Writing Wednesday - Floating Body Parts

Let’s have some fun today.

Have you ever read a story where body parts take on a life of their own?

Worse, have you ever written a story where body parts take on a life of their own?

I hate to admit it, but I have done it a few times.

A Floating Body Part is where the action is given to the body part rather than the person, in a way that disembodies the body part. 

So, watch out for flying feet and fingers, searching  and dropping eyes and continue reading with caution.

Her eyes followed him as he walked down the road.  Can’t you just see those eyes walking down the road?

Her eyes searched his face, looking for something that wasn’t there. I chuckle as I imagine eyes walking all over this man’s face searching for something.

My eyes dropped before the stare of Lewis, for fear my cheeks would turn red. He he, I hope I can find them later.

Her feet flew off the porch and ran down the road. She was so happy to see Lewis again. Wow, look at those feet go, I hope she can catch up with them!

His muddy feet plodded through the wet, foggy marsh.  That sounds a little scary! Maybe it’s a horror story.

Her fingers flew across the keyboard. I guess her fingers had wings.

Be aware you will find flying body parts in the books you read. Some people don't mind reading them. They know her fingers are attached to her body and aren't actually flying across the keyboard. Famous writers can get by with them. But if you are just getting started, and no one’s heard of you except your neighbors and your family, then I might not take the chance. I've heard editors don't care too much for them.

How about you?
If you want, give us a grin and give us some floating body parts in your comment and we promise to duck!

Happy Writing!