Halloween is coming. The big question: What am I going to be? Whether it’s a classic vampire, something trendy like Barbie or Ken, or a DIY masterpiece, there’s a lot of thought that goes into choosing the perfect costume. Picking a Halloween costume is a lot like writing for an audience. E. Shelley Reid’s metaphors in Ten Ways to Think About Writing make that clear.
When you choose a costume, you’re not just dressing up for yourself. You’re thinking about how others will see it. Will they get it? Will they laugh, feel scared, or think it’s creative? Same goes for writing. Reid reminds us to think about the audience and adapt to them. You wouldn’t wear an obscure costume that no one recognizes. Just like you wouldn’t write something so complex or vague that your reader gets lost.
“Show, don’t tell.” It’s Reid’s key principle for writing, and it applies to Halloween too. Saying you’re dressed as a ghost isn’t enough. You need the sheet, the makeup, the spooky vibe. In writing, you need details. Vivid examples that make your point jump off the page—just like the perfect ghost costume that gets the party buzzing.
And repetition matters too. If you’re a witch, don’t just rely on the hat. You’ve got the broom, the cackle, the black cape. Reid says this is the same with writing. Repeating key ideas keeps your reader grounded. It’s like the costume’s accessories—reminders of who you are and why it matters.
Crafting a great piece of writing? It’s like planning that perfect costume. You need creativity and clarity. Think about your audience. Let them feel it, see it. Get it right, and your message—or your costume—becomes unforgettable.
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