Character Traits

I love this book, it has so many words and everything I need to write my stories. Which is why I am now getting a hard copy of the book. I have it on kindle for my PC​ and it's good, but I need it in my hands. So I can't wait to get it :)

Like I said in the title, this book is every writer's new best friend. If you don't get this book, I really can't think of any reason as to why. Bryn Donovan gave the writing world a great, useful tool and it is just a great thing to have near you whenever you are writing. I highly recommend this book as a must-have for all writers. Amazing book!

Absolutely loved this book. Use it almost daily. It's one of my go-to "must haves" in my writing arsenal. You won't need every chapter, obviously, but that's not the point--you use only the lists you need.

This is the kind of book I like to have within arm's length of my computer. A list of descriptions, it will help budding writers break out of the "he said, she said" and jazz up their writing with "exultation surged through him" or other character mannerisms, quirks and more.

I have written six books and this is perfect for that moment when my brain doesn't want to come up with some catchy word or phrase, or simply can't manage it after hours of writing.

If you have difficulty with "show don't tell" this book will help.

There are far too many lists to "list" them off, but here are a few I found particularly helpful:

50 Ways to Show a Character is a Good Person
10 Plot Points that Can Melt Reader's Hearts
Scents for Settings
Evocative Images

In the end, you still have to write your story. But this book can help fill in those sparse details and create a full image in the reader's mind.

Highly recommended!

This book has been immensely beneficial and helpful to me as a young novice writer and included a list of ideas that I hadn't thought of as I started developing and creating my own characters and story. I would highly recommend the download/purchase!

So many ideas to help you out while writing a book. So many ideas to help you along the way. If your looking to write I think this book would be a major help. This book along with your creativity. If you get stuck while writing flip through this and it will definitely help out.
Thank you for writing this. It definitely helps out. I appreciate all your time and effort you put into this to help people in out with there writing.

You know how sometimes you just blank out when writing, and when the thesaurus can't help because you don't know what word to look for? That's where the Master List comes in very handy. It's not the best, but it's somewhere between a 4 star and a 5. Too bad we don't have that option :) I recommend it for anyone who writes, whether for school, for work, or for pleasure. For fiction writers, it's a wonderful addition to their library. Goodness knows we need all the help we can get!!

You know how sometimes you just blank out when writing, and when the thesaurus can't help because you don't know what word to look for? That's where the Master List comes in very handy. It's not the best, but it's somewhere between a 4 star and a 5. Too bad we don't have that option :) I recommend it for anyone who writes, whether for school, for work, or for pleasure. For fiction writers, it's a wonderful addition to their library. Goodness knows we need all the help we can get!!

I battle from time to time with writer's block. Sometimes I've scoured the web in search for some type of writing prompt. With this book, I see I will have unlimited resources to use. It all comes down to lists. Thank you, Bryn, for composing this book of Master Lists.

DO NOT BUY!
What a rip off! This book looks like it was written by someone in grade school!
I wanted to return it, but I was going to be charged $6.23 to do so.
I trust Mr. Donovan is laughing all the way to the bank with this self-published piece of trash.
It's useless, and the customer is charged to return it. WHAT A JOKE!
Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, and More

Being a writer I was very excited when I found out about this book. Often, your brain needs a little help with expressing certain ideas or feelings. The book didn't disappoint. Extremely thorough and in the whole well organized. I have already used it while writing and I am certain it will hold a special place in my writing toolbox.

I have no clue what I'm doing trying to write a book, but Master Lists for Writers is making it much easier. Bryn Donovan is inspiring me through her blog and this book. I am determined to be a publisher.

This book is chock-full of words I never could've thought to use on my own. Here are some of the mind-blowing adjectives you can use to describe hair: long, short, shoulder-length, loose, limp, dull, shiny, etc. Oh my god! I had no idea hair could be long OR short! Can eyes be large or small? Why yes they can! The 34 word list for eyes says so. All the other lists are of the same stellar quality. I strongly recommend using them if you speak broken English, but are going to write a story in English anyway.

For those of you who are not human and have never interacted with one, but want to write a human story anyway, there are wonderful gems in the dialogue section. In "Ways People Say Hello", you'll learn that English speaking humans sometimes use the following expressions: hi, hey, good morning, good evening, how are you, and many more. You'll also learn how humans say good-bye, yes, no, and verbalize their emotional states in phrases with a maximum length of six words.

