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Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, and More
Get inspired...stay inspired. Write faster...write more! MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS makes “show, don’t tell” much easier and helps you figure out your story more quickly. In this book, you’ll • lists of phrases for describing facial expressions, body language, gestures, physical appearance, and emotions • 175 master plot ideas, including romance, high-stakes, family, and workplace stories • lists of words for writing action scenes and love scenes • inspiration for figuring out character traits and quirks, backstories, occupations, motivations, and goals • lists for describing settings and writing dialogue • lists of good character names for contemporary stories...plus medieval England, Regency England, Wild West, and WWII settings • and more! Whether you’re writing novels or short fiction, screenwriting, or any other kind of storytelling, MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS is a rich source of inspiration you’ll turn to again and again. This book contains adult language.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2015
593 people are currently reading
1024 people want to read
About the author
Bryn Donovan
16 books253 followersAuthor, book editor, blogger, and optimist who lives in Chicago. **no longer active on this platform**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 24, 2022
This book has a lot of helpful lists, and I have referred to it on multiple occasions. It's comprehensive, compact, and useful for when you want to find your answer in a hurry and not risk getting caught on the internet.
While this is entirely a personal opinion, some of the suggestions contained within the book are phrases only the newest of new writers would use. They just don't work in books and add a novice feel.
The reason I'm rating it two stars instead of five is due to the explicit lists for bedroom scenes. That makes this book unsuitable for young writers or writers wishing to not sully their minds with such things.
If Ms. Donovan redid this book and removed those lists, I'd rate Master Lists for Writers 3.5 or 4 stars.
While this is entirely a personal opinion, some of the suggestions contained within the book are phrases only the newest of new writers would use. They just don't work in books and add a novice feel.
The reason I'm rating it two stars instead of five is due to the explicit lists for bedroom scenes. That makes this book unsuitable for young writers or writers wishing to not sully their minds with such things.
If Ms. Donovan redid this book and removed those lists, I'd rate Master Lists for Writers 3.5 or 4 stars.
November 7, 2017
This is on my to recommend pile, as the part thesaurus and baby name. As writers have the struggle of how to describe someone's face or hair color. Or for example naming of characters is something that many authors negotiate the issues in this while working on a novel. You find the above and descriptions of body language and facial expressions, settings, and plots for when the writer's block hits.
I have this in E-book format and in paperback and I refer to it a lot. When creating my own work, the Master List for writers is an invaluable scripting tool for any writer. When starting out in the business of writing. It is a comprehensive list well research and well written easy to understand.
This is on my to recommend pile, as the part thesaurus and baby name. As writers have the struggle of how to describe someone's face or hair color. Or for example naming of characters is something that many authors negotiate the issues in this while working on a novel. You find the above and descriptions of body language and facial expressions, settings, and plots for when the writer's block hits.
I have this in E-book format and in paperback and I refer to it a lot. When creating my own work, the Master List for writers is an invaluable scripting tool for any writer. When starting out in the business of writing. It is a comprehensive list well research and well written easy to understand.
November 22, 2015
I cannot recommend this writing resource enough. I've been using the lists from bryndonovan.com ever since I discovered them on Pinterest (seriously search NaNoWriMo and it's almost all Donovan's lists).
I'm in the process of completing two manuscripts and I am constantly reaching for the right word or trying to fix a repetitive gesture (like hand holding and shrugging), and now I just pick up this book. I can't wait to use it as I'm story boarding my next book. It's just straightforward and easy to use, and Donovan has done all the hard work for me!
Buy this book! You won't regret it!
I'm in the process of completing two manuscripts and I am constantly reaching for the right word or trying to fix a repetitive gesture (like hand holding and shrugging), and now I just pick up this book. I can't wait to use it as I'm story boarding my next book. It's just straightforward and easy to use, and Donovan has done all the hard work for me!
Buy this book! You won't regret it!
July 31, 2020
I forgot to review this back when I got it. Yikes. So, I found this book perfect for writers at any stage of their manuscript. Helpful lists when you need to "get unstuck" in any part of your story (big or small).
March 22, 2023
This is a great general resource for writers.
May 29, 2023
Very useful reference book!
March 14, 2016
This book is amazing. It is a such a great resource; I always have it at the ready whenever I sit down for a writing session. I received it from a friend and I will absolutely pay it forward and buy it for my writer friends in return.
Even my daughter said, "This is a great book, I love all the names in it!"
Even my daughter said, "This is a great book, I love all the names in it!"
May 13, 2017
I could've passed on this one. It should have been titled "Master Lists for Romance Writers" And I hate romance novels...
April 17, 2018
A useful tool for writing--in moderation. Overuse of the phrases compiled in this book would generate a cliched, hackneyed, formulaic feel to your prose.
July 7, 2022
I will always have this book on the shelf. I will always have this book on my kindle. There is even a link for an app for it!
