MO Day #10 Marzieh Abbas Lifts with Language

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February 15, 2022 - Registration Post Hello March On With Mentor Texts!

AND NOW, HERE'S OUR MENTOR...

Using Lyrical Language to Lift a Manuscript

By Marzieh Abbas

As I thought about this topic, I realized a definition of lyrical writing will never do justice to what it really is. You have to feel a shift within you when you read a lyrical text to truly understand how the words, rhythm, and poetic devices work together to create an image that stays with you, the reader.

In this example from Caldecott Medal winner, LOCOMOTIVE by Brian Floca, note the alliteration in paint, polish,and pride. And again in company and crew.Note the imagery in breathe like a beast and the onomatopoeia in clang and hiss and huff, huff, huff.

This spread from Kate Messner’s OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW evokes so many feelings.It’s filled with lovely imagery of snowy traditions, a promise of spring and warmth. The beauty of lyrical writing lies in taking a common slice-of-life scene and talking about it in an uncommon way. This spread makes me want to lick warm, sticky marshmallow from my lips. I appreciate the imagery of the cold layers of white snow weighing down on the narrator's eyelids, just like they blanket the queen bumblebee.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE A WHALE by Julie Fogliana has a spread that has so many soothing ‘s’ words, they literally make me wish I can take a moment and lay on my back and stare at the clouds drifting by.

Lastly, I’d like to leave you with a tip that has helped me write lyrically: remember you need to first have your main idea for the sentence or scene down. The lyricism doesn’t come until you revise, revise and revise some more! You need to keep dipping into your poetry toolbox and ask yourself how you can present the same idea in a unique way, or conjure up an image that will stay with your reader, long after they have put away your book.

Do you have any lyrical texts you’ve particularly enjoyed?

Have the words rolled off your tongue, made you pause, and compelled you to go back and relish them again and again?

BIO: Marzieh is a baker-turned-author. She loves adding magic to her creations- whether that’s a seven-layered rainbow cake or the books she writes for children all over the world. She enjoys learning new skills, jumping rope, sipping chai, and observing nature. She is the author of several, upcoming children’s books. Marzieh dreams of owning a talking parrot someday. But, until then, she lives in Pakistan with her husband and children who inspire her every day. Visit her on the web at www.marziehabbas.com