Demystifiying Terms Used in Writing
Ab Ovo
The act of beginning a poetic narrative at the earliest possible chronological point. (Latin: from the egg. Original phrase: Ab ovo usque ad mala, From the egg to the apples. - penned by Roman Poet Horace)
Act Structure
The Act Structure is a model used in narrative fiction that divides a story into parts. Most common is the 3-act structure often broken into segments called the Setup, the Confrontation, and the Resolution. Also found are the 2-act structure, 4-act structure, and 5-act structure.
Adjective
Describes, modifies, or gives more information about a noun or pronoun. Examples: cold, happy, young, two, fun
Adverb
Modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It tells how (often), where, when. Examples: slowly, very, always, well, too
Anadiplosis*
Repetition of an end at the next beginning. Example: Though I yield, I yield gladly.
Anastrophe*
Reversal of normal order. Example: Author extraordinaire!
Ansyndeton*
Omission of a conjunction between clauses. Example: We loved, we laughed.
Antagonist
An Antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the chief foe of the protagonist.
Arc, Character
A Character Arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story. If a story has a character arc, the character begins as one sort of person and gradually transforms into a different sort of person in response to changing developments in the story.
Arc, Narrative (Story)
A Story Arc is an extended or continuing storyline in storytelling spanning from the beginning to the end of the story. In a series or multi-part narrative several narrative or story arcs will be used. One for each story and another for the overall arc of the series.
Archetypes (Jungian, etc.)
A very typical example of a certain person or thing. The concept of an Archetype appears in areas relating to behavior, historical psychology, and