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Verbalize: bring stories to life & life to stories
Fascinating fiction starts with characters who make readers care. This Live Wire Writer Guide presents a simple, effective technique to sharpen your hook, charge your scenes, and amplify your voice whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Most writing manuals skirt craft questions with gimmicks and quick fixes rather than plugging directly into your story’s power source. Energize your fiction and boost your career with ~ a new characterization method that jumpstarts drafting, crafting, revision, and pitching. ~ skill-builders to intensify language, stakes, and emotion for your readers. ~ battle-tested solutions for common traps, crutches, and habits. ~ a dynamic story-planning strategy effective for plotters and pantsers. ~ ample examples and exercises to help you upgrade fiction in any genre. Blast past overused tics and types with storycraft that busts your ruts and awes your audience. Whether you like to wing it or bring it, Verbalize offers a fresh set of user-friendly, language-based tools to populate your pages and lay the foundations of unforgettable genre fiction.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2018
133 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Damon Suede
27 books2,222 followersDamon Suede grew up out-n-proud deep in the anus of right-wing America, and escaped as soon as it was legal. He has lived all over and along the way, he’s earned his crust as a model, a messenger, a promoter, a programmer, a sculptor, a singer, a stripper, a bookkeeper, a bartender, a techie, a teacher, a director... but writing has ever been his bread and butter. He has been happily partnered for over a decade with the most loving, handsome, shrewd, hilarious, noble man to walk this planet.
Beyond romance fiction, Damon is an award-winning author who has been writing for print, stage, and screen for over three decades, which is both more and less glamorous than you might imagine. He's won some awards, but he counts his blessings more often: his amazing friends, his demented family, his beautiful husband, his loyal fans, and his silly, stern, seductive Muse who keeps whispering in his ear, year after year.
Damon would love to hear from you... you can get in touch with him here.
DamonSuede.com
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 16, 2018
the first 3/4 did not grab me, but the final 20% was useful (the book ends at 71%).
I do rec it, but if you're on a book budget I'm not sure I rec buying it over getting a copy from your library.
I do rec it, but if you're on a book budget I'm not sure I rec buying it over getting a copy from your library.
August 28, 2018
As always, I devour anything Damon Suede has to say about the subject of writing. This book details a significant chunk of Damon's approach to writing, and like Damon himself it's smart, funny, clear, slick, and generally fantastic. I highly recommend this for writers of all levels, and I plant re-read it, myself.
February 10, 2019
A writers tool to liven up and inspire your written words. Lots of backstory and plenty of excersizes to make this a workbook a keeeper on the shelf.
If you’ve struggled with your characters or their motivations, this book can get you past the block.
Entertaining and useful.
If you’ve struggled with your characters or their motivations, this book can get you past the block.
Entertaining and useful.
September 18, 2018
This is a very useful, hands-on approach to writing fiction, with specific points and angles of attack per chapter and many exercises to drive Suede's points home for new and established writers alike. I am grateful that I kept notes, and went through some of the exercises. Over time I'm likely to revisit many of those, particularly when I'm stuck.
And isn't that the key to how good any advise book is?
I will be referencing my notes any time I get stuck writing. At first, this way of thinking about a story was a little nebulous, but by the time I hit what I now realize is the midpoint, things started clicking; those first few chapters are groundwork - foundation, wires and pipes - so that the rest of the advise structure can function. He pulls everything together in 'Finale' and the last 30% is reference material. If you're not sure you'll get enough out of the book, find it in your library. You won't know until you try. Or do what I did and read the Kindle e-sample on amazon.
I've read several writing advice books. This one's by far the most helpful.
And isn't that the key to how good any advise book is?
I will be referencing my notes any time I get stuck writing. At first, this way of thinking about a story was a little nebulous, but by the time I hit what I now realize is the midpoint, things started clicking; those first few chapters are groundwork - foundation, wires and pipes - so that the rest of the advise structure can function. He pulls everything together in 'Finale' and the last 30% is reference material. If you're not sure you'll get enough out of the book, find it in your library. You won't know until you try. Or do what I did and read the Kindle e-sample on amazon.
