MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS: GOLD EDITION

by Bryn Donovan

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Used by thousands of writers around the world—including bestselling authors and screenwriters—MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS is back and better than ever. The 10th anniversary Gold Edition is the ultimate brainstorming tool for storytellers at all experience levels, and it’s the perfect gift for any writer!

This Gold Edition lists for facial expressions, body language, physical descriptions, and morebrand-new lists for creating vivid settings, unforgettable characters, and on-point dialogueguidance for writing action and employing the rule of “show, don’t tell"specialized lists for writing romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and horroroutstanding guides to plotting, goals, motivations, conflicts, character arcs, character names, and even book titlesThis edition is appropriate for teens as well as for adult writers. It’s perfect for libraries, and it’s an excellent resource for teachers of high school and college creative writing.

Whether you're stuck on a little detail, fleshing out a new main character, or planning an entire novel, MASTER LISTS FOR GOLD EDITION is here to help you stay inspired and reach your writing goals.

This author DOES NOT use so-called A/I programs in any part of the writing and editing process. Thank you for supporting real authors!

Genres: Nonfiction

366 pages, Paperback

Published October 27, 2025

About the author

Author, book editor, blogger, and optimist who lives in Chicago. **no longer active on this platform**

Reviews

[Halle Macpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master List for Writers: Gold Edition is an invaluable resource for writers — from beginners to the most experienced.

The lists in this book are so comprehensive they could spark creativity even in the bleakest depths of writer’s block. You’ll find character names, settings, actions, and descriptions all in one handy guide.

Ever wondered how to describe a European medieval castle? There’s a list for that. Thirty different ways to describe hot weather? There’s a list for that. Twenty things people say when they’re sad? You guessed it.

My editor recommended Bryn’s lists to me to help with “show, don’t tell” during emotionally charged scenes. For that reason, the descriptions of how emotions feel are the most useful to me, but I’m also thrilled by the ‘voices’ list and can’t wait to use it to spice up my writing!

I wish I’d found this book sooner, but as I start my second novel this November, The Master List for Writers: Gold Edition will be open beside me all the way.

[Kate McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a writer as well as a reader means I look at words differently. I admire snappy insults, sharp dialogue, succinct descriptions. I notice how a writer grabs my interest (or not), how they make me smile or worry. How they put a particular image or feeling into my head with only a few clever words. This book is a fantastic reference source for finding those kinds of words, expressions, ideas, inspiration…

I have my own lists, of course—images that tightened my throat, anything that made me laugh, insults I plan to adapt and use some day. But nothing like this book. This is more organised, more thorough, more useful. There are descriptions of gestures and body language—to help us eradicate all those pesky repetitions in our writing—advice for creating your own original metaphors, plotting and motivation advice and lists on conflicts to a romance, descriptions for what we do when we’re happy, sad, angry, scared…so much.

Every genre is catered for: ways to overthrow an evil regime (made me smile), 50 kinds of magical spells, motives for murder and even weapons to carry them out. Sounds, scents, settings—too many to enumerate here. In-depth information on names—even a helpful list of their positive AND negative meanings. Fantastic.

As well as being a great Go To reference book for when I’m stuck on something in particular, Master Lists for Writers is a beautiful book for a writer to browse—this writer loves it. It gives me ideas, choices, inspiration for those days when even four coffees and a big slice of carrot cake can’t lift the fog. Sometimes I need nudges to fire up my imagination. This book is full of invaluable (calorie-free) nudges.

The beauty of it isn’t just the lists of ideas, expressions, descriptions, inspiration—whatever you want to call the help it offers anyone who loves writing. It’s that the book is more than the sum of its parts: it’s fuel for our imaginations. That makes it an invaluable resource for writers. Get it. You’ll wonder how on earth you managed without it.

I received a free copy of this book on the understanding I would give an honest review. More than happy to do so. This is an excellent book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the introduction, Donovan says she created Master Lists for Writers (Gold Edition) “to help you stay inspired, write more, and reach your goals” and serve as “a gold mine of inspiration for novels, scripts, memoirs, plays, short stories, essays, videogames, role-playing games, and more.” The book fully lives up to that promise.

