Roget’s Descriptive Word Finder: A Dictionary/Thesaurus of Adjectives by Barbara Ann Kipfer, Ph. D. © 2003 Writers Digest Books

Lexicographer Barbara Ann Kipfer has prolifically compiled reference texts, most of which can be found on my shelf within handy reach of my desktop computer. I fancied myself to be one of her biggest fans, but reviews I’ve read for Roget’s Descriptive Word Finder were all positive, and she is well spoken of. Obviously, many writers are taking advantage of her invaluable tools.

In my research, I found out that it was Paul Mark Roget, a physician as well as a lexicographer who compiled the original thesaurus for his own use. He went public with it nearly fifty years later. Can you imagine what a challenge writing would be if had he taken that gem with him to the grave?

What makes Kipfer’s text different from Roget’s original work or any of the other thesauri (yes, that is the plural for thesaurus) she’s compiled? This one is a Thesaurus of thousands of descriptive words and phrases listed under five-hundred and seventy-two categories. Each individual entry has a time saving definition so you can immediately determine its suitability without further research.

A simple thesaurus lists alternative words for adjectives such as happy. Referring to the“Happiness” category in the Roget’s Descriptive Word Finder puts the reader in touch with over a hundred words and phrase choices. The entries describe various concepts of happiness from playfulness to laughter.

Roget’s Descriptive Word Finder is fun to peruse, with categories from abandonment, with such entries as abrogated and unwonted to zoology. Kipfer usually adds helpful indexes and addendums. Roget’s Descriptive Word Finder includes a Quick Finder which is basically a thesaurus with some contrasting headings like Active/Passive and even one entry for Silly Sounding Words.

If finding fresh, evocative descriptive words is an exhausting task for you, this book may help add strength that will catch an agent’s or editor’s eye.

EMPOWERING CHARACTERS' EMOTIONS

EMPOWERING CHARACTERS' EMOTIONS
Presented by Margie Lawson

We at Books To Write By are avid fans of Margie Lawson's courses. Most of us has enrolled in more than one of her courses. The month of March was no different than when three of us joined the online course, Empowering Characters' Emotions.

This class is a benefit to all writers who want to advance their writing skills. Ms. Lawson explores empowering emotions through her EDITS system. This system color codes your manuscript so you can actually see if your writing is layered with the essential keys to a great read.

Look forward to learning:

• The EDITS System
• Basic, complex, empowered, and super empowered passages
• Backstory management
• Kinesics, Haptics, Proxemics, Facial expressions, Paralanguage
• Proprioceptive stimuli, Involuntary physical responses
• Ideomotoric shifts
• Mirroring, Communication Accommodation
• Levels of intimacy, Love signals
• Nonverbal gender differences
• Emotional authenticity
• Backloading
• In-trancing the Reader
• Writing fresh . . .
• Projecting Emotion for a Non-POV character
• Carrying a Nonverbal Image Forward
• Objective Constructs
• Empowering Characters’ Emotions Checklist

At first, I became overwhelmed with the course and I think many people did, too. However, once I grabbed my highlighters and applied the EDITS system to my own writing...I got what I paid for. I discovered that I write no dialogue cues and that I hardly ever write setting information. There are also some minor things I noticed, which needs to changed. But now I know how to correct it.

I highly recommend any of Ms. Lawson's courses. In fact, another online class is coming up in May.

Here is the information:

MAY 1 -- 30 Deep Editing: The EDITS System, Rhetorical Devices, and More Offered by Writer University: www.writeruniv.com

You want regret enrolling!

I'll see you in class.

Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth, http://wannabepublished.blogspot.com, has a new book available. I attended her workshop last year at the American Christian Fiction Writers' Convention and subscribed to her blog when I came home. I've learned a lot about writing from her blog. When her new book came out, I was eager to read it. I was not disappointed.

Daisy Chain is the first book in her Defiance Texas Trilogy. Daisy Chance, the best friend of fourteen year old Jed Pepper, disappears from her small town. The rest of the book deals with Jed’s search for her because he believes he’s to blame.

Tortured family relationships and friendships with unusual towns people keep this book a page turner as Jed searches for Daisy. Treat yourself to a suspenseful read as Mary draws you into life in Defiance, Texas.

Revision & Self-Editing by James Scott Bell

If you've heard James Scott Bell speak, you're familiar with his own brand of humor. "Revision & Self-Editing" is written with his light hand and funny way of teaching. If you haven't heard him, you're in for a treat in making study fun. The first half explains the art of self-editing, while the second half talks about revision including the ultimate revision checklist.
Bell uses alliteration or rhyming words often to remind us of aims for our writing. I'm particularly fond of Grit, Wit and It in building my lead character. Each chapter ends with two or three exercises, all of which reinforce what was taught in that chapter. My three favorite chapters are Scene, Voice and Theme. I learned here one of the best tips I've heard to develop voice & style.
Revision assistance provides new thoughts on what to look for in those final read-throughs. Ever want to know the trick to good writing? Bell provides us with insight into "the trick that can't be explained."
Read. Enjoy. Learn. Improve.