Whenever you find yourself writing and stuck for words this is one of those books you’d NEED to pick up and you will find inspiration on every page.
Whenever you find yourself writing and stuck for words this is one of those books you’d NEED to pick up and you will find inspiration on every page.
January 2, 2024
A great resource for any writer. Lot’s of inspiration and tips.
January 25, 2019
Great book with lists for writers. Kept it by my side while writing my books.
March 27, 2017
Meh. I found myself skipping over a lot of this. This is probably a good book for people who are thinking about writing, or who are not happy with their writing. If you've been writing for a while, there isn't anything new here, and you may find yourself getting frustrated with it. From my own perspective, I've already got loads of lists of names and interesting words and character traits built up, so it didn't really offer me much and I found it rather simplistic. I think it would also be helpful if you were writing in English as a second language, or your English language skills were poor. For me, part of the fun of writing is to explore language and find the words to fully express what I mean, looking for the 'feel' of a phrase rather than simply a bunch of letters stuck together. This book reminded me more of painting by numbers than free expression so it wasn't really my cup of tea.
October 17, 2019
Bryn Donovan — you’re the best.
Each novella I write, I open this book. It has helped me in so many ways. I struggle so much with gestures, and each time I do, I open your book on my kindle, and scan through until I find the proper expression for the mood.
I love how you separated them by emotions.
I hope you can come up with another, cause I’ve played these out. :) Thank you for putting your brain to work to help others. I appreciate your hard work and the time you put into writing this to help other authors.
Each novella I write, I open this book. It has helped me in so many ways. I struggle so much with gestures, and each time I do, I open your book on my kindle, and scan through until I find the proper expression for the mood.
I love how you separated them by emotions.
I hope you can come up with another, cause I’ve played these out. :) Thank you for putting your brain to work to help others. I appreciate your hard work and the time you put into writing this to help other authors.
May 13, 2016
I love this book and found it more helpful than I expected. I especially like the sections on expressions, gestures and phrases. Sometimes it's the small physical descriptions I find most difficult to word or portray, and I keep turning to this book again and again. A new favorite!
March 29, 2016
I got this for Christmas and LOVE it!! There are so many good sections in here!!! I especially like the list of names from each era!! And the list of querks!! Seriously! EEverything is so cool!
August 16, 2016
A good solid resource that provided well-organized places to start the thought process going.
September 25, 2016
I don't see this as a terribly useful reference. Its one of those books a writer puts on their shelf and forgets about ... before or after reading.
August 22, 2017
I have been putting Master Lists for Writers through its paces since I got it and it has not failed me yet. Every time I flip to a section, I’m amazed at the effort and meticulous attention that was put into compiling it. Bryn has done us all an enormous favor by gathering all of this into one book, and I think you’ll agree.
Bryn Donovan has crafted a spectacularly helpful collection of plot ideas, names, character traits and backstory ideas, and even tips on “showing not telling” – in addition to specialized thesauruses for descriptions, expressions, gestures, and most anything else you could need!
Every time I sit down to write, I make sure this book is close by. Have you lost time searching Google for some plot twists you could throw at your characters? Spent fruitless hours trying to think of other ways to describe the way a character shows animosity? Poured over a hundred webpages with “unique names” that all sound the same? Tried a dozen different gestures to show frustration? Wondered how to add more humor to your dialog? All of those searches, the scouring of the internet for the benefit of a single line, can be a thing of the past.
With this book, you could flip through the pages at random and would probably wind up with a fresh story idea. Find new and more unique ways to have readers connect to your characters by giving them qualities that often get overlooked in search of more mainstream tropes. Inject fresh conflict and description into your work and see how much more excited and productive you can be without losing yourself down the rabbit hole of name generators and story prompts that all feel flat. This book is a magic trick up your sleeve when you’re staring writers block in the face. It’s a flashlight in the darkness of your uncooperative imagination.
As for reference books, I can’t say I’ve ever had a better one. If I could afford to, I’d send a copy of this book to every writer I know.
Bryn Donovan has crafted a spectacularly helpful collection of plot ideas, names, character traits and backstory ideas, and even tips on “showing not telling” – in addition to specialized thesauruses for descriptions, expressions, gestures, and most anything else you could need!
Every time I sit down to write, I make sure this book is close by. Have you lost time searching Google for some plot twists you could throw at your characters? Spent fruitless hours trying to think of other ways to describe the way a character shows animosity? Poured over a hundred webpages with “unique names” that all sound the same? Tried a dozen different gestures to show frustration? Wondered how to add more humor to your dialog? All of those searches, the scouring of the internet for the benefit of a single line, can be a thing of the past.
