Thanks so much for all the great comments last week. I had such fun reading your thoughts and your must-edit words. It’s always so comforting to know we’re not alone in our struggles, isn’t it?
So, now that we’ve confessed together, let’s take a look at some tools that can not only help you in the area of unique and effective word choices, but can actually increase your ability to portray characters more realistically than ever before.
There are several books out there that you can use for resources. The first four are by Angela Ackerman:
The Emotion Thesaurus, The Positive Trait Thesaurus, The Negative Trait Thesaurus, and Emotion Amplifiers (this last one, as of today, is a free ebook on Amazon). These books give you internal and external ways that people express different emotions. Then there’s Strong Verbs, Strong Voice by Ann Everett, which simply gives synonyms for common actions. Or you could just go to the old standby, Roget’s Thesaurus. Now obviously you don’t want to just pluck the descriptive material from these books and plunk it in your story, but they serve as great springboards when you’re feeling stuck.
The most effective tool that I’ve found, though, is my own word journals. What I’ve done is start lists of common emotions and actions, then spend time where people congregate, watching for how they show these kinds of things. And anytime I see a unique expression or action, I jot it down and add it to the list. And I’ve asked people I know to tell me how certain emotions affect them physically and psychologically. (One note: do not ask this when they’re in the midst of said emotions or you just might get a demonstration of a physical reaction that you don’t want. <gg>)
For example, here are a few of the entries I have for Nervous:
Nervous:
Actions
can’t keep leg/foot still while sitting; picking at cuticles, flipping through same magazine over and over; spilling water because hands trembling; tapping table with finger; rubbing/tugging at eyebrow; have to grip hands hands together to still them
Physical Effects
Nausea; collywobbles; vomiting; aching muscles; knuckles ache from fists; too warm; too cold; hands get cold; headache; icepick in temple; faint;
Psychological Effects
On edge; snappy; inappropriate anger; misdirected anger; can’t focus; can’t find words
…and so on.
There are several benefits to creating your own word journals. First, you don’t have to worry that someone else is reading the same book you are and using the same phrase/words that you are in their book! Second, you gain insight into how those around you feel and react to emotions, which gives you insight into your characters. Third, you can just keep adding to your list as you find new phrases/actions/words. Fourth, you’ll discover unique words and phrases. For example, collywobbles is how my dad describes that uneasy, slightly nauseous feeling in the gut when you’re really nervous. What a cool word! And lastly, the words and phrases you use will have a true-to-life feel because that’s where they came from: real life.
If you already have word journals like this, terrific! If not, give it a try. Choose those actions/emotions you need to get rid of and start looking for new, unique, real-life ways to show them.
And, as always, have fun!
The Great Slot Mystery
Hi Karen,
I just got Emotion Amplifiers. Thanks! Angela’s books are always helpful.
I love your idea of keeping my own word journal. Sometimes a phrase in a song will strike me, and I’ll write it down and think about it.
Last week at PT, an older lady and her therapist walked by me and debating if something was a word. They stopped and asked me. I told the lady if she used it as a word, then I thought it was a word even though I’d never heard it before. I knew I should have written it down, but my physical therapist walked over with a smile and said he was ready to start my torture, uh therapy.
Thanks for another great post!
Last week confession, this week redemption! Thanks for sharing tools we can use. I’m looking into a few of the recommended books right now. And, I’m very happy to discover I’m doing something right! I started a word journal a couple years ago. I love words, and the best part–they are free! I’m in two book clubs and jot down words I haven’t heard often, or words I often hear but disregard. Pretty words, ugly words, strong, soft, funny. Sometimes I’ll see a word in a magazine or billboard or from the lips of the most unlikely character. “Wow, good word. Hold that thought while I pull out my handy, dandy notebook.” Add a wool cap and pipe and I could be a sleuth detective.
Karen, your post from last week, and this one make me laugh and challenge me at the same time. Perfect. Thank you.
Thanks for the great information. I have never thought about creating a book of phrases, I will have to begin. I have noticed my beta readers tend to connect with characters that I draw from life. For instance, I use my grandson as the model for a two year-old boy in my novel. It is so easy to make this character come alive because I sculpt him using my grandson’s unique quips and mannerisms. Some people scrapbook and capture their family in a photo album from Creative Memories. I hope to depict each of my grandchildren in a novel.
I have three indispensable books on my desk at all times: my Bible, Naves Topical Bible, and the Synonym Finder (http://www.amazon.com/Synonym-Finder-J-I-Rodale/dp/0446370290/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432743259&sr=1-1&keywords=synonym+finder).
I can’t imagine writing Bible studies without either of these three!
I recently purchased The Emotion Thesaurus. It is WONDERFUL. It has helped me move away from the typical reactions authors use for their characters.
The Emotion Thesaurus might work well for actors, too. Speaking as a director, when actors choose the obvious route to express an emotion, I want to bop them over the head with the script. Now, thanks to you, I can bop them over the head with the Emotion Thesaurus! 🙂
Great idea to start our own word journal, Karen. I’ve already been tucking away ideas in my mind when I spot body language that speaks volumes. This will make socializing more fun than ever–but I’ll resist the urge to whip out my notebook and pen in front of others (I love the terrier in glasses).
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
I had started a word journal, but never thought to start an “effects” journal. Now I have to find a new little notebook to keep them in. Thanks for the help!
I think as I read, that an author really liked this word or that word and I smile. I come across a word and ugh, I hate that word. Then I come across one that I have never heard and I love it.
Words can be like garage sale finds—one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Thanks Karen. I love Angela’s books, but love the idea of creating a notebook… it feels like it would be more authentic to my own voice as a writer. Will definitely do this.
Fantastic tips!
I know I need to write down the emotional highs and lows I encounter daily. I have felt this conviction for over a year. To slow down and revisit those actions, physical and psychological effects I witness at the end of the day. it’s just that most of my outreach involves non happy circumstances. But like you said, Karen, it’s real life.
Steve Laube website … free
Word Journal Idea … priceless
thanks!!
You may also find Dictionary of Emotions: Words For Feelings, Moods, and Emotions and the Emotion Journal useful tools as well.
What a cool idea! Thank you so much for the helpful suggestion. What a great way to turn our people watching into writing skills. I’m so doing this.