The Emotion Thesaurus Book Review by Sandi Somers

 

TITLE: The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, Expanded Edition

AUTHORS: Angela Ackerman, Becci Puglisi

PUBLISHER: Jadd Publishing 

PUBLICATION: 2019

COST: $23.56; Kindle $7.48 (current prices on Amazon.ca)

SUBJECTS INCLUDE: Characters and Characteristics in Literature

I was introduced to The Emotion Thesaurus at a writers’ conference in Calgary where the main author, Angela Ackerman, shared the scope and contents of the book. (I proudly proclaim that Angela is a Canadian who lives near Calgary, Alberta!)  

The authors wrote the book for writers to expand their descriptions of characters’ emotions. We often use telling words such as anger, discouragement, fear, confidence, or joy…whereas if we show these emotions through using body cues, thoughts, and actions, we get a more powerful and accurate sense of what the character is experiencing. 

I bought the book and tried using body clues on my fictional story of Jehoshaphat when he heard that a coalition of armies had come to attack him. I had originally written: “Panic gripped him and he felt fear as he had never felt before.” 

I asked: What did his panic and fear look like? How might a courageous king show these emotions? The Emotion Thesaurus gave me a wide range of possible physical signals and behaviours--his whole body began to shake--his knees became weak and he had to sit down--his mouth went dry and felt frozen--he tried to speak but words wouldn't come--his mind went blank and he couldn't think. 

Weaving in these concepts would make my story so much richer! The reader would be drawn into the story. 

*** 

The Emotion Thesaurus is an easy-to-use guide. 130 emotions are organized alphabetically, each covering two pages. Clear headings include: 

·        Physical signals, internal sensations, and mental responses.

·        A range of intensity from long-term responses to signs that this emotion is being suppressed,

·        Associated power verbs

·        Tips for using each emotion. 

This book is a valuable resource for any writer. It will inspire you to create stronger, fresher character expressions that will engage readers at a deeper level. 

I give it a five-star rating. 

PS For more Canadian bragging rights, I add that Angela Ackerman is a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of 11 bestselling books for writers, including spinoffs in her Emotion Thesaurus series, such as The Positive Trait Thesaurus and The Conflict Thesaurus. Her books are available in 10 languages, are sourced by universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world.