Natural:
Scabs
Dried sea foam
Lime
Dried Tears
Tree bark
Water scale…
Man-made:
Meringue
Buns
Scones
Over gelled hair
Bread
Pastries…
Synonyms: flaky, crispy, brittle, well baked, scabby…
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.
Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and bestselling author who loves to travel, teach, empower writers, and pay-it-forward. She also is a founder of One Stop For Writers, a portal to powerful, innovative tools to help writers elevate their storytelling.
I use the word crusty all the time in my WIPs. Nice to see some alternatives 🙂 Thanks again!
Scab right off the bat was not a nice visual. I’d add craddle cap.
I haven’t told you in a while, but I think your thesaurus is awesome.
Crusty is good! I had the best crusty sushi roll at the grocery the other day. Yum.
I see one for ‘Unease’
https://writershelpingwriters.net/2008/01/unease.html
Is it my imagination or wasn’t there ever an entry for Nervous in the emotion thesaurus?
Thanks Bish–those are great additions. 🙂
Lichens are kind of crusty. And there’s that crusty stuff on the bottom of a pan. In Puerto Rico there’s an actual word for it, pegau. (I hope that’s how it’s spelled!) The pegau made from over-cooked, slightly burnt rice is considered by many to be a crunchy taste treat.