Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Angela Ackerman

Texture Thesaurus Entry: Crackled

January 13, 2010

Texture Thesaurus Entry: Crackled

January 13, 2010

Natural: Walnut shell Papery or scaly skin Dried mud puddles/riverbeds Lightning Disintegrating leaves Marble… Man-made: Burnt timber (charcoal) Manufactured electricity Static electricity Old, peeling paint Antiqued paint technique Mummified remains……

Seven Deadly Novel Writing Sins: Plot Problems

January 11, 2010

Seven Deadly Novel Writing Sins: Plot Problems

January 11, 2010

Sin# 4: Plot Problems Your plot is the meat and direction of the novel. Even the most compelling characters lie flat on the page without something to do. For some,…

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Shopping Mall

January 9, 2010

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Shopping Mall

January 9, 2010

Sight Crowds, bright store signs, sale signs, glass doors/windows, clothing racks, shelves, displays, washrooms, food courts, benches, garbage cans, specialty item kiosks, shopping bags, store logos, tile floors, plants, escalators,…

Color Thesaurus Entry: Spotted

January 7, 2010

Color Thesaurus Entry: Spotted

January 7, 2010

Real World Comparisons: Nature: Ladybugs Butterfly wings Leopard Spotted owl Deer faun Spotted Salamander Angelfish… Man Made: Polka dots on fabric Chocolate chip cookies poppy seed cake Blueberry muffins Rust…

Seven Deadly Novel Writing Sins: Voice and Point of View

January 3, 2010

Seven Deadly Novel Writing Sins: Voice and Point of View

January 3, 2010

Voice is one of the most elusive aspects of writing. If you struggle with it, you are not alone. Just understanding what it is can be a challenge. When a…

Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing: Counterfeit Characters

December 21, 2009

Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing: Counterfeit Characters

December 21, 2009

The most brilliant plot is nothing without the right characters. The writer’s job is to create unique, emotionally charged characters that are strong enough to drive the story. The characters…

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Lab

December 19, 2009

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Lab

December 19, 2009

Generously compiled by Liana Brooks Sight microscope, scalpel, red stain, blue stain, gel, counter top, bunson burner, blue flame, beaker, vial, specimen rack, dissection table, skeleton, anatomical model, cabinets, computer,…

Shape Thesaurus Entry: Tube

December 17, 2009

Shape Thesaurus Entry: Tube

December 17, 2009

Natural: Grass stems Straw Reeds Burrows Intestines Valves (heart, etc.)… Man-made: Straw Culverts Pipes (copper, metal, PVC) A pencil with no lead A pen with no ink chamber Flashlight… Synonyms: cylinder,…

The Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing: Low Stakes

December 14, 2009

The Seven Deadly Sins of Novel Writing: Low Stakes

December 14, 2009

In my mind, there are seven big things that can undermine a novel. I want to address them all, but to avoid having a post 8 miles long, I’ll break…

Setting Thesaurus Entry: City Park

December 12, 2009

Setting Thesaurus Entry: City Park

December 12, 2009

Sight tall trees, well-tended bright green grass, park benches, water fountain, drink fountain, fields, joggers, dog-walkers, strollers, women with strollers, holding toddlers by the hand, a pond with ducks/swans/geese, garbage…