Be aware that the subtitle's claim of thesauri is a little misleading. The only portion of this book that functions as a thesaurus is the section about the equipment in your underwear and the fluids said equipment produces. Sadly, it's rather limited. There are considerably more extensive smut thesauri available. Less misleadingly, there are no plots, merely some plot points.

I have many reference books. I love them. And most of them sit on the shelf until that one time I really need to use it. This is the first reference book I've come across that doesn't simply support what I'm already writing, but actually paves the way for new writing. Donovan provides lists - lists upon lists - that touch on character descriptions and names, plot points and twists, motivations for murder, ways people say hello and goodbye, different names for negative feelings and on and on. Before each section, she has an intro that gives tips on how to use dialogue (and how NOT to use dialogue), or settings or character quirks. So many lists, but here's the key: the lists aren't exhaustive, they aren't overwhelming. I don't need or want to read every known way to describe someone's eyes, I just need a few key phrases to push me in the right direction. And that's what Donovan provides - gentle pushes through character development, plot design, action and dialogue - every aspect of that story you're just about to write. She isn't just listing stuff off the top of her head, either, she has really done her research. For instance, to make sure the "Names for Regency England" were historically accurate, she poured through parish records from the era as well as UK census returns of 1801 and 1821. She has done the research so I don't have to. Anything that saves me time when writing is valuable.

Several times as I was reading the book, I thought about having all the lists printed out and hanging on a board and just throwing darts until I had the story scaffolding. Then I could just write around the scaffolding: "My heroine, let's call her Clara, is shy but has a wicked temper. We hear a crackling fire and gunshots, and a dog barks. She's never been to this part of town. She can smell pine trees and garbage. She carries beneath her coat a stolen painting. She'll use the painting to bargain with the man who has taken her daughter hostage. Yesterday, she lacked confidence. Today, she is a gun-toting art thief fighting for her daughter's release." SEE? That took me, like, two minutes to come up with a story just by browsing the lists. It's like writing a whole book using a deck of Cards Against Humanity! I've got the electronic version of this book, but I might need to get a paper copy so I can highlight and flip the pages around. This is going to be a great tool.

The shipper was fast, I will buy from them again and again. This really could have been better, you could have more scenarios. You have to remember that we are NOVICES, our first time out. Not what I expected, but helpful.

I'm rather upset with myself for falling into the advertising trap. Thought itd be a great purchase, but it's just a book of lists put together that most people can find with a quick Google search.

Honestly, what got me was the plot ideas. I figured if they were decent, it was worth the price. But...I've seen better plot ideas on Reddit.

Please. Do yourself a favor. Put the money you were going to spend on this into your enemies urethra and set it on fire. Not only will that be a better use of said money, but also provide you with the smug satisfaction that you've permanently made them unable to continue sleeping with your ex.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I got this book, I had high expectations for it. I'm pleased to say that it not only met those expectations, but exceeded them. I'm one of those people that spend too much time on a certain site pinning lists like those contained in this book. Now, all I need to do is pick this up and it's all right there ready to use. I can't tell you how much time this book has and will continue to save me in that respect.

The lists are pretty comprehensive, obviously it's not exhaustive, but it's darn close. Included within are lists of facial expressions, gestures and body language, physical descriptions categorized by body part, emotional descriptions, evocative descriptions, settings that might be interesting for scenes, sounds for settings, and scents for settings. There are even lists of plot ideas for several different types of novels and genres. There's far too much included to list it all, but suffice it to say that this book will become well loved and well used in my house.

This book has something for everyone from the writer who's blocked to the writer who's grasping for a particular descriptive word that's on the tip of their tongue, but still just beyond reach. It might even make the process of editing more fun, I know it has for me.

Once again we see an example that in the world of self-publishing anyone can publish a book. The information contained within this book is strictly written on a very elementary basis and could hardly be considered of any useful purpose for a serious writer.
As an example, under the section Descriptions Of Facial Expressions, here's one of her suggestions, "his eyebrows rose". Wow! Look out John Grisham the field is going to get pretty competitive now, thanks to the help of, Bryn Donovan’s book MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS.
Another one of her exceptional examples Ms. Donovan gives you under his selection titled Ways People Say Hello, maybe Stephen King could use this suggestion, "Hey, girl" or maybe "Nice to see you".
People save your money, good composition is an artwork. There isn't any book out there that is going to make you a great writer. Yes, there are definitely rules to follow and there are books for this purpose. Those books should be read and studied. But there are no shortcuts to good writing and Donovan’s book is not going to get you there. Yes, sometimes the truth hurts.