I've read several writing advice books. This one's by far the most helpful.
November 26, 2020
I hate those Teachable courses every author and their brother publishes while building their platform. The ones which promise you this is definitely the course that’ll help you finish your book, just look at all the testimonials! And look, you even get three thousand pages of PDF workbooks for ABSOLUTELY FREE, upon each page of which you’ll write three words and meditate upon them until you suddenly realize that Show, Don’t Tell.
I’m ashamed to say I’ve taken about a half dozen of these courses. The result in nearly every case is I think “this would’ve been a perfectly serviceable $10 ebook rather than a $350 set of two-minute videos.”
At its core, Verbalize is the book I always wished those courses were. It’s a dramatic theory that in a good story, characters defined by a single transitive verb use an array of stratagems to act upon objects to achieve objectives.
The theory itself, the meat of the book, is exciting. I love writing theory that encourages lateral thinking.
Getting to that meat is a chore, though.
The first 10% of the book is an ad convincing you to buy the book. I uncharitably assume this is marketing aimed toward look-inside viewers.
The last 30% of the book is a neat appendix and glossary.
So the book proper lasts 60% of its 262 KENP, or about 157 pages.
And those 157 pages are overly permutative. The theory builds on itself to such a staggering degree that we go over what feels like the same principle laid out in nominally different ways over and over until we hit that 70% mark and the book is finished.
Was this book worth the $5 I paid for it? Absolutely. Is the Verbalize theory worth hearing? I believe so. Is the theory well-presented? Eh.
I think newer writers will get lost in the weeds more often than not, staring at list upon list of example character-verb pairs which are ostensibly there to explain the theory.
I recommend this book to experienced writers with enough patience and discernment to wade through the mud and find the pearls which wait to be harvested.
I’m ashamed to say I’ve taken about a half dozen of these courses. The result in nearly every case is I think “this would’ve been a perfectly serviceable $10 ebook rather than a $350 set of two-minute videos.”
At its core, Verbalize is the book I always wished those courses were. It’s a dramatic theory that in a good story, characters defined by a single transitive verb use an array of stratagems to act upon objects to achieve objectives.
The theory itself, the meat of the book, is exciting. I love writing theory that encourages lateral thinking.
Getting to that meat is a chore, though.
The first 10% of the book is an ad convincing you to buy the book. I uncharitably assume this is marketing aimed toward look-inside viewers.
The last 30% of the book is a neat appendix and glossary.
So the book proper lasts 60% of its 262 KENP, or about 157 pages.
And those 157 pages are overly permutative. The theory builds on itself to such a staggering degree that we go over what feels like the same principle laid out in nominally different ways over and over until we hit that 70% mark and the book is finished.
Was this book worth the $5 I paid for it? Absolutely. Is the Verbalize theory worth hearing? I believe so. Is the theory well-presented? Eh.
I think newer writers will get lost in the weeds more often than not, staring at list upon list of example character-verb pairs which are ostensibly there to explain the theory.
I recommend this book to experienced writers with enough patience and discernment to wade through the mud and find the pearls which wait to be harvested.
December 18, 2019
I thought this was a really great take on writing strong characters (among other advice)!
Lots of bits to highlight and come back to!
Lots of bits to highlight and come back to!
November 5, 2019
If you've ever had the pleasure of attending one of Damon Suede's workshops, you already know he's a vibrant and entertaining speaker, offering his attendees more information in one hour than most will do in a day. For those who cannot attend in person, this book is just as good. Well, almost. Damon is act best seen in person. Like Cher. Adore him and value his teachings!
March 15, 2020
I saw the author on a podcast [Mark Dawson’s I think] and he seemed very impressive so I went looking for his ‘how to write’ book. He is a rare man who writes romance.
I started it, and then stopped reading at 20% for some reason. [too flowery?]
