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Writing Craft

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…

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…