A writer's toolbox usually includes a dictionary and a thesaurus. One of the handiest tools I've come across is Angela Ackerman's blog, The Bookshelf Muse. She has developed an "Emotion Thesaurus," a fabulous "idea bank" for when you get stuck in trying to describe a character's emotion through a physical action; a "Setting Thesaurus," to help with setting descriptions; and a "Color, Texture, and Shape Thesaurus," which explores these tangibles and provides real world examples. It truly helps when you are searching for just the right words for description. Check it out!
Angela, who writes chapter books, Middle Grade and YA books, is celebrating the milestone of having 800 followers and 200,000 page views to her blog, by holding a very generous "800/200,000 Contest."
I've been the lucky recipient of an earlier contest held by Angela, in which I won a critique of a first chapter. Her critique was extremely valuable, and I am so grateful.
The deadline is rapidly approaching ~ Wednesday, June 16, 2010 ~ so if you'd like a chance to win a first page critique, a five-page in line critique, a full manuscript evaluation (of up to 100,000 words), or some exciting mystery prizes, click on over. The only requirements: become a follower; leave a comment, including a link to a writing blog that you adore (can't be your own or Angela's), and an optional step: pass on the word about The Bookshelf Muse ~ on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, writing forums, etc.
You can follow Angela on Twitter: @AngelaAckerman.
Good luck to those who enter ~ and thanks to Angela for her generosity to the writing and blogging community.
Kathleen - Thanks for sharing The Bookshelf Muse with us. I'm definitely going to take advantage of it : ). And also, thanks for the reminder about the competition : ).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Kathleen! I'm glad you found my critique valuable and I hope the other winners do as well. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Angela
Hi Margot,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a great blog? I turn to it often when I'm stuck for a description. It gives me a nudge that I need!
Hi Angela,
Thanks for stopping by! Your critique was so helpful ~ I'm so grateful.
Have a great weekend, too!
Over the years I've added all kinds of words to my thesaurus. and I've created a fantasy dictionary for myself with just words for that. I should make that availale to folks at some point.
ReplyDeleteHi Charles,
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful concept, isn't it? And see ~ you've done it for yourself as far as writing for fantasy is concerned. You could carve out a little niche of your own on your blog, possibly. I turn to Angela's blog to get a spark sometimes, and I'm off and running.
Thanks for stopping by!