It’s a tricky thing with ‘how to’ books - I often check before I buy it that the person has actually written ANY books, and Suede had a few titles. What I didn’t look at was WHEN they were written. He’s got 7 fiction titles listed on GR, most are short stories or novellas and only three are over 40k. The earliest was 2011, the last 2017.
Then in December 2019 the Romance Writers of America set itself on fire and the new president lighting this blaze was Damon Suede.
Wait… I know that name…
One of the many seemingly dodgy things he has done is fake his credentials to even be nominated for president - you must have written four or more books of over a certain size. One of his titles has an ISBN but cannot be found on the Internet and it’s published by Dreamspinner - a name that should set every red flag waving. [Honestly, wouldn’t it have been easier to just write the book? It only had to be 40k words.]
He says in the bio from his webpage:
But he has no listing on imdb, which is odd.
So it kind of sours my review, that I’ve paid for advice from a person who isn’t doing the walk, he just talks the talk. And he talks it very well, it would seem, as more than one person believed everything he said.
For more info, check out Jenny Trout’s post:
http://jennytrout.com/?p=12845
Or this one
https://www.claireryanauthor.com/blog...
Or honestly, just Google it.
I could probably demand my money back, but then I wouldn’t be able to give it a legit review.
So *rubs hands* let’s go.
Should we start with how odd it is to title a book on writing ‘Verbalize’?
My comment next to this quote is simply ‘WHAT??’ [I don’t often write comments in my kindle… so yay?]
I do not believe Ms Rochon is his friend. Chuck Tingle has denied that he is friends with Damon, too. [never even HEARD of him, Chuck says]
https://twitter.com/ChuckTingle/statu...

Oddly appropriate given magpies are thieves.
He cites a lot of other writing books, including Lisa Cron, Debra Dixon, and Aristotle. Each chapter finishes with some exercises.
@33%
Honestly, I just don’t have time for this shit and I want it OUT of my ‘reading’ pile.
1 star
I started it, and then stopped reading at 20% for some reason. [too flowery?]
It’s a tricky thing with ‘how to’ books - I often check before I buy it that the person has actually written ANY books, and Suede had a few titles. What I didn’t look at was WHEN they were written. He’s got 7 fiction titles listed on GR, most are short stories or novellas and only three are over 40k. The earliest was 2011, the last 2017.
Then in December 2019 the Romance Writers of America set itself on fire and the new president lighting this blaze was Damon Suede.
Wait… I know that name…
One of the many seemingly dodgy things he has done is fake his credentials to even be nominated for president - you must have written four or more books of over a certain size. One of his titles has an ISBN but cannot be found on the Internet and it’s published by Dreamspinner - a name that should set every red flag waving. [Honestly, wouldn’t it have been easier to just write the book? It only had to be 40k words.]
He says in the bio from his webpage:
Damon has been writing for print, stage, and screen for almost three decades.
But he has no listing on imdb, which is odd.
So it kind of sours my review, that I’ve paid for advice from a person who isn’t doing the walk, he just talks the talk. And he talks it very well, it would seem, as more than one person believed everything he said.
For more info, check out Jenny Trout’s post:
http://jennytrout.com/?p=12845
But Damon Suede. Boy howdy.
In addition to sending his husband into a social media battle on his behalf, Suede has been revealed to be a name-dropping opportunist and outright liar (which you can read about in Ryan’s post). Suede has always been a gifted self-promoter. A constant fixture at the biggest conventions, charismatically holding events and speaking on tough-to-get panels, he somehow managed to book speaking gigs and keynotes throughout the ’10s despite publishing his first book in 2011 and not releasing any new romance fiction since 2017. After writing only five novels in a genre that routinely sees authors putting out that many books a year, Suede decided to write books about writing and charge a rumored $3,000 per day to give workshops to whatever certified MacArthur Fellows would pay that ridiculous amount of money to him. Then, with the unwavering confidence of a mediocre-at-best white man, he decided that with less than ten years as a romance novelist, he was ready to lead the genre as president of the Romance Writers of America. Which he ran for unopposed. Because he manipulated the other candidate into dropping out.
