WRITING: Symbolism and Metaphor

I have been thinking about the process of writing as it concerns the wording chosen by the writer.

This little question was thrown out at me recently by one who loves to toss out thought-provoking under ten-word, two-sentence questions that provoke thought for days and days on end. No answer is really required, but as a scent to a bloodhound, I will worry it to death until either a conclusion, a stone wall (solid, sturdy, very high) or a crossroads is reached.

This then, is that over which I ponder (Edgar wrote that line, I’m sure, not me!): Does a writer consciously include metaphor and symbolism within his work, is it a product of his own mindset and hidden images, or is it a combination of both? In rereading some of my own stories, I am suddenly aware of a metaphor that makes me want to claim credit for its use, but I know full well that I hadn’t thought of, nor even recognized it at the time it was written. Most likely, there are parts of the mind at work in writing that go beyond the grammar, language, and creative effort put into it, just as the personality of the author infuses it with voice.

I suppose it can be a learned practice as well, and skill will come, but the nice little surprises to oneself are often just as satisfying as if we’d planned our words more precisely.