Master Lists for Writers (Gold Edition) contains seven sections: Essential Descriptions, Plotting and Motivation, Setting, Action, Dialogue, Character Names, and Character Development. A few examples of lists from each section include: facial expressions for positive and negative emotions; metaphors, including an excellent tip for creating fresh ones; plot points to break readers’ hearts; details for US city, suburban, small town, and rural settings; great words for action scenes; words and expressions for a story set in medieval or Regency era England; names from WWII era US and England; and character arcs. Donovan provides a full list of lists included in the book on her website, so you can get a complete overview before you buy.

The Gold Edition is a revised and expanded version of the 2015 edition, with the following changes: an expanded lists of descriptions and a new one to describe voices and “new lists related to dialogue, character motivation, character development, plotting, action, setting, and more” (Introduction). She also eliminated adults-only lists to make the book suitable for younger authors.

Donovan is a romance author, editor, former executive editor in publishing, and creative producer of two Hallmark movies, so she is well-qualified to help writers craft quality commercial fiction.

Master Lists for Writers (Gold Edition) is an excellent reference that will help writers across all genres generate ideas, get unstuck and enrich their stories. Writers who find books like Ackerman and Puglisi’s The Emotion Thesaurus useful will love this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the original version of this book in paperback, and as soon as I heard Bryn was putting out an updated edition, I couldn’t order fast enough (I now have an ebook copy for when I'm on the go, and the paperback copy just arrived in the mail today--just because I'm a physical-copy booknerd). It’s nearly 100 pages longer and already proving itself useful. I’m in the middle of revising my novel right now—fine-tuning all those little details that make a scene feel real—and this book has become a go-to on my desk.

I love craft (writing) books like this—practical, inspiring, and easy to dip into when I need a boost. One of my characters uses glasses as a disguise, and I was thrilled to find a whole section on types of glasses in this edition. Total time-saver! I’ve always loved Bryn’s sections on facial expressions and body language (a lifesaver when writing dialogue), and the new Descriptions of Pain section is one I’ve already highlighted for future reference on another project.

There’s also another new list—50 Kinds of Magical Spells—rooted in folklore and tradition, which will definitely come in handy for my next project. The “spicy content” section from the previous edition is gone, which works fine for me since I write closed-door romance. There are more new lists than the ones I've mentioned so far, but those are the ones I've already pored over and highlighted lol.

Books like this—packed with creative, ready-to-use ideas—are such a gift for writers. Whether you’re drafting, revising, or just in need of a little inspiration, this one absolutely earns its spot on the shelf.

[Meg B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryn Donovan’s Master Lists for Writers: Gold Edition is a remarkable update to an already indispensable resource. Marking the 10th anniversary of the original, this revised and expanded edition delivers exactly what seasoned users hoped for, and more.

The book has grown substantially, with new lists added and existing ones deepened. Plot ideas now include over 175 detailed frameworks spanning romance, thrillers, family sagas, and workplace dramas. Character development sections offer richer collections of traits, motivations, and backstories, while fresh additions cover world-building prompts, diverse emotional arcs, and precise vocabulary for action and atmosphere. These expansions feel purposeful, not padded—each list is designed to spark ideas and solve real writing problems.

A thoughtful change is the removal of the original’s “adults-only” sections. This makes the Gold Edition suitable for libraries, classrooms, and gifting to writers of all ages, including teens and young adults. The content remains robust and creative, but now with broader accessibility and no concerns about appropriateness.

As someone who has relied on the first edition for years, I can say this update feels like a trusted tool sharpened to a finer edge. It’s practical, generous, and quietly brilliant—exactly what you want when inspiration lags or a scene needs texture. Whether you’re drafting a novel, teaching a workshop, or mentoring a young writer, this book belongs within arm’s reach.

Highly recommended.

[Mikki LeMoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Lists for Writers – Gold Edition by Bryn Donovan contains descriptive lists of suggestions for a multitude of possible story lines and character behaviors. In each section, Ms. Donovan provides writing guidance, including coaching on how to write believable character interactions and scenes. For me, this is a book of inspiration. The book encourages brainstorming for my own storytelling. When I study these intricate lists of descriptive words and story ideas, my creative flow bubbles up and ignites my brain, and helps me concentrate.

Created by the author over the period of at least a decade, she has compiled a masterly collection of expert instructions about how to write well. The pages are packed with Ms. Donovan’s expertise, which she has accumulated over her long, successful career as a writer, editor, publisher, teacher, and film producer.