Or this one
https://www.claireryanauthor.com/blog...
Or honestly, just Google it.
I could probably demand my money back, but then I wouldn’t be able to give it a legit review.
So *rubs hands* let’s go.
Should we start with how odd it is to title a book on writing ‘Verbalize’?
When I began writing novels, I differed from many authors because I’d worked so long in a sphere that actively fought against writers having cast approval.
My comment next to this quote is simply ‘WHAT??’ [I don’t often write comments in my kindle… so yay?]
Then at RWA’s 2016 conference, I gave a workshop on characterization with my friends Farrah Rochon and Kristan Higgins, each of us describing our personal methods.
I do not believe Ms Rochon is his friend. Chuck Tingle has denied that he is friends with Damon, too. [never even HEARD of him, Chuck says]
https://twitter.com/ChuckTingle/statu...

Over the past twenty years, ‘Magpie’ has clarified my career through darkness and doubt.
Oddly appropriate given magpies are thieves.
He cites a lot of other writing books, including Lisa Cron, Debra Dixon, and Aristotle. Each chapter finishes with some exercises.
@33%
Honestly, I just don’t have time for this shit and I want it OUT of my ‘reading’ pile.
1 star
March 18, 2018
Best writing how-to in over a decade
The best book on writing I have read since Bird by Bird! More than a manual, Verbalize is a brilliant, fun, funny treatise on genre fiction and how to write it and think about it, using scores of great examples. I read the book in one sitting but then went back in subsequent days and did the exercises. I will never think of verbs in the same way again! Additionally, Suede will help you clarify character and action and will make your work cook. A great addition for any reference library.
The best book on writing I have read since Bird by Bird! More than a manual, Verbalize is a brilliant, fun, funny treatise on genre fiction and how to write it and think about it, using scores of great examples. I read the book in one sitting but then went back in subsequent days and did the exercises. I will never think of verbs in the same way again! Additionally, Suede will help you clarify character and action and will make your work cook. A great addition for any reference library.
May 4, 2019
I could read this gem of a book over and over and OVER again! It’s like an inspirational fountain of endless writerly motivation—and I absolutely love it!
Definitely recommend ❤️
Definitely recommend ❤️
October 16, 2022
After seeing Damon Suede present at the PNWA Conference, I couldn't wait to buy his book. He was talking verbs, Aristotle, and forensic science, and my brain was buzzing with new ideas for my own manuscript. He's a dynamic speaker, so I'd listen to him talk about paint drying. I'd no doubt learn something and laugh till I peed my pants.
The ideas he presented at the writers conference and that were more fully developed in this book, clicked for me. His approach to storytelling is unique: story comes down to grammar. Now, this may sound as interesting as paint drying to those of you who are not grammar nerds... but, I swear, read his book and give the idea a try.
The most impactful idea: Think of your character as a VERB. I'll just leave that one idea; it literally altered my entire way of thinking about story and inspired much-needed revisions to my current project.
The ideas he presented at the writers conference and that were more fully developed in this book, clicked for me. His approach to storytelling is unique: story comes down to grammar. Now, this may sound as interesting as paint drying to those of you who are not grammar nerds... but, I swear, read his book and give the idea a try.
The most impactful idea: Think of your character as a VERB. I'll just leave that one idea; it literally altered my entire way of thinking about story and inspired much-needed revisions to my current project.
March 29, 2019
This is one of the few times I've read a non-fiction book and heard the author as he speaks (as evidenced by video!), and yes, it's the same stylistic patterns and flavour. Stylistically, it's manic chatter that's compelling, enlightening, interesting, with clear insights and a few subtle moments - not too many - with a clear goal in mind. I think that says it all, doesn't it?
Oh, the book - excellent, missing one thing in the 20% of stuff at the end of the book, but we might, just might, forgive this if the book that does contain it comes out soon.
And yes, I'm reading it a second time and taking just as many notes as the first time, but different locations (is that because now I understand the context with more clarity?).
Thanks, Damon, and well done.
