Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Angela Ackerman

Definition: characterized by wisdom; marked by keen understanding and discernment Characters in Literature and Popular Culture: Yoda, Gandalf, Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web) Common Portrayals: wizards, mentors, teachers, coaches, judges, therapists, the elderly…

Character Trait Entry: Ruthless

November 19, 2011

Character Trait Entry: Ruthless

November 19, 2011

Definition: Having no pity; merciless; without compassion Characters in Literature: Rumpelstiltskin (Brothers Grimm); Michael Corleone (The Godfather); Uncles Balder & Grim (Troll Fell) Cliches to Avoid: The Hitler-esque military leader; the vampire killer…

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Summer

November 17, 2011

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Summer

November 17, 2011

WEATHER is an important element in any setting, providing sensory texture and contributing to the mood the writer wishes to create in a scene. With a deft touch, weather can…

Character Trait Entry: Independent

November 12, 2011

Character Trait Entry: Independent

November 12, 2011

Definition: not requiring or relying on others Characters in Literature: Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Laura Ingalls Wilder, Han Solo Common Portrayals: women suffragettes, Civil rights leaders, inventors, explorers, geniuses Clichés to…

Character Trait Entry: Critical

November 5, 2011

Character Trait Entry: Critical

November 5, 2011

Definition: inclined to criticize severely; to evaluate judiciously Characters in Literature: Headmistress Trunchbull (Matilda); Professor Snape (Harry Potter); Norma Bates ‘Mother’ (Psycho) Common Portrayals: Unyielding coaches, professors and teachers; nuns who run…

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Heat Wave

November 3, 2011

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Heat Wave

November 3, 2011

WEATHER is an important element in any setting, providing sensory texture and contributing to the mood the writer wishes to create in a scene. With a deft touch, weather can…

Character Trait Entry: Guarded

October 29, 2011

Character Trait Entry: Guarded

October 29, 2011

Definition: Cautious or circumspect; to withhold from a place of doubt, mistrust or fear Characters in Literature: Lucius Malfoy (Harry Potter); Brimstone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone); Roland Deschain of Gilead (The…

Character Traits Thesaurus: Talented

October 22, 2011

Character Traits Thesaurus: Talented

October 22, 2011

Definition: a marked innate ability Characters in Literature: Peeta and Katniss, The Hunger Games (art/cake decorating and archery); Sam, The Lord of the Rings (gardening) Common Portrayals: artists, musicians, athletes, fashion designers,…

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Mirage

October 20, 2011

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Mirage

October 20, 2011

WEATHER and Phenomenon are important elements in any setting, providing sensory texture and contributing to the mood the writer wishes to create in a scene. With a deft touch, weather…

Character Trait Entry: Witty

October 15, 2011

Character Trait Entry: Witty

October 15, 2011

Definition: a strong intellectual capacity marked by clever humor. Characters in Literature: Professor McGonagall (Harry Potter); Dr. Watson & Sherlock Holmes (same); Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice) Common Portrayals: Comedians, sitcom actors,…