With this book, you could flip through the pages at random and would probably wind up with a fresh story idea. Find new and more unique ways to have readers connect to your characters by giving them qualities that often get overlooked in search of more mainstream tropes. Inject fresh conflict and description into your work and see how much more excited and productive you can be without losing yourself down the rabbit hole of name generators and story prompts that all feel flat. This book is a magic trick up your sleeve when you’re staring writers block in the face. It’s a flashlight in the darkness of your uncooperative imagination.
As for reference books, I can’t say I’ve ever had a better one. If I could afford to, I’d send a copy of this book to every writer I know.
May 27, 2017
Have you ever had a word/phrase on the tip of your tongue but just couldn't remember it? Do you find yourself over-using certain phrases or words and you're looking for a way to expand how you write/describe things? This book is for you.
I'm a voracious reader and an author of several books. When I read, I keep a diary of phrases and words I think are interesting and fun or that I just want to remember later. I'm a list maker by nature, but my lists aren't as organized as this is. This saves me a lot of time and I can see it being really helpful to jog your memory if you know what you're looking for, but just can't quite find the right words.
Those writers who find their characters smiling, shrugging, and crossing their arms too much will find this a great resource. Need a quick name? Put one together using the lists in this book. You can create entire characters with names, jobs, and character quirks just by flipping through a few pages.
Teachers of writing or anyone who writes writing prompts will also find this useful by throwing together several things from a series of lists.
This a reference guide that will be at home right next to your thesaurus and other writing how-to books.
I'm a voracious reader and an author of several books. When I read, I keep a diary of phrases and words I think are interesting and fun or that I just want to remember later. I'm a list maker by nature, but my lists aren't as organized as this is. This saves me a lot of time and I can see it being really helpful to jog your memory if you know what you're looking for, but just can't quite find the right words.
Those writers who find their characters smiling, shrugging, and crossing their arms too much will find this a great resource. Need a quick name? Put one together using the lists in this book. You can create entire characters with names, jobs, and character quirks just by flipping through a few pages.
Teachers of writing or anyone who writes writing prompts will also find this useful by throwing together several things from a series of lists.
This a reference guide that will be at home right next to your thesaurus and other writing how-to books.
February 23, 2020
I am currently reading the following books: '5,000 Writing Prompts - A Master List Of Plot Ideas, Creative Exercises, And More. + 'Master Lists For Writers - Therasuses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, And More' both books are by Bryn Donovan.
These books are non fiction.
Both of these books are packed full of advice and Ideas. There are creative writing exercises to support writer's block.
Also, there are many Ideas to support a writer to find plots and subplots for their next novel. In addition, Bryn has provided a detailed Therasuses to support 'Show and Not Tell'
Abouselty Fantastic!!
I would highly recommend these books to any writer, especially beginners.
I am writing my first novel, and these books have made the process easier and more enjoyable.
Bryn's writing is clear and to the point.
The only downside is I would have found it increasingly helpful if there was more on emotional descriptions, body language descriptions and and facial expression descriptions.
I would recommend using this books as a reference whilst writing or editing.
These books are non fiction.
Both of these books are packed full of advice and Ideas. There are creative writing exercises to support writer's block.
Also, there are many Ideas to support a writer to find plots and subplots for their next novel. In addition, Bryn has provided a detailed Therasuses to support 'Show and Not Tell'
Abouselty Fantastic!!
I would highly recommend these books to any writer, especially beginners.
I am writing my first novel, and these books have made the process easier and more enjoyable.
Bryn's writing is clear and to the point.
The only downside is I would have found it increasingly helpful if there was more on emotional descriptions, body language descriptions and and facial expression descriptions.
I would recommend using this books as a reference whilst writing or editing.
February 17, 2024
I have a love/hate relationship with this book! I love how useful it is. I can pick it up when I'm trying to avoid using the same tired language to describe an emotion or facial expression, and I often find turns of phrase or gestures that I've forgotten about.
What's bad is that after I find what I'm looking for, I inevitably start flipping through the book, reading other sections. It's a little like wiki walking, but inside a single book. There would be nothing wrong with this, except that I do it when I ought to be writing! But this is, after all, more a problem with my brain than a problem with the book.
I bought the print version because I like to physically flip through reference books. The MASTER LIST FOR WRITERS is definitely one of the books I keep at hand on my writing space, rather than leaving it on a shelf where it will be ignored. Or, to put it another way: I have a bad habit of buying recommended craft books and never even opening them, let alone reading them. This one I actually use!
What's bad is that after I find what I'm looking for, I inevitably start flipping through the book, reading other sections. It's a little like wiki walking, but inside a single book. There would be nothing wrong with this, except that I do it when I ought to be writing! But this is, after all, more a problem with my brain than a problem with the book.
I bought the print version because I like to physically flip through reference books. The MASTER LIST FOR WRITERS is definitely one of the books I keep at hand on my writing space, rather than leaving it on a shelf where it will be ignored. Or, to put it another way: I have a bad habit of buying recommended craft books and never even opening them, let alone reading them. This one I actually use!
