Definition: A person inclined to dominate, dictate, be pushy and overbearing Characters in Literature: Hermione Granger (Harry Potter), Mr. Dussel (The Diary of Anne Frank) Common Portrayals: An overseer who is always hovering and micro-managing, the student waving his hand in the air, speaking … [Read more...] about Character Traits Thesaurus Entry: Bossy
Search Results for: how to show emotion
Weather Thesaurus Entry: Rain
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 enhance the character's emotional response to a specific location, it can add conflict, and it can also (lightly) foreshadow … [Read more...] about Weather Thesaurus Entry: Rain
Setting Thesaurus Entry: MINDSCAPE
This post has been generously written by Marian Perera, author of Before the Storm, Book 1 in the fascinating Eden Trilogy. A compelling blend of romance, high fantasy and intrigue, Before the Storm is a thrill ride that also provides a unique setting experience for readers. BEFORE THE STORM: In … [Read more...] about Setting Thesaurus Entry: MINDSCAPE
Creating Unforgettable Settings Part 1: Choosing the Right Setting
As writers, we often underestimate the power of setting. Who didn't want to visit the Hundred-Acre Wood? How much of our Bilbo-love is wrapped up in Hobbiton, my precious? And whatever you might think of the Twilight series, the ho-hum town of Forks became a little more interesting because it was … [Read more...] about Creating Unforgettable Settings Part 1: Choosing the Right Setting
Want High Stakes? Amp up the Stress!
In the real world, we avoid stress whenever possible but in writing, the opposite is true. Why? Because in the land of the Three Act Structure (TAS), STRESS = CONFLICT. In the TAS, our main character has a need or desire which outside forces try to prevent, challenging him to overcome adversity to … [Read more...] about Want High Stakes? Amp up the Stress!
Inside the Metaphor
Metaphors. Most of us know we should use them, that they're a good way to describe, but not everyone has a solid understanding of what they are. Seeing as metaphors are one of the most powerful communication tools between writer and reader, this is one English lesson worth reviewing! Er, what are … [Read more...] about Inside the Metaphor
Flirting 101: Bust a Move
Flirting--a smile, a joke, a quick touch that is so much more than what it appears to be. It can instantly forge a connection between two strangers, or escalate a friendship. For some, their mad skillz in attraction gives them the pick of the room, while others break out in hives at … [Read more...] about Flirting 101: Bust a Move
Symbolism Thesaurus Entry: Purity
Every day we interact with objects, places and sensations that affect the way we think and feel. This can be used to the writer's advantage by planting symbols in the reader's path to reinforce a specific message, feeling or idea. Look at the setting and the character's state of mind, and then … [Read more...] about Symbolism Thesaurus Entry: Purity
Symbolism Thesaurus Entry: Wealth
Every day we interact with objects, places and sensations that affect the way we think and feel. This can be used to the writer's advantage by planting symbols in the reader's path to reinforce a specific message, feeling or idea. Look at the setting and the character's state of mind, and then … [Read more...] about Symbolism Thesaurus Entry: Wealth
Setting Description…Writing More Than What You See
Today's Question: What is the best way to describe a place in a really special way, without sounding too visual? I like this question, because it's what the Setting Thesaurus is all about. As writers, our first reaction is to transcribe everything we see in our head onto the page for the … [Read more...] about Setting Description…Writing More Than What You See
The Symbolism and Motif Thesaurus
Each thesaurus collection is built with one concept in mind: creating powerful description. So far, we’ve looked at how to show emotion, how to create effective comparisons and contrasts, and how to weave the 5 senses into our settings. The Symbolism and Motif Thesaurus will take things a step … [Read more...] about The Symbolism and Motif Thesaurus
Seven Deadly Sins for Novel Writing: Sin #VII
Sin #7: TMI (Too much information) We're all guilty of this sin at some point during the writing process. The trick is finding the correct balance by the time we reach the final draft. Nothing will turn off the reader faster than long passages of hand-fed information and back story. The reader … [Read more...] about Seven Deadly Sins for Novel Writing: Sin #VII