Ms. Donovan provides practical writing tips: “In order to work, a metaphor needs to line up with the point of view and the tone of the story.” She discusses how to create my own descriptive phrases: “Think about what triggers their emotions…” Even if I don’t use one of her plot suggestions, the activity of reading each one of them -- especially out loud – is, to me, the most important exercise.

In addition to Conflict in Romance, and Motives for Murder, here are some of the other lists of topics discussed:
Plotting and Motivation
Dialogue
Physical Descriptions: Voices; How Emotions Feel; Metaphors; Pain
Setting: Scents; Sounds; Hospitals; Cities, Beach; etc.
Action, including “500 Great Words for Action Scenes”
Character Names: If you need Viking names, they’re in here; so are names from the WWII era and Medieval England.

In her CONCLUSION, Ms. Donovan encourages the writer in all of us with, “10 Reasons Why You Should Write That Story.” I wish I would have had access to this kind of motivation and encouragement when I was in Creative Writing classes in high school. Whatever your writing goals, I highly recommend Bryn Donovan’s Master Lists for Writers – Gold Edition. This book is appropriate for all ages.

[Meg Chronis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite addition to my on-desk writing resources

As a romance author, I’ve been reading and saving Bryn Donovan’s lists for writers off her blog for years, keeping them in my resource folder for when my inspiration dries up. And now I’ve got all the lists and more in one spot, with the updated Master List for Writers: Gold Edition. I find these lists a great help, especially the lists on character motivations and goals. Going through one of Bryn’s lists, say, “75 Past Traumas”, will always either give me the answer I’m looking for, or will spark an idea that leads me to what I need for that character.

Her lists have also proven really useful when I find I’m falling back on using the same old tired expressions and descriptions. This book has everything from lists of different ways to show positive and negative emotions, and to describe gestures, body language, and character appearance, to how characters feel, what might be motivating them, how they’re acting, and even lists for settings, character names, and character traits.

(It’s also a great source of ideas for writers who like to get their creativity flowing with free-writing prompts. Just choose a list—scents, perhaps?—run your finger down it, and write a paragraph with the smell of “honeysuckle/lighter fluid/new clothes in a store” in it.)

One of the essential books in my writer’s toolbox!

[Jeanne Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am finishing up my MFA in fiction. I am a newcomer to this genre, and I felt stymied by my limitations in describing scenes. Fortunately, I found Bryn Donovan’s first edition of this book early in my graduate program. I found it a Godsend. I kept it close at hand as I navigated how to write more compelling fiction. Often, I wrote the same old descriptions or limited the specificity of my writing. Once I got this book, I was able to better describe emotions, people, and events. Writing authentic dialogue has also been a challenge. However, I find when I peruse the author’s lists, I get inspired and find the right words to use. Bryn Donovan’s first edition has been my go-to reference for making my writing more authentic and has expanded my vocabulary. When I learned that a Gold edition was coming out, I was thrilled. Now that I have a few years of fiction writing under my belt, I am ready to move on to figuring out new ways to express myself. This book came out at the perfect time for me. Now that I have this new edition on my bookshelf, I know I will refer to it often as I finish my thesis and after I graduate. As writers, we all get stuck and bored with our own writing. This reference book and its lists take me out of myself and expand how I look at my stories and characters. This would be a great gift for amateur and professional writers alike.

[Gera Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Lists for Writers: Gold Edition is my new best friend and writing assistant! This comprehensive resource will now sit by my side, open, and ready to provide me with the words needed to describe a facial expression or body language for one of my characters as they try to express themselves, finding themselves at a loss. Leaving me at a loss—searching. Voila! Master Lists to the rescue, like a knight in shining armor! "Her scowling eyes shot pinpricks causing the hair on his neck to stand guard." No wasted time searching the mental databank to fill the chasm that just formed on the page! Just consult the book, and one of Bryn Donovan’s vast lists will provide the answer or at least get the creativity flowing again!

Donovan has provided so many lists that address about any roadblock a writer can encounter! She provides lists and considerations on settings, plotting and character motivations and traits. She even provides lists of names appropriate for the time and setting of a writer’s work. No more searching the internet for a name that conveys strength, positivity, or is appropriate for a given time period. Master Lists for Writers has it!

Master Lists for Writers: Gold Edition is in fact worth its weight in gold! A MUST HAVE for every writer!

[amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the introduction, Bryn says she was told that ‘It’s impossible to have writer's block when this book is close at hand,” and I am a firm believer in this.
Before reading this book, I had only seen Bryn give webinars over the internet. I knew of her lists but had not fully realized how comprehensive and all-encompassing they were.
There are lists for almost all key elements of any fictional work, even some I hadn’t even considered before reading this book. It has descriptive terms for the character's physical appearance, their emotional state and motive; to plot twists and conflicts and even to how to describe the setting using all of your senses.
She even provides information for multiple genres/ settings, be it medieval England, a dystopian fantasy or a small-town romance.
Each section explains the importance of the section, and others also include simple exercises or tools to help decide which to choose.

The final chapter is a list of a different kind – listing reasons to keep writing despite conflicting thoughts about why one should not.

[Elizabeth Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers, this book is a must! This book is a menu of options to use instead of describing a character grinning or nodding for the 10th time (my crutch words!) or sitting there for ages trying to brainstorm something better. There are sections organized by body parts and emotions. So if you're sitting there thinking, "What can I do with this character physically to show they're disgusted?" you can crack open this book and find options like "she fought the urge to throw up." Right there and ready for you to use! I also love the lists to help you brainstorm your story before you've even written a word. The "50 Conflicts for a Romance" list alone could keep me busy for years.

I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The review is honest—I truly find this book to be a helpful tool.

[Liz Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Did I read it straight through? No--although I started it that way. I imagine different writers will use this reference in different ways. When you need a new way to say something and you need a bump to find it, or when you recognize something as a description you've read (or written) too often--that's when you delve into the master lists. Its information is so valuable for when you need to keep setting and description both real and smooth as well as non-repetitive. It answers questions you didn't expect to have about subjects you may not have anticipated.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I influenced by the publisher/author in any way.

[Kim Rigby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the original version of this book but immediately decided the gold edition could help me through my current writing slump.
I wasn’t wrong! The author starts the book off with essential descriptions, including physical responses which can be inserted into conversation. This is great for all those times I’m stuck in the writer description rut, repeating myself, and the end result boring and cliched.
Further chapters include setting, action, dialogue, and an incredibly useful chapter on character development.
I’ve also found this book helpful for decanting my own emotions, and incredibly useful for expressing thoughts when situations are sensitive or difficult. My deepest thanks to the author for smoothing the path for those of us who are less eloquent!

[Maida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Donovan’s release of this Master List for Writers is perfectly timed. November is an important writing month for a lot of authors and this resource is a big help in accomplishing goals like daily word count and, of course, completing the work.

I believe that this will be useful for authors in whatever stage of writing they’re at—drafting, self-editing, revising, or proofreading.

My suggestion is to set aside a time to quickly skim through the book and bookmark the sections that apply to your work. Write notes and highlight lines so you know where to find them later.

The organization of the chapters makes sense and everything flows well. I appreciate the alphabetized lists the most as they speak to my preferences.

The value of this book is in actually using the words, phrases, descriptions, and concepts that you find here in your own story. It’s a great value too as Ms. Donovan combined several craft books in this one resource.

As someone who hasn’t picked up my work-in-progress for months until I got this book, I highly recommend it.

[Fiona Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

No fiction writer, or even non-fiction writer, should be without this book. It covers everything from lists of descriptions of emotions to medieval and regency names to phobias and pet peeves. It even contains a list of analysis of titles and examples and other essential advice about how to construct your characters, give them a back story and a wound. I bought the paperback because it's too useful to have an ebook format alone. I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book and I leave this review voluntarily.

[Sydney Schmied · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a valuable resource! The lists are easily digestible and understandable! I especially liked the lists of descriptions as I'm trying to vary the way my characters move, rather than sighing and nodding all the time. If you write, you know the struggle, LOL. This is a great resource when plotting a new story or editing another one! Perfect to kick off some brainstorming, too.
Wonderful to have on hand to reference while writing!
Highly recommend this updated version.
I received an ebook to read and honestly review from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Ann Trader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands-down, this is an incredible resource for writers! The lists are thorough, in depth, and well-organized. I've been referring to it often in my writing this week. Everything Bryn Donovan does is in support of and in service to writers. I'll be using this book as a go-to reference from here forward. Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan Bagby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I have used the first edition for years and found it extremely helpful. I'm excited the new one has many more categories and plenty of descriptions that can assist a writer in expanding their vocabulary and keep a story fresh. Thank you Bryn for another winning craft book!

[Jennifer Rowden-Pryor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely helped me figure out a few kinks in my drafts.