Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Angela Ackerman

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…

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Smooth

December 10, 2009

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Smooth

December 10, 2009

Natural: Skin of an apple/eggplant/watermelon Leaves River-tumbled pebbles Pearls Rose petals Shark fin… Man-made: Paper Freshly shaved skin Metal Plastic Sterling silver Gold wedding band… Synonyms: polished, flowing, sleek, flat, flush,…

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Old Abandoned Mine

December 5, 2009

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Old Abandoned Mine

December 5, 2009

For a reader to relate to the story’s action, they need a physical anchor to tie the characters to. But it can be difficult, finding the right words to convey…

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Stripe

December 3, 2009

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Stripe

December 3, 2009

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…

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Heart

November 25, 2009

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Heart

November 25, 2009

Natural: Heart Bleeding Heart blooms Clover leaves Strawberries Galešnjak, a heart-shaped island in Croatia Calla Lily… Man-made: Valentine’s chocolates Paper valentines Heart locket Jewelry Decorative waffles Cookie cutter… Synonyms: none Describing…

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Squishy

November 21, 2009

Colors, Textures and Shape Entry: Squishy

November 21, 2009

Natural: Mud Wet clay Ripe bananas/pears/peaches/grapes Cellulite Wet snow Cheeks Hugs Liver/organs Fat Rare/raw meat Sea onions Raw fish Clams/oysters Slugs Mushrooms Fresh sap beads Egg yolk Raisins, dates, prunes…

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Teen Bedroom Closet

November 14, 2009

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Teen Bedroom Closet

November 14, 2009

Sight Clothing on hangers, laundry hamper, pile of rumpled clothing, orphaned socks, shoes lined up in a row or thrown together in a jumble, shelving, coats, books, board games, stuffed…

Color Thesaurus Entry: Transparent

November 4, 2009

Color Thesaurus Entry: Transparent

November 4, 2009

Real World Comparisons: Natural: Clean rivers, streams, lakes Dew drops Rain drops Melted snow Ice Jellyfish… Man Made: Glass lenses Pool water Glass Suran wrap Ziplock bags Plastic slip covers……