Oh, the book - excellent, missing one thing in the 20% of stuff at the end of the book, but we might, just might, forgive this if the book that does contain it comes out soon.
And yes, I'm reading it a second time and taking just as many notes as the first time, but different locations (is that because now I understand the context with more clarity?).
Thanks, Damon, and well done.
April 4, 2019
I Finally Bought a Thesaurus
I've had writers block for my next novel for a long time, and I've come to the conclusion it's because I have a problem with my characters. As so many resources say, I began to develop them from the outside-in. But I just couldn't get into my main protagonist.
Damon helped me understand why. Using Neuroscience, Damon explains that characters are action. Then he suggests a way to create characters using a thesaurus which no one I've read had ever suggested.
While his book can be wordy at times, I found most of his exercises helpful. It's the only grouping of exercises that helped me think of new scenes for my novel. What's more, i'm rooting for my protagonist again.
Thanks, Damon, for a well conceived book. I do appreciate it
I've had writers block for my next novel for a long time, and I've come to the conclusion it's because I have a problem with my characters. As so many resources say, I began to develop them from the outside-in. But I just couldn't get into my main protagonist.
Damon helped me understand why. Using Neuroscience, Damon explains that characters are action. Then he suggests a way to create characters using a thesaurus which no one I've read had ever suggested.
While his book can be wordy at times, I found most of his exercises helpful. It's the only grouping of exercises that helped me think of new scenes for my novel. What's more, i'm rooting for my protagonist again.
Thanks, Damon, for a well conceived book. I do appreciate it
April 16, 2019
And...ACTION and all that that implies!!
Unbelievable articulation of the gold that underlies the development of character and plot through the verbalization of action. I’ve devoured half of the writer manuals in the library of Congress in my day. Suede clarifies and mashes together every muddled lesson I previously jammed into the limited gray matter gifted to me by God. Traipse through exercises that elevate your skills to new heights. Not for the weak of heart or closed-minded.
Favorite line - Stories are made of action the way pigs are made of pork.
Verbalize renovated my writing forever! (see what I did there?)
Unbelievable articulation of the gold that underlies the development of character and plot through the verbalization of action. I’ve devoured half of the writer manuals in the library of Congress in my day. Suede clarifies and mashes together every muddled lesson I previously jammed into the limited gray matter gifted to me by God. Traipse through exercises that elevate your skills to new heights. Not for the weak of heart or closed-minded.
Favorite line - Stories are made of action the way pigs are made of pork.
Verbalize renovated my writing forever! (see what I did there?)
December 17, 2020
I've utterly enjoyed reading Verbalize. I will be applying these teachings during the next couple of months.
From the get-go I felt a connection with the method and it has cleared up many doubts I had about other writing methods and suggestions I had read in the past. This no-nonesense approach struck a chord with me. It's simple and powerful and it resonates with my inner gut and how I approached my first manuscripts and stageplays.
I'm giving it five starts and I highly recommend it. Read it slowly and take your time to process it.
From the get-go I felt a connection with the method and it has cleared up many doubts I had about other writing methods and suggestions I had read in the past. This no-nonesense approach struck a chord with me. It's simple and powerful and it resonates with my inner gut and how I approached my first manuscripts and stageplays.
I'm giving it five starts and I highly recommend it. Read it slowly and take your time to process it.
January 13, 2021
Excellent premise--applicable to any writer looking to bring characters to life. I had to sit down and really study this book though to understand it. In some ways, Suede has a brilliant means to deepen characterization. In other ways, reading this How-To is like learning advanced calculus. My head hurts. Still, I will keep the crux of what I learned and apply it to my next novel. Beyond that, it seems like the author took a profound tool for deepening characterization and then proceeded to baffle us with bullshit.
October 13, 2023
I found this book to be a valuable resource for enhancing my writing skills. While it took me some time to fully engage with the content, it's filled with practical tips which makes it worth the initial effort. By incorporating the insights from this book, I've noticed a substantial improvement in my ability to drive the narrative forward with the right verbs.
