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Writing Craft

Definition: a strong level of mental development or wisdom, often beyond one’s years Characters in Literature: Hermione (Harry Potter); Katniss (Hunger Games); Hazel & Augustus (The Fault In Our Stars…

Character Entry Trait: Calm

June 23, 2012

Character Entry Trait: Calm

June 23, 2012

Definition: free from agitation or disturbance; composed; level-headed Characters in Literature: Legolas, Spock, Nick Andros (The Stand), Yoda Common Portrayals: parents and grandparents, religious figures, mentors, immortals Clichés to Avoid: the wise mentor who shows…

Character Trait Entry: Sensitive

June 16, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Sensitive

June 16, 2012

Definition: Responsive to stimuli; strongly susceptible to the attitudes and emotions of others Characters in Literature: Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter); Jonas (The Giver); John Coffey (The Green Mile) Common Portrayals: the…

5 Techniques for Adding Subtext to your Story

June 14, 2012

5 Techniques for Adding Subtext to your Story

June 14, 2012

By Ollin Morales About 90% of the time, we human beings don’t say what we mean to say. Instead, we speak in subtext. The beauty of subtext is that it makes…

Character Trait Entry: Excitable

June 9, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Excitable

June 9, 2012

Definition: being easily roused into a state of excitement Characters in Literature: Gilderoy Lockhart (HP and the Chamber of Secrets), Fflewddur Fflam (The Black Cauldron), Tigger Common Portrayals: children, sidekicks, crackpots Clichés…

Character Trait Entry: Courageous

June 2, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Courageous

June 2, 2012

Definition: mental or moral resilience to face opposition, danger or difficulties, despite one’s own fear Characters in Literature: Harry Potter (Harry Potter); Hans Hubermann (The Book Thief); Frodo (Lord of…

Character Trait Entry: Persistent

April 21, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Persistent

April 21, 2012

Definition: stubbornly continuing on, despite opposition, difficulty, or danger Characters in Literature: Scarlett O’Hara, Gollum, Andy Dufresne (The Shawshank Redemption) Common Portrayals: revolutionaries, millionnaires, CEOs, military and world leaders, valedictorians,…

Character Trait Entry: Brave

April 14, 2012

Character Trait Entry: Brave

April 14, 2012

Definition: fearlessness in the face of adversity or danger Characters in Literature: Batman; Captain America; Lan Mandragoran & Galad Damordred (The Wheel of Time); Nevile Longbottom (Harry Potter and the…

Character Trait Thesaurus Entry: Optimistic

March 31, 2012

Character Trait Thesaurus Entry: Optimistic

March 31, 2012

Definition: an inclination to anticipate the best possible outcome or see events in the most positive light Characters in Literature: Pollyanna, Anne Shirley (of Green Gables), Cinderella Common Portrayals: little old ladies,…

Character Trait Thesaurus Entry: Curious

March 24, 2012

Character Trait Thesaurus Entry: Curious

March 24, 2012

Definition: marked by a desire to investigate and learn Characters in Literature: Alice (in Wonderland), Curious George, Harriet (the Spy) Common Portrayals: scientists, inventors, children Clichés to Avoid: the feeble minded but good…