February 10, 2023
"Master Lists for Writers" is a fantastic way to get your creativity flowing. With so many great suggestions listed, the possibilities are endless! Bryn breaks her ideas down by category, making the brainstorming process flow with ease and excitement. If you as a writer have ever felt stuck, blocked, and wondering where your spark of ingenuity has gone, well this book may just reignite your creative fire. It not only reignited my own personal storytelling journey it also unblocked the floodgates of creativity for me with fresh ideas completely unrelated to the master list consistently springing forth. "Master Lists for Writers" is an extremely beneficial tool for new and seasoned writers alike.
November 13, 2021
I bought this title years ago and it is a great one to have in your writing reference library. This week when I was plotting something out and needed positive and negative traits for my character to grow between, I was dipping into it YET again, and I realised I had never reviewed it.
If you write, you will need titles like this. There are days when your brain goes to mush and you just can't think what the exact 'thing' you needed was.
What's the word for ... stops talking... looks blank. You know ... gestures wildly.
Family are unhelpful at this juncture.
But this title exists. Hugs it.
4 stars
If you write, you will need titles like this. There are days when your brain goes to mush and you just can't think what the exact 'thing' you needed was.
What's the word for ... stops talking... looks blank. You know ... gestures wildly.
Family are unhelpful at this juncture.
But this title exists. Hugs it.
4 stars
November 12, 2017
This is a fantastic resource for all writers
Wether you’re writing fiction, or non-fiction, as writers we tell stories, and this book makes that job just a little easier.
I’m often looking for ideas, and this book covers a lot of ground, from story ideas and character names to lists of words for particular situations.
The sections are well thought out, and provide an easy reference guide for those looking for something in particular.
I recommend every writer picking up a copy of this book, regardless of what genre or topic you write on.
Wether you’re writing fiction, or non-fiction, as writers we tell stories, and this book makes that job just a little easier.
I’m often looking for ideas, and this book covers a lot of ground, from story ideas and character names to lists of words for particular situations.
The sections are well thought out, and provide an easy reference guide for those looking for something in particular.
I recommend every writer picking up a copy of this book, regardless of what genre or topic you write on.
March 6, 2020
This is a handy resource book to keep. While I would use it more for inspiration or for writing exercises as one wouldn't want to over use it. It offers lots of things to think about and consider when working on your project (or your next project). Lots of ideas to help when plotting a new story or to help with writers block. All the various and interesting lists makes this a very useful book.
One thing I must note is that this book does contain some mature content, so a bit of caution for younger writers.
One thing I must note is that this book does contain some mature content, so a bit of caution for younger writers.
October 26, 2020
I constantly reference this book to refine my writing and massage my sentences into optimal conveyance. This book contains he said, she said, replacements, plot archetypes, strong subtle word replacements, and believable character behaviors to integrate when in a blank for minor characters. Extending beyond the practice of novel writing, this book can help in the efforts to create an immersive D&D campaign, spin an elaborate yarn over the camp fire, or even conjure powerful visually descriptive examples. All in all, this volume is a must have for anyone in the writing life.
October 18, 2022
Excellent resource for writers!
Incredibly useful lists of writing prompts to get your imagination revved up again. List upon list, upon list. I loved it! Writing prompts, and other incredibly useful lists. For Blank Page to Final Draft, if you want to write a book, Bryn will get you there. She's smart, and a savvy teacher. These three books together are a STEAL at this price. And they're an absolute must in any writer's arsenal.
Incredibly useful lists of writing prompts to get your imagination revved up again. List upon list, upon list. I loved it! Writing prompts, and other incredibly useful lists. For Blank Page to Final Draft, if you want to write a book, Bryn will get you there. She's smart, and a savvy teacher. These three books together are a STEAL at this price. And they're an absolute must in any writer's arsenal.
October 29, 2022
This book is everything the title promises: THOUSANDS of ideas on a variety of lists to help motivate and inspire any writer. Whether your a newbie who needs an idea of how to get started or a veteran who needs a fresh idea, you can't open this book without finding something to inspire you.
(There are some formatting issues, but if you can look past those, this book will get your creativity flowing.)
(There are some formatting issues, but if you can look past those, this book will get your creativity flowing.)
October 11, 2017
This book is an absolute must to have in your writing craft library!
So thankful that Bryn wrote this!
I know exactly how people look then they feel emotion (I'm big into movies)
but i just don't know how to describe it!
Now when I get hung up with revising my manuscript I can just look at these wonderful lists.
So thankful that Bryn wrote this!
I know exactly how people look then they feel emotion (I'm big into movies)
but i just don't know how to describe it!
Now when I get hung up with revising my manuscript I can just look at these wonderful lists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews