Metaphor

I tend to think "in metaphor". It's almost like a game with me, "Is this moment like a symphony, or more like a cup of hot chocolate? Maybe like a wild train ride!"

For a long time I was embarrassed about my metaphor inclination. I had read a light hearted mystery in which metaphors were overused and panned seriously. When I was done with the story, I felt sort of ridiculous to be so attached to metaphors.

But like most personality aberrations, this constant thinking about metaphors just wouldn't go away. It became more a secret pleasure, than just a pleasure.

Then one day I was talking to a well-read literary person and I made a derogatory comment about metaphors. The person blinked, and said, "Metaphors are good."

Picture me doing a mental Happy Dance. "Well, if one person thinks metaphors are okay, then that's good enough for me!"

I've been openly metaphoric ever since. I believe this quirk makes me a better fiction writer.

What's your feeling about metaphors? Is this a quirk of yours, or do you harbor others more dangerous?