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by Robin Sharma
The Emotion Thesaurus summary
Brief summary
The Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman is a valuable resource for writers, providing a wide range of emotions and corresponding body language, thoughts, and visceral sensations to help bring characters to life.
Table of Contents
The Emotion Thesaurus
Summary of key ideas
The Importance of Emotions in Writing
In The Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi, the importance of emotions in writing is highlighted. The book begins by stressing the significance of emotions in storytelling, as they are the driving force behind characters' actions and the key to creating a deep connection between the characters and the readers.
Puglisi explains how writers can use emotions to make their characters more relatable and their stories more engaging. It is emphasized that showing rather than telling emotions is crucial, as it allows readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
A Comprehensive List of Emotions
The core of The Emotion Thesaurus is an extensive list of emotions, ranging from common ones like joy and anger to more complex ones like envy and guilt. For each emotion, Puglisi provides a detailed breakdown including physical signals, internal sensations, mental responses, and cues of long-term or suppressed emotions.
Each entry is designed to help writers convey the emotion effectively and authentically. The physical signals, for example, can help writers describe how a character is feeling through their body language, while the internal sensations aid in portraying the character's inner state.
Using Emotions to Develop Characters
After listing the emotions, The Emotion Thesaurus delves into using these emotions to develop characters. Puglisi suggests that characters should experience a wide range of emotions, as it adds depth and complexity to their personalities. She also advises writers to consider the impact of a character's past experiences on their emotional responses.
Furthermore, Puglisi emphasizes the importance of consistency in character emotions. She explains how a character's emotional responses should be in line with their personality, backstory, and the events they are experiencing. This ensures that the characters remain authentic and believable.
Creating Emotional Arcs and Tension
Continuing with the practical application of emotions in writing, The Emotion Thesaurus discusses the creation of emotional arcs and tension. Puglisi explains how characters should experience a range of emotions throughout the story, and how these emotional shifts can drive the plot forward.
She also highlights the role of tension in storytelling, emphasizing that emotions play a crucial part in building and maintaining tension. By carefully manipulating character emotions, writers can keep their readers engaged and invested in the story.
Final Tips and Resources
In the final sections of The Emotion Thesaurus, Puglisi offers additional tips for effectively using emotions in writing. She discusses techniques such as using subtext to convey emotions indirectly and employing dialogue to reveal character emotions.
The book concludes by providing a list of additional resources for writers who want to further explore the topic of emotions in storytelling. These resources include other books, websites, and writing exercises aimed at helping writers master the art of conveying emotions in their work.
In Conclusion
In summary, The Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi is a valuable resource for writers looking to enhance their understanding and portrayal of emotions in their stories. By providing a comprehensive list of emotions and their associated cues, Puglisi equips writers with the tools they need to create authentic, relatable characters and engaging, emotionally charged narratives.
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What is The Emotion Thesaurus about?
The Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi is a valuable resource for writers looking to enhance their characters’ emotional depth. It provides a wide range of emotions and corresponding body language, thoughts, and visceral sensations, offering writers new ways to express their characters’ feelings. This book is a must-have for any writer seeking to create more authentic and compelling characters.
The Emotion Thesaurus Review
The Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi (2012) is a valuable resource for writers looking to enhance their characters' emotional depth and authenticity. Here's why this book stands out:
- It provides a wide range of emotional cues and body language descriptions, helping writers convey feelings effectively and vividly.
- With its practical tips for showing, not telling emotions, it guides writers towards creating more engaging and compelling storytelling.
- The book's user-friendly format allows for quick and easy reference, making the writing process smoother and more enjoyable.
Who should read The Emotion Thesaurus?
Writers who want to deepen their characters’ emotional experiences
Authors looking to improve their ability to show, not tell, emotions in their writing
Aspiring and experienced novelists seeking to create more compelling and relatable characters
Categories with The Emotion Thesaurus
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The Emotion Thesaurus FAQs
What is the main message of The Emotion Thesaurus?
Enhance writing by providing a wide range of emotions and body language cues for characters.
How long does it take to read The Emotion Thesaurus?
Reading time varies, but typically a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is The Emotion Thesaurus a good book? Is it worth reading?
Worth reading for writers seeking to deepen character emotions. Practical and insightful.
Who is the author of The Emotion Thesaurus?
The author of The Emotion Thesaurus is Becca Puglisi.
What to read after The Emotion Thesaurus?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Emotion Thesaurus, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau