Real World Comparisons:
Nature:
Rainbows
Zebras
Tigers
Raccoon Tail
Skunk
Stripe ball python…
Man Made:
Layer cake
Candy Cane
Barber Pole
Hazard signs
Hair highlights
Racing stripe on cars…
Synonyms for Striped: variegated, two-toned, pin stripe, lined…
Make every detail count
Colors are powerful descriptors, not fillers. Make sure that if you use a comparison or contrast to highlight a color, you choose the right one. Look at the setting and atmosphere you are working to create, then draw from the viewpoint character or narrator’s history, education and past experiences to find the right fit.
Colors not only paint a picture for readers; when used well, they can also create emotional and symbolic harmonies.
Looking to add vivid imagery to your character’s world? This thesaurus has been expanded and integrated into our online library at One Stop For Writers. There, entries have been enhanced to include symbolism opportunities, a wealth of real-world comparisons that can be woven into your writing, and examples of how to describe colors and patterns in ways that engage the reader’s imagination. This collection is also cross-referenced for easy searchability so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Interested in seeing a sampling of the updated Color and Pattern Thesaurus and our other collections? Head on over and register for free at One Stop!
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.
*grins* Yep there is one, only it’s called ‘spotted’.
https://writershelpingwriters.net/2010/01/color-thesaurus-entry-spotted.html
Thanks for visiting, Lisa!
What no listing for polka-dotted?! 😉 Your thesaurus’ are great!
Thanks Shannon! ha, I wondered if the snake pic would freak people out. 🙂
Corrine, very nice to see you! I hope you’ll be back often.
Stephanie, I just finished a MG about Egypt! (It didn’t take place there;it’s in modern times when Osiris attempts another ressurrection, but still, a MG Egyptian book! Small world, huh?
Bish, I was wondering if I should include clouds or not. I know just what you mean.
Kate–I thought of it because I used to own one. 🙂 His name was Tyrone.
PJ—nice to see you!
Oooh, cool snake pic and cool topic!
Another great list. I never would have thought of tarantula legs!
Sometime clouds stripe the sky. And there are examples of layering/striping in places like the Grand Canyon or where highways have cut through hills.
Man, I wish I could use modern references like bar codes in my novel. Unfortunately, I don’t think the ancient Egyptians would have known a bar code if it hit them in the face.
But I like the snake! I’ve got some metaphors about those little critters in my book.
First time visitor. The emotion thesaurus is a very cool idea!
P.S. icky, yucky, very freaky picture! I hate snakes. 😉
Great post on an important writing lesson – I love that you always give examples! zebra vs. bar code -love it! 🙂