The Writer's Encyclopedia from the Editors of Writer's Digest

The Writer’s Encyclopedia © 1996 Writer’s Digest Books.

Another powerful tool that I refer to in my personal library is my Writer’s Encyclopedia. This five-hundred page reference is almost a glorified appendix that lists definitions, facts, and figures about every aspect pertaining to the writing craft and business.

The Writer’s Encyclopedia features over thirteen-hundred entries, a thorough bibliography, and a recommended reading list. Included are definitions of various writing terms and trade expressions and explanations of techniques and procedures—everything the aspiring writer needs to know in writing and publishing. For those writers with a mind for the future, marketing and contractual labels are addressed to include advertising, public relations, and broadcasting.

Selections are arranged alphabetically from common grammatical terms like “adjective” and writing jargon like “characterization” to more obscure concepts like “recto page,” a term which may give the reader pause—or, at the very least, prompt curiosity. Also incorporated into the discussion are the particulars of online publishing.

I found the boxed charts and tables especially helpful. The book contains more that sixty such figures which consist of “Fifty Common Usage Errors” that clarifies the contexts in which certain words are often misused. Imply and infer, for example. The speaker implies—the hearer infers. The age old lay/lie application issue is also explained in detail.

Other boxed information includes the unauthorized biography, legal and IRS documents, proof reading marks, and a list of fifty frequently misspelled words. The text contains examples of story boards, resumes, query letters, and various types of scripts. Publishing contracts, sales volumes, and royalty statements may clear up questions in the new (and maybe some of the more seasoned) writers minds.

I have found the Writer’s Encyclopedia to be a very helpful tool in my library. As I review it, I realized that it is one that I don’t use enough. I believe I’ll place it closer in reach for future reference.

Jeff Gerke's Doubleheader

"At last, the two products novelists need to create fabulous characters and the incredible adventures to set them on--together for one discounted price.

How To Find Your Story is the writer’s help product being hailed as "Genius" and "Like a brilliant author and editor at your elbow, helping you plan your story."

Character Creation for the Plot-First Novelist is a revolutionary tool that guides novelists to create realistic, three-dimensional characters readers will love.

So whether you sense that your characters all feel the same or that your story meanders--or you just want to be sure you’re building from a solid base, The Writer’s Foundation Bundle is for you." ~http://marcherlordpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=18

Here's my problem: I can dream up characters gushing with loads of emotional conflicts, scarring goals, and laughable motivations all day, but when I attempt to pen a plot not only does my story crumble but my self esteem plummets.

Another problem I seem to have is finding a source for creating tight plots. I have read what few books on plot that are available. Some are very good and are listed on this blog, however, they haven't helped me much. Jeff Gerke's system is easy and fun to do. I'm halfway through his system and I'm already beginning to feel my confidence returning.

A little bit about this author, "I’m a published novelist and professional fiction editor. At this writing I am the author of six published novels and the co-author of two nonfiction books. I write under the pen name Jefferson Scott (see more at http://www.jeffersonscott.com). I’ve got screenplay and short story and writer’s conference and even comic book credentials, too.

I am also a professional editor with, at the time of this writing, eight years experience as an editor for three major publishing companies in the Christian publishing industry. I have extensive experience editing fiction and nonfiction. One novel I edited won the Christy Award for excellence and another novel I edited won first prize in General Fiction at the 2006 ACFW Conference. While at Strang Communications I was instrumental in the design and launch of Realms, an imprint of Christian speculative fiction (http://www.realmsfiction.com/).

When I’m not writing my own fiction I’m helping other people improve theirs. It’s something I love to do, both as a freelance book doctor and as a seminar speaker at writer’s conferences. While I like almost all kinds of fiction, I have a special place in my heart for the speculative genres (science fiction, fantasy, supernatural thrillers, etc.), which you can clearly see at the other site I maintain: http://www.wherethemapends.com/."

I have included both books in this review post because maybe you're not like me, maybe you don't have a problem with plots, maybe your problem is with creating characters? Character Creation for the Plot-First Novelist is equally as good as How to Find Your Story.

So, if you're like me and have been stuck in a rut for weeks...stop now...go to Marcher Lord Press and buy both books at a truly inexpensive price.

http://marcherlordpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=18

Scene and Structure
By
Jack M. Bickham




Jack Bickham’s book is part of the Writers’ Digest series, The Elements of Fiction Writing. It has been waiting on my bookshelf for quite some time. Recently, I remembered the book when I decided I needed to find information about scene and sequel.

Mr. Bickham begins with an explanation of modern fiction and how it is different from fiction of earlier years because readers do not want to wade through long passages. He gives detailed explanations of the characteristics of a scene and a sequel and provides examples in the Appendices with line-by-line explanations.

In the last section of the book, he shows how variations and other techniques can be used to create interesting scenes and sequels. However, he states it is important to understand the basic structures of scene and sequel before attempting these alternatives.

My copy is heavily highlighted, and I have outlined each chapter for a quick review. I plan to revisit the book and my notes until scene and sequel become second nature to me. I am also going to add it to my editing arsenal of writing tools.

I highly recommend a writer refer to this book throughout a writing career.