April 20, 2019
A must read for any writer
If you want stronger and tighter writing, this book shows you the way and helps focus the craft of writing. An exciting read!
If you want stronger and tighter writing, this book shows you the way and helps focus the craft of writing. An exciting read!
November 7, 2020
An excellent resource for your "writing shelf." I attended a conference where Damon Suede presented this book with wonderful advice on how to use it effectively in writing.
March 10, 2021
Unique perspective. Very helpful.
December 24, 2022
I use this as a reference.
December 3, 2024
Awesome book. Great resource.
January 16, 2020
I find it difficult to put into words what I think of this book. Perhaps just saying "I will never write the same again" sounds trite, but it is the truth. Verbalize: bring stories to life & life to stories was recommended in several writers groups I belong to and on several well-known podcasts, and I am very glad I decided to pick it up. The way Damon Suede unwraps (or unpacks, as he is fond of saying) the mystery of constructing story (and therefore writing a fiction book) made sense to me on a level I have not encountered before. I am very happy that I read it during my outline stage and not later on. Transitive verbs are the foundations of our language, and so should be the building blocks of a story, and he skillfully shows you how to put this tenet into practice.
The prose is energetic, stripped-down, and educational. The examples cited are familiar and reachable. Chapters build upon previous principles, so in the end you have a structure you can put to use. I deepened my understanding of my own characters through some of the exercises within the book, and I plan to go back and do a few more to strengthen them. I am also glad that I purchased a paperback copy because it is decorated with highlighter and post-its for quick reference later — it is one of those books to be used regularly.
If you are searching for an alternate method to construct your story, or seem to be stuck in a less-than-prolific writing place, I would recommend reading Verbalize: bring stories to life & life to stories. It will have you energized and eager to start filling pages once again.
The prose is energetic, stripped-down, and educational. The examples cited are familiar and reachable. Chapters build upon previous principles, so in the end you have a structure you can put to use. I deepened my understanding of my own characters through some of the exercises within the book, and I plan to go back and do a few more to strengthen them. I am also glad that I purchased a paperback copy because it is decorated with highlighter and post-its for quick reference later — it is one of those books to be used regularly.
If you are searching for an alternate method to construct your story, or seem to be stuck in a less-than-prolific writing place, I would recommend reading Verbalize: bring stories to life & life to stories. It will have you energized and eager to start filling pages once again.
December 22, 2021
Wow! I thought I was signing up for some quick tip on fleshing out the plot and beats. Some simple ideas to help with my outlining and occasional pantsing efforts.
What I got was a masterclass on the writing craft and a deeper understanding of grammar as a whole. Not to mention a long beautiful list of recommended reading. (book recommendation is my love language.)
If you've struggled to make characters 3D or have plots that aren't recycled cliche this book is here to help!
I want all my reader friends to read this so I can go on a long marathon of listing out actions, objectives, and tactics for all my favorite books and shows!
This is now at the top of my list of books you should absolutely read if you are a writer! You need it, trust me and read every morsel with undying devotion and it will boost you to new literary heights no matter your genre!
**Sidenote: definitely get the matching thesaurus to save hours of research and dictionary hopping. It is incredibly helpful and time-saving. AND if you're struggling with the character's VOID get the emotional wound thesaurus by Becca Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman!
What I got was a masterclass on the writing craft and a deeper understanding of grammar as a whole. Not to mention a long beautiful list of recommended reading. (book recommendation is my love language.)
If you've struggled to make characters 3D or have plots that aren't recycled cliche this book is here to help!
I want all my reader friends to read this so I can go on a long marathon of listing out actions, objectives, and tactics for all my favorite books and shows!
This is now at the top of my list of books you should absolutely read if you are a writer! You need it, trust me and read every morsel with undying devotion and it will boost you to new literary heights no matter your genre!
**Sidenote: definitely get the matching thesaurus to save hours of research and dictionary hopping. It is incredibly helpful and time-saving. AND if you're struggling with the character's VOID get the emotional wound thesaurus by Becca Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman!