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.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful resource for anyone who writes! It is geared towards fiction writers, with many descriptions for characters, dialogue suggestions, settings, plots, names, etc. I can see it also working well for poets. It is organized by types -- for example, you can go to the chapter on dialogue, and then go to the list of "ways people say hello". At the start of each chapter there are a few paragraphs giving additional tips, as well as hints on how you can adapt the lists to your own use. A great resource for anyone who writes.

This book has a great title: "Master Lists for Writers," and I was hoping for a rich thesaurus with plots and character traits from a writer more experienced than me. I was very disappointed, however, because the lists are terribly simplistic. A better title may be, "Starter Lists for Newbie Writers." I brushed through the pages anxious for content, and after about an hour I set it down, disappointed. I then thought maybe I could use it as an idea generator, but when I reached for it during my writing, I just found fluff. This book may be of use to a novice, but it lacks the depth I wanted. I'm currently reading 20 Master Plots by Ronald Tobias, and I must say that book far outshines this one. That said, I appreciate the time the author took to put this together. It's hard work to complete a book, publish it, and get a lot of sales and it does seem to be offered with best intentions. Just a little misleading, I will pass this book along.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED this book. I honestly didn't think I'd get past 1500 words in a WIP before I gave up. This book got me past several writer's blocks and major brain farts. It's a MAJOR helper when you need that right name or the right phrase to describe that thing your character does when he/she thinks. Awesome book and it's a great resource!!

I got a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I loved it. I wasn't sure exactly what I expected when I first got it, but my hopes were high, and this book met all of them. The lists are organized so that you can easily go to plots, then romance or whatever you need, and you're not spending twenty minutes flipping through. The lists themselves are comprehensive, not exhaustive of course, but you definitely have enough to build off of. I'm definitely going to be buying a hard copy as soon as possible!

Bryn Donovan has worked hard to provide a fascinating and useful compendium of words, phrases, and triggers to help the writer. It may not make the actual graft easier, but if used sensibly, this book can improve that work immensely. I don’t regard these lists as ‘cheat sheets’ because you still have to put in the effort, to create the plot, define the characters and to imagine their fictional world.

What’s on offer, then?

The section on descriptions of facial expressions is useful, because it’s so easy to fall back on ‘he smiled’ or ‘she grinned’. The human face is capable of manifold aspects, some quite subtle; choose the most apt for the scene or emotion. Body language speaks to us with subtlety too, and yet as writers we tend not to employ the richness that is visible to the discerning eye – again, conveying a character’s mood. Naturally, we have the usual eye, complexion, face, body, mouth, hair and body descriptions – try to vary the characters in the story so they’re not all similar.

One section of particular interest is that concerning ‘evocative images’ – a single feather or a rainbow in an oil slick can provide a telling image in a scene, put the reader there in the character’s point of view. Other lists provide sounds and scents for settings – again, putting the reader in the story.

There are lists for plotting: romance, high-stakes, twists, humour, motives for murder etc. I’ve got more than enough plots going on for my various projects, I must admit, though it’s conceivable that some of the suggested plots could be opted for a short story or three.

Dialogue can be a tr4ial for some writers. Make it real without being boring or slowing down the story. Here we have lists showing how people say ‘no’, ‘yes’ or ‘verbalize positive (or negative) feelings’ and so on.

There’s a good selection of character names and character traits, too.

The book ends with an important list: ‘10 reasons why you should write that story’. I endorse all ten and particularly commend #7: Because it doesn’t have to be perfect. Whatever your hang ups, get the story written. ‘It’s the final draft that counts.’ And this book will help you polish your novel to get there.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an objective review.

When I first got this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was please to see that it offered a great many useful lists for writers, especially fiction writers. The part that sold me was that each list was prefaced by an articulate explanation of the list and how it might be used, including relevant genres, situations and settings.

Of course, no book could possibly list every option for some of the categories, such as "verbs" or "how characters can show they are attracted" and it would be unrealistic to expect such a thing. But this book offers some interesting choices while also making a great jumping off point for writers to come up with their own ideas.

Overall, I'd have to say that this book will be useful to fiction writers looking to expand their descriptive abilities and improve on showing instead of telling. I look forward to referring to Master Lists for Writers again and again.

Decent resource of words. Not anything necessarily new about it, but it does put words at your fingertips when you're otherwise brain flustered. My only real complaint is that the formatting isn't right. I don't know if this is something the author might be able to fix or not. I would use it much more often if it read from front to back, but it's backward, reading back to front which makes it a little confusing. All in all, it was worth it. Can't go wrong with categorized word lists.

For anyone out there that is looking for a new way to describe blue eyes, or a cheeky grin, this book is for you. I was honored enough to get an ARC of this book, and it quickly became my go too book when I am writing. Bryn has everything in here from character traits, plot ideas, facial expressions and even different sound descriptions. This is one book that you don't realize you need until you have it. The list format is perfect because you can find what you need easily, but it's also fun to poke through because the lists are so much fun. I already ordered my hard copy and I am sure it will become one of the most used books on my desk.

This is a great resource for old and new writers alike. If you're an experienced writer, is it likely you'll be familiar with at least one thing mentioned in this book? Absolutely, but that doesn't make it any less useful. This isn't a novel or a how-to, but rather an encyclopedia of knowledge that you can open as often as you like. My favorite chapter was the one on Dialogue, since I often find that if I'm not paying my attention, my characters start talking in the same way. This book doesn't list every single option available for every little thing, but it offers pages of suggestions for everything that could inspire you or even lead as a jumping off point to get where your writing where you need it to be. If you get this, I don't think you'll be disappointed. There's something in it for everyone. (I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review).

Many writers are list makers.

We like things neat and orderly and organized whenever possible. We start researching a concept or story idea weeks before we set pen to paper to write about it. We'll draft outline after outline, or start with an elevator pitch and a main character sketch and work from there.

You know who you are.

But maybe you're not really a list maker. You run to the grocery once or twice a week to snag items you've discovered you really do need. You research whatever catches your eye, start writing with no particular direction in mind, and let the characters and plot take you wherever they may.

Nothing wrong with that either.

Those two (really, really broad ... granted) categories of writers may seem whole continents or planets apart when it comes to styles and genres and formats ... and yet.

Sometimes it's really nice, for either type of writer, for any kind of writer, to have a place to turn for a quick spurt of inspiration, an infusion of imagination. Whether you plot your novels meticulously beforehand or blow with the prevailing wind, sometimes it's nice to be able to open a comprehensive reference book, run your finger down the page, and land on a name to give your main character's best friend, without a lot of fuss and panic about it.

Let me, with great pleasure, introduce you to just such a book: MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS: THESAURUSES, PLOTS, CHARACTER TRAITS, NAMES, AND MORE, by Bryn Donovan.

Being an author herself, Donovan no doubt knows the value of the kind of resource she's offering writers. Here's just a sneak peek at what you'll find in her work.

Need a quick character name, male or female? Look here.

Want to try your hand at a romance trope? You'll find it.

Your character needs an identifiable quirk? There are dozens of options.

Why do surnames have to be so hard to come up with? They don't, with this book.

Part thesaurus for emotions and character traits, part baby names book, part plot tool, all reference work, MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS is the kind of book I want on my writing shelf ... preferably, between you and me, in a hard copy, and really, I'd like one copy for each new project I begin, just so I can go through during the process and highlight ideas, names, and other things that spark my imagination.

I can't encourage you highly enough to get your hands on a copy (to start) of Donovan's work. Her intensive research will amaze you; her friendly style welcome you; and all the resources she provides will win you over immediately.

# # #

Author: Bryn Donovan
Title: MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS: THESAURUSES, PLOTS, CHARACTER TRAITS, NAMES, AND MORE
ASIN: B016U2K20O
Purchase here: http://amzn.to/1GytGgb

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this work from the author in exchange for an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I totally would. This book was recommended to me by a friend and I thought "I'll give it a try, it's only a few bucks". Holy cow, it is well worth the money! I'm a romance author and I love the 500 words for sex scenes section. I don't consider this book something to just copy from, but it will spark your creativity and lead you to awesome stuff in your own words. Whether you're just starting out as an author or are a veteran like myself, I urge you to grab this book. It's easy to understand and has a wealth of information. What are you waiting for...go...buy this book...NOW!!!

