First in a series of architectural analogies meant to help student writers.
Walk my neighborhood, as I do daily with our dog, Sybil, and you will see a variety of interesting buildings. The photographs in this series help me remember some basic principles of successful writing.
Invite your audience.
I like this doorstep because of the two pots of purple flowers, the strength of the purple against the gray steps, and the clean lines of the whole entryway. This house elegantly invites my eyes up the stairs to the arch at the top. For example, since the pots sit against the house rather than on the street-side ledge, my eyes move from left to right--from unadorned to adorned ledge. Simplicity also plays a role. These steps have just two pots, and that's it. This simplicity, in turn, establishes contrast between the gray steps and purple flowers. (Incidentally, the plant's leaves are dark purple.) Finally, whoever painted these steps did a careful job. The painter has applied the paint evenly, without any stray swatches or splatters. The resulting clean lines complete the inviting nature of this entrance.
In writing, carefully paint the entrance to your story, poem or essay. Invite your readers by giving them something to look at--something towards which their eyes will naturally move. Start simply, with clear lines. A cluttered stairway haphazardly composed may send them down the street looking for a more inviting entrance.
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