Book Review: The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

If you are a writer, The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi should be in your toolbox.

In this updated version you'll find 131 entries of various emotions. Each emotion is defined. Then there is a list of physical signals and behaviors, followed by internal sensations and mental responses. You'll also find acute or long-term responses for each emotion, signs the emotion is being suppressed, and associated power verbs (so helpful when you want to eliminate adverbs).

The Emotion Thesaurus opens with a ton of helpful information discussing topics like the power of emotion, the importance of character research, and how to use dialogue to write emotion.

I am embarrassed to admit I've had this book for almost a year. In my defense, however, I wanted to see how it would work for me as an author and an editor. Did it make sense? Could it offer valuable information I would use regularly? Would I find better ways to express my characters' emotions? The answer is a definite yes.

In the time that I've had The Emotion Thesaurus, I've used it more than once to develop my characters' emotions and express them in new ways that have improved my writing. I recently finished a large editing project, and I discovered the more I referred to The Emotion Thesaurus the better each chapter read. Once I was done, I went back to the earlier chapters where I hadn't used it and improved upon them.

The book also includes a list of recommended reading to help you hone your craft further.

There is no doubt in my mind The Emotion Thesaurus is a must have for writers everywhere. It is available in printed and digital formats.

File Size: 8579 KB
Print Length: 304 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: JADD Publishing; 2 edition (February 19, 2019)
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07MTQ7W6Q

I received a digital copy of this book from the authors. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

New Release and Giveaway: The Emotion Thesaurus, 2nd Edition by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

As writers, we all have our favorite writing methods. For instance, some swear by Scrivener, while others write in Word or Google docs. Some prefer to draft longhand, using colorful gel pens and notebooks.

Most of us have a favorite writing book (or ten), too. These books have helped us understand storytelling better, demystifying certain aspects of writing. Well, today I'm taking part in welcoming a new writing guide into the world: The Emotion Thesaurus (Second Edition).

You may have heard of The Emotion Thesaurus before, or even have a copy. The original's lists of body language, thoughts, and visceral sensations for 75 unique emotions made brainstorming character expressions and reactions so much easier. It quickly became a bestseller.

Now, there's a bigger, better second edition. Angela and Becca have added 55 NEW emotions such as Euphoria, Vindicated, and Schadenfreude. (And that's not all that's new, either...the book is almost twice the size as the original.)

Anyway, if you're interested in checking it out, you can read some of the reviews on Goodreads or find information here.

One more thing to tell you about...are you ready for this?

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Wish you could attend a free writing retreat, go to a conference, snag a seat at a workshop, or have your professional membership to a writing organization paid for? Of course you do!

Well, at Writers Helping Writers, one lucky winner will get one of the above, up to a $500 US value.

This is the giveaway of a lifetime, so hurry over to enter!

New Release and Free Webinar: The Emotion Thesaurus Second Edition by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

Hi everyone! Today's an exciting day because I've been helping Angela and Becca at Writers Helping Writers keep a BIG secret: what the next book in their thesaurus series will be.

It might seem strange for an author to not tell their readers about the book they plan to release...unless your names are Becca and Angela. They are known for writing books on showing, not telling, and couldn't pass up a chance to do just that by waiting for the cover reveal, which is today!

So without further ado, I give you...

The Emotion Thesaurus Second Edition!

You might have heard of The Emotion Thesaurus before, or even have a copy. The original released in 2012 and quickly became the go-to guide on expressing character emotion. The book's lists of body language, thoughts, and visceral sensations for 75 unique emotions made brainstorming character expressions and reactions so much easier.

In this second edition, the authors have added 55 entries, bringing the total to 130 emotions.

That's not all, either. This book is almost double in size with lots of new content. You can find a full write up for it HERE and a list of all the entries (plus some samples!) HERE.

Plus, this book is available for preorder! You can find it right now on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, and Indiebound.

One last thing I wanted to mention...

Angela & Becca are giving away a free webinar recording of one of their popular workshops on Emotion, so head over if this is an area of struggle for you. It might really help!