Just picked this book up in time for Nanowrimo. What a gem! I love lists and I keep lists all over the place. Bryn Donovan has pulled together some of the best lists for writers into one great book. At times, I feel like I'm at a loss for a word or phrase to break up the usual "she said" and this one has it, along with names, ideas for writing, and so much more.

Not a book you sit and just read, this one's supposed to be used, dog-eared, highlighted, notated, and above all, used to make your writing better.

As a writer myself, I'm creative and motivated 95% of the time. Bryn's book is great for those days when you find yourself writing he said/she said WAY too many times. Like she herself says in the book, her suggestions for helping writers get unstuck aren't perfect, they're just there to get you thinking and keep you in the seat writing! Bryn calls herself a master list maker and she doesn't disappoint...
Mary Kennedy Eastham, MA, MFA - Author Squinting Over Water and The Shadow of a Dog I Can't Forget and the upcoming book
Little Earthquakes: Fast Lit To Go

During the past few months I have researched a number of books about how to write in preparation to write a book about my wartime experience in South Vietnam. Mr. Donovan's book is a valuable tool for the writers toolbox. It provides essential information regarding character development, setting, plot, dialog, and much more. Writing a book is a very difficult task and writers need all the help they can acquire. I strongly recommend this book as a important resource for authors!

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave me exactly what it promised; well organized lists to help when writing a book or story. Sometimes I struggle during editing to figure out the best way to describe something and this book will help with that. Even if you don't use the exact words she uses, it is a starting point, something to get your mind working in the right direction. The sections on plots and twists had me thinking of all kinds of things I could write about. Very inspirational! Some of the listed items were a bit cliche and I felt they were little more than filler. But the majority of listed items were helpful and I can see me using this book during editing for all of my work. I will be buying a physical copy of the book so that I can mark it up and keep it handy while I'm working. If you are a writer of any kind and sometimes need help finding the write words, names or plots, get this book. You won't be sorry!

This book is a great addition to any writer's resource collection. The lists in Bryn Donovan's "Master Lists for Writers" are great for beginners and seasoned writers alike. Why not just pick up a thesaurus? Yes, do that, if you know the word you're looking for. But sometimes, a writer wants to describe a certain feeling, an emotion, a scene they see playing out in their head. And, lets face it, sometimes we just don't know the word we're looking for. From love scenes, to character traits, to names and dialogue from medieval England, this book has a list for everyone. "Master Lists for Writers" also comes with sections on settings and plots that can serve as writing prompts. The plotting section could also come in handy for anyone who needs to add a little padding or depth to their story. I also suggest picking up a copy of this book if you're suffering from a case of writer's block - there's a plethora of interesting ideas to work with!

This book is great for writers like me who struggle with just the words. Of course, the lists in this book are by no means complete (this is not an encyclopedia for writers). In fact, the author mentions early on that these lists are meant to help writers find what they are looking for if they are stuck, but those lists might also help the writer come up with a better word for his/her book. Since I am working on my second novel, I found this book very helpful for those moments when I cannot remember a word even though it is on the tip of my tongue. Sure, anyone can do a quick Google search to find a synonym to a specific word, and that is exactly what I still do. However, this book is meant to help writers find words quickly so they can get back to writing and not waste time. The way I have used this book so far goes something like this: I am writing and get stuck rummaging through my head for the right word, I jump to the Master Lists for Writers eBook I have and find the list that most fits what I am looking for (like the list "50 Actions that Show Animosity" or the list "Physical Descriptions"), and I glance quickly through the list. Most of the time, I find exactly what my brain forgot in that moment, and if I still do not, I do an Internet search using a synonym until I find the right word. In my opinion, this book is fantastic for that quick remembrance process, especially if you do not want to waste time reading page after page of Internet sites describing what you are looking for. I also think the eBook version is pretty wonderful, since you can easily search for a specific word or use the "Table of Contents" to find the category you need. I am sure it works the same way for the paperback version, but I found the eBook perfect for the job.

