Pitner was brilliant.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Shannon!
ReplyDeleteWorking on it!!
ReplyDeleteYou always think of the most creative things!
ReplyDeleteHmmm. If I use exaggeration, it's usually in a sarcastic way.
Will have to work on this!!
P
Love this! I work with kids and you're so right!! :)
ReplyDeleteDr Seuss rocks!
ReplyDeleteI like this. I am going to watch for hyperbole now as I read!
ReplyDeleteOur smart young friend Shoshana was wearing this t-shirt the other night: GREATEST HYPERBOLE T-SHIRT EVER!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked Dr Seuss.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon -
ReplyDeleteGreat Dr. Seuss quote!
Blessings,
Susan :)