September 7, 2018
Among the better of the many craft books I've read. I'm inherently practical, including how I tackle writing, and there's a lot of nuts and bolts here that I could hang that practicality on. But it's not at a remove, only academic, and certainly not staid. There's live wires on the cover art for a reason.
Verbalize is astute but accessible. Suede's voice is rapid and entertaining--but never vapid or sensational--and I emerged inspired and ready to tackle my writing projects employing the methods within. I also didn't feel like I had to take and use everything as-is or perish; there's plenty that got my creative juices flowing, but taken in and synthesized with my own brainwaves. Which is really the idea behind /learning/ to my thinking.
The 'homework' exercises are worth the book on their own. Get thee to a plot outline and a thesaurus.
Suede is a treasure trove of insights, allusions, and bon mots. Read it, seen it, done it all. But none of that is window dressing -- it's presented to entice, explain, expand -- because he's also a treasure of a teacher.
Verbalize is astute but accessible. Suede's voice is rapid and entertaining--but never vapid or sensational--and I emerged inspired and ready to tackle my writing projects employing the methods within. I also didn't feel like I had to take and use everything as-is or perish; there's plenty that got my creative juices flowing, but taken in and synthesized with my own brainwaves. Which is really the idea behind /learning/ to my thinking.
The 'homework' exercises are worth the book on their own. Get thee to a plot outline and a thesaurus.
Suede is a treasure trove of insights, allusions, and bon mots. Read it, seen it, done it all. But none of that is window dressing -- it's presented to entice, explain, expand -- because he's also a treasure of a teacher.
July 26, 2019
This past spring, my RWA chapter shared a video presentation by Damon Suede, who is gaining national recognition for his ability to explain how to improve our writing. In the presentation I watched, he demonstrated how the use of specific verbs could help us with the “show, don’t tell” dilemma we as authors often face. I purchased two of his reference books, and used this one to help me choose action verbs for my characters that show the fears, joys, and heartaches they face. There are some worksheets that help me define my characters, and the chapters on creating the villain are quite helpful. Mr. Suede comes from a screenwriting background, and to illustrate his points and he often refers to movies I haven’t seen, but I still found this to be a wonderful resource and plan to refer to it often.
March 21, 2019
For all that English is my first language, and I know a fair amount of German, I've never been a fan of grammar. There are so many teams and rules to keep track of, it's been easier to learn and practice through context. As a writer I knew I was leaving powerful tools on the table, but I just couldn't figure out how to use them. I'm still not sure what a predicate is, but Damon Suede's Verbalize has given me a new excitement for verbs. He offers excellent examples and thought provoking exercises that had me reaching for a thesaurus for the first time in years. I feel empowered to bring more dynamic creativity to my stories. For the first time I feel like I have strong skills I can turn to when I'm feeling stuck.
February 18, 2023
If you are a writer than you need to read Verbalize by Damon Suede. This book brings writing to a whole new dimension. It's the best guide I've ever read and breaks down the entire process of giving birth to a book with one word.
So much goodness packed into a compact and portable book to help you create that story from start to finish.
For more details on this must read writers guide head over to my blog at www-dot-booksilovealatte-dot-com
I received an ARC from the Author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
So much goodness packed into a compact and portable book to help you create that story from start to finish.
For more details on this must read writers guide head over to my blog at www-dot-booksilovealatte-dot-com
I received an ARC from the Author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2018
I got this book after hearing the author speak -- and a very dynamic speaker he is! The book itself is a unique approach to creating characters and even plotting entire stories out of a single verb... definitely a whole new approach, and one I've since adopted at least in part in my current series, but it will probably be far more useful once I start something new. Will definitely be revisiting my notes! (I only knocked off one star because the book seemed fairly redundant to me: it could have been half as long and communicated the same idea.)
September 25, 2018
Love Damon's verbalize. It helped me figure out want I'm supposed to focus on when I sit down to write. What he says and how he explains things hit home for me. I literally changed the way I think as a writer. Many thanks and I recommend this book for anyone who is serious about their craft as an author.
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