Colors, Textures and Shapes Entry: Fuzzy

May 28, 2009

Reading time:

Writing Help

Rabbits
Kittens
Puppies
Llamas
Hamsters
Ducklings…

Man-made:

Stuffed animals
Blankets
Sweaters
Mittens
Hats
Scarves…

Synonyms: downy, frizzy, furry, hairy, pilate, wooly…

Describing texture in a story creates intimacy between reader and character, and can even cause an emotional trigger for both. To anchor the reader in the scene, make sure comparisons and contrasts are clear and relatable, and within the scope of the narrator’s life knowledge and experience.

Textures are a powerful tool for pulling readers into the narrating character’s world, so don’t skimp.

Looking for ways to encourage that shared empathy bond between your readers and the hero? You’ll be happy to know that this thesaurus has been expanded by 60% (many new entries to explore!) and integrated into our online library at One Stop For Writers. With One Stop’s cross-referenced searchability, adding texture to your writing has never been easier, so if you’re interested in seeing a free sampling of the updated Texture Thesaurus and our other collections, head on over and register.

Becca Puglisi

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers—a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

11 Comments.

T. Anne
May 29, 2009 5:15 pm

That pic made my day.
Vivian
May 28, 2009 7:54 pm

Awww. Sweet picture.
Danyelle
May 28, 2009 6:51 pm

!

Adorable little kitten-creature!

Great list. 😀

*gazes at cute kitty*
Brown-Eyed Girl
May 28, 2009 6:04 pm

Like Sasha when she was a tiny baby.

I wish I’d spent more time with her when she was such a wee little one.
Angela
May 28, 2009 5:27 pm

Glad it helps, everyone! I LOVE Fuzzy new kittens!!
Bish Denham
May 28, 2009 4:53 pm

Warm fuzzies to you Angela!
Cynthia Chapman Willis
May 28, 2009 4:45 pm

Such a great post and explained so well. Thank you! And that kitten. . . Awww!!!
Keri Mikulski
May 28, 2009 4:39 pm

Always using this word.

Thanks! 🙂
spamwarrior
May 28, 2009 12:52 pm

Good post. I do feel that the second example is stronger than the first, because you can actually imagine that you feel the fuzz, whereas in the first example you’re merely looking at it. Visual, not tactile.
C.R. Evers
May 28, 2009 11:18 am

awwww! cute picture!
PJ Hoover
May 28, 2009 11:06 am

Oooh, fuzzy! It’s like the warm fuzies they give to Kindergartners!