This is a helpful guide for inexperienced writers, and for those educated by mainly by sitcom and reality television entertainment, those who've not spent much time reading literary, or even mass market paperback novels. Many of the descriptive words are over-used and probably should be avoided in order to not end up in the slush pile of editors and agents. I'm sure someone like Cormac McCarthy would vomit at the sight of such a cookbook approach to good writing.

This book is exquisite! It is a must for writers everywhere! This book consists of lists! Wonderful lists that which can help any writer stuck with plot ideas, describing feelings, sounds, settings, and there is even a list for character names (both men and women!) It is wonderful for a person like me who is joining NaNowrimo after such a long time (my little one wants to do it this year its his first time so he wants me to write along side him). It can also help him as well in case he gets stuck describing (if one censors certain pages and is used under parental supervision) it is also a wonderful tool for a kid as well! I am positively enamored with this book! It will really be my go to book when I get stuck on my writing. Usually when I write for NaNo I can't meet the 50,000 word deadline because I get stuck in my plot ideas or just words escape me. But I am feeling more confident with this book! Really purchase it! It will be a great tool the writer has done an exceptional job to create one powerful tool!

Master Lists For Writers is a wonderful resource for writers. I've been a content writer for many years, but have just started my first novel. This book is a Godsend when I have writer's block or just need a bit of help finding the right word to use. I'm so thankful to have found this wonderful resource. I've already used the book multiple times and anticipate turning to it again and again in the future. If you're a writer, I highly recommend you purchase Master Lists For Writers.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

As a fiction writer, I often depend on lists to jump-start my creative juices. I was somewhat familiar with the author's lists and was excited to get my hands on this book. I wondered how well the eBook version would display all of these lists. I was so happy to find the eBook version is formatted well and looks great on both my phone and tablet.

As for the book itself, it definitely delivers on the title. This is a great resource that will prove to be useful to writers during every step of story creation. I know I'll be reaching for this book when I'm creating characters and finding my plot, while I'm drafting and need a jolt of inspiration, and after I've finished a draft and I'm searching for a replacement for a phrase I've overused. Though there are many lists I found useful (too many to name here), the character traits and motivation lists are awesome and will be handy for creating unique and complex characters.

In short, if you write fiction, this is a resource you'll want on your shelf (or on your eReader)!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this item in exchange for an honest review.

The title alone was enough to peak my interest! As a fellow writer who lives by lists, I thought this book may be the perfect match for me, and it was. While no book could possible contain every possible list helpful to writers, this one comes very close. It is very thorough and set up in a user-friendly format and it also includes a list of names separated by gender and by culture/time period/region as well. Many writers have all kinds of "lists" and alternative names for items and such stored on the computer for easy reference but with this book there's no more searching websites and desktop folders as the lists are all finally in one place. Highly recommended for emerging and seasoned writers alike!

I bought this book, Master Lists for Writers, as an e-book first. Last night I ordered it in paper. I've done this before--not to check out the book before I buy paper. But because I use it so much and I'm thinking of going to have the book "drilled" and spiral bound, so I can add my own notes in the proper places, This book turned out to be a real "work horse" for me. Love it.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave me exactly what it promised; well organized lists to help when writing a book or story. Sometimes I struggle during editing to figure out the best way to describe something and this book will help with that. Even if you don't use the exact words she uses, it is a starting point, something to get your mind working in the right direction. The sections on plots and twists had me thinking of all kinds of things I could write about. Very inspirational! Some of the listed items were a bit cliche and I felt they were little more than filler. But the majority of listed items were helpful and I can see me using this book during editing for all of my work. I will be buying a physical copy of the book so that I can mark it up and keep it handy while I'm working. If you are a writer of any kind and sometimes need help finding the write words, names or plots, get this book. You won't be sorry!

This book is a great addition to any writer's resource collection. The lists in Bryn Donovan's "Master Lists for Writers" are great for beginners and seasoned writers alike. Why not just pick up a thesaurus? Yes, do that, if you know the word you're looking for. But sometimes, a writer wants to describe a certain feeling, an emotion, a scene they see playing out in their head. And, lets face it, sometimes we just don't know the word we're looking for. From love scenes, to character traits, to names and dialogue from medieval England, this book has a list for everyone. "Master Lists for Writers" also comes with sections on settings and plots that can serve as writing prompts. The plotting section could also come in handy for anyone who needs to add a little padding or depth to their story. I also suggest picking up a copy of this book if you're suffering from a case of writer's block - there's a plethora of interesting ideas to work with!

