Some of this has been covered in previous posts (see the end of this article for links to other parts of this series on setting) , but I just couldn't talk about the strong settings and not mention description, 'cause what good is the perfect setting if you can't convey it to the reader? So once … [Read more...] about How to Create Unforgettable Settings: Description
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Setting Thesaurus Entry: Bookstore
Sight Customers: browsing books, scanning shelves, standing in line to pay, tugging a book off the shelf, flipping a book over for back copy, fanning the pages, standing and reading, sitting in reading chairs, sharing a magazine with a friend, wandering the aisles, stalking the discount tables, … [Read more...] about Setting Thesaurus Entry: Bookstore
Seven Deadly Novel Writing Sins: Sharing Too Much Information
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 chooses … [Read more...] about Seven Deadly Novel Writing Sins: Sharing Too Much Information
Expressing Cardinal Emotions: Masculine vs. Feminine
We thought since we've profiled 130 different emotions and their physical and mental cues in The Emotion Thesaurus, we'd take a look at some of the Cardinal Emotions, and some generalized differences you may see between how males and females (or those who identify with one of these genders) may … [Read more...] about Expressing Cardinal Emotions: Masculine vs. Feminine
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Desperation
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Desperation
Pacing Potholes: Common Hazards that Slow Forward Motion
Pacing is a difficult thing to master. Like driving a car, there are many things we need to be on top of to keep our story on the road. Are we glancing out the window enough to be aware of the setting around us? Do we have a destination in mind, or is our plot taking the scenic route? Did we … [Read more...] about Pacing Potholes: Common Hazards that Slow Forward Motion
Techniques For Atmosphere and Mood Building In Fiction
I thought today I'd take a quick look at how setting description can transcend to convey atmosphere through the deft manipulation of the five senses. First off, what is Atmosphere? Atmosphere is the mood created through the deliberate description of setting. Depending on the emotion you wish … [Read more...] about Techniques For Atmosphere and Mood Building In Fiction
Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Happiness/Joy
When it comes to emotion, sometimes we need a brainstorming nudge. After all, each character will express their feelings differently depending on their personality, emotional range, and comfort zone. We hope this short, sample list of expressions will help you better imagine how your character might … [Read more...] about Emotion Thesaurus Entry: Happiness/Joy
Introducing The EMOTION THESAURUS
The coffee on the desk is cold. The doorbell’s ringing. Your dog is making those frantic whimpers meaning ‘I want to go outside and maybe pee on something’ has escalated to ‘Another 10 seconds and you'll need a boat to get to the kitchen’. You are aware of these things, yet stay glued to your chair, … [Read more...] about Introducing The EMOTION THESAURUS