If we could sum up the use of weather as a metaphor in a single word. . . .
No.
Don't do it.
As writers, and especially beginning writers, it can be tempting to force the weather to mirror our characters' moods and the situations in which they find themselves.
We have good intentions, of course--it's for effect, to add layers and depth to a scene.
After all, there's nothing like a sudden thunderstorm to interrupt the throes of outdoor passion. Or a heated argument in the rain (I admit, that's a favorite of mine). Or a perfect spring day to match the kindling of a new love.
And sure, sometimes in real life we fight on dark, wet days. And those afternoon picnics with the ones we love are, in fact, spent beneath a warm sun. But aligning the weather to every situation in our novels is a bit pedestrian.
As humans, we respond to weather. It's also one of the easiest things to describe in a story.
But it's not a perfect metaphor, so use it sparingly as one (if at all).
Be Brilliant!
~Katie~