This book is great for writers like me who struggle with just the words. Of course, the lists in this book are by no means complete (this is not an encyclopedia for writers). In fact, the author mentions early on that these lists are meant to help writers find what they are looking for if they are stuck, but those lists might also help the writer come up with a better word for his/her book. Since I am working on my second novel, I found this book very helpful for those moments when I cannot remember a word even though it is on the tip of my tongue. Sure, anyone can do a quick Google search to find a synonym to a specific word, and that is exactly what I still do. However, this book is meant to help writers find words quickly so they can get back to writing and not waste time. The way I have used this book so far goes something like this: I am writing and get stuck rummaging through my head for the right word, I jump to the Master Lists for Writers eBook I have and find the list that most fits what I am looking for (like the list "50 Actions that Show Animosity" or the list "Physical Descriptions"), and I glance quickly through the list. Most of the time, I find exactly what my brain forgot in that moment, and if I still do not, I do an Internet search using a synonym until I find the right word. In my opinion, this book is fantastic for that quick remembrance process, especially if you do not want to waste time reading page after page of Internet sites describing what you are looking for. I also think the eBook version is pretty wonderful, since you can easily search for a specific word or use the "Table of Contents" to find the category you need. I am sure it works the same way for the paperback version, but I found the eBook perfect for the job.

This is a helpful guide for inexperienced writers, and for those educated by mainly by sitcom and reality television entertainment, those who've not spent much time reading literary, or even mass market paperback novels. Many of the descriptive words are over-used and probably should be avoided in order to not end up in the slush pile of editors and agents. I'm sure someone like Cormac McCarthy would vomit at the sight of such a cookbook approach to good writing.

This book is exquisite! It is a must for writers everywhere! This book consists of lists! Wonderful lists that which can help any writer stuck with plot ideas, describing feelings, sounds, settings, and there is even a list for character names (both men and women!) It is wonderful for a person like me who is joining NaNowrimo after such a long time (my little one wants to do it this year its his first time so he wants me to write along side him). It can also help him as well in case he gets stuck describing (if one censors certain pages and is used under parental supervision) it is also a wonderful tool for a kid as well! I am positively enamored with this book! It will really be my go to book when I get stuck on my writing. Usually when I write for NaNo I can't meet the 50,000 word deadline because I get stuck in my plot ideas or just words escape me. But I am feeling more confident with this book! Really purchase it! It will be a great tool the writer has done an exceptional job to create one powerful tool!

Master Lists For Writers is a wonderful resource for writers. I've been a content writer for many years, but have just started my first novel. This book is a Godsend when I have writer's block or just need a bit of help finding the right word to use. I'm so thankful to have found this wonderful resource. I've already used the book multiple times and anticipate turning to it again and again in the future. If you're a writer, I highly recommend you purchase Master Lists For Writers.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

As a fiction writer, I often depend on lists to jump-start my creative juices. I was somewhat familiar with the author's lists and was excited to get my hands on this book. I wondered how well the eBook version would display all of these lists. I was so happy to find the eBook version is formatted well and looks great on both my phone and tablet.

As for the book itself, it definitely delivers on the title. This is a great resource that will prove to be useful to writers during every step of story creation. I know I'll be reaching for this book when I'm creating characters and finding my plot, while I'm drafting and need a jolt of inspiration, and after I've finished a draft and I'm searching for a replacement for a phrase I've overused. Though there are many lists I found useful (too many to name here), the character traits and motivation lists are awesome and will be handy for creating unique and complex characters.

In short, if you write fiction, this is a resource you'll want on your shelf (or on your eReader)!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this item in exchange for an honest review.

The title alone was enough to peak my interest! As a fellow writer who lives by lists, I thought this book may be the perfect match for me, and it was. While no book could possible contain every possible list helpful to writers, this one comes very close. It is very thorough and set up in a user-friendly format and it also includes a list of names separated by gender and by culture/time period/region as well. Many writers have all kinds of "lists" and alternative names for items and such stored on the computer for easy reference but with this book there's no more searching websites and desktop folders as the lists are all finally in one place. Highly recommended for emerging and seasoned writers alike!

