Have you ever been urged to “show, don’t tell” in your writing? Then you want to think about expressive writing.
For a compelling example of the power of language, take a look at this fascinating piece about earthquakes by journalist Kathryn Schulz in The New Yorker. This is just one of many, many places where Ms. Schulz uses the power of expressive writing to make a point:
“Wineglasses, antique vases, Humpty Dumpty, hip bones, hearts: what breaks quickly generally mends slowly, if at all.”
Any time you want to explain something (as in the earthquake piece), drive home a point or spark emotion is a good place to try expressive language. The April issue of my Wordnerdery newsletter describes three ways you can do so, with examples.
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