I bought this book, Master Lists for Writers, as an e-book first. Last night I ordered it in paper. I've done this before--not to check out the book before I buy paper. But because I use it so much and I'm thinking of going to have the book "drilled" and spiral bound, so I can add my own notes in the proper places, This book turned out to be a real "work horse" for me. Love it.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a perfect reference companion for fiction writers in mid-writing flow. I wound up having it on hand while I was actively writing, for those times when what I wanted to say was on the tip of my fingers.

Inside are lists for creating and describing characters, scenes, emotions, plots, and for sparking ideas for plots, motivation, and goals (and MORE)--which makes it as fantastic of a brainstorming tool as it is an active writing one. There are some surprises, too! My favorite list is a guide to dialogue in Victorian England. Definitely a good reference tool to have on hand during multiple stages of your process.

I received an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I am so glad I did. This is a unique, fun, and inspiring addition to the writing thesaurus genre. Filled with useful lists of character names, traits, and occupations, it also has creative and unusual lists I've never seen anywhere else, like lists of evocative scents and sounds to fill scenes or a big list of potential character quirks. Donovan especially shines in her lists of various plots for romance, workplace, family stories, etc. The lists are helpful as a resource when writing, but also are a great way to jumpstart your creativity. A fun resource for any writer, especially a romance writer like myself.

I received a free copy of this book and a request to write a review.

As a writer, I was already using parts of this book before I jumped at the chance to review it. I was already impressed with this author's work before I saw the entire book and once I reviewed a digital version, I was absolutely thrilled with it. This is one of the most helpful references I've ever used. The clear, specific lists present options for you to consider as you write and inspire your own descriptions. Particularly salient was the reminder of the importance of context. Even though I have a digital version, I bought the paperback to have in hand as I write. Thank you!

This book has so much in it I don't know where to begin! Awesome lists for every aspect of writing. From character traits to love scenes and plots to help you focus, this book will help you reach your writer goals.

Awesome read!

This is basically a compilation of lists from the author. I think it is a great jumping off point for creating ones own lists. All in all it is a decent book that would be a great tool for brainstorming.

This and my thesaurus are two books that I can't write without. It is so full of wonderful ideas and tools. Every writer no matter if you are a professional, self-published, a fic writer, or just do it for your own pleasure, you need this book. It makes all the difference in the world.

I haven`t yet bought this book, but it is at the top of my wishlist. I do pose a question, though: Of the facial expressions, are just photos given, or are hints on how to write any given description also included.

I received a signed copy of this book as a gift and it has been a priceless in my writing. Whenever I am stuck trying to figure out a name or I need a word to describe something or if I am just completely stuck, I can just flip it open and get some ideas (hey writer's block is a very real thing). Rather you are writing Fiction or Non-Fiction, this book should be in your writers toolbox! A definite must own for all writers.

As a beginner and a rookie in the art of writer this book as been very helpful! I keep it with me all the time to help build up random ideas that I have. The only reason that this got four stars instead of five is because of several places where there are descriptive references to sex that are inappropriate. I ripped the pages out and continued to use the book, and I am still enjoying it!

I have been putting this book 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. 

5 out of 5 stars. 10/10 would recommend.

This book is definitely a must for any writer. I just received it for Christmas a few days ago and I've already used it several times. Not only is it great for the wide range of lists it contains, but it also got my creative gears running and thinking of even more things to add to my own lists.

A thoroughly engaging resource if you're a writer and are looking to add some variety to your stories. Also, great if you have a slight case of writer's block and can't quite figure out an idea. This book has lists of all kinds that will help, compiled in an easy to use format..

Bryn's collection of Master Lists is a fabulous heuristic tool. No more wracking your brain for the right turn of phrase -- Bryn has sorted and compiled everything from descriptive phrases, to plot summaries, to character traits and names... Writer's block? Just run your eye down one of Bryn's lists to discover a new jumping off point.

Of course, no book is going to do the work for you -- a writer has to write. But this resource is wonderful for helping the writer easily sift through word choices, compare connotations, or find new direction. Many thanks, Bryn, for putting these lists together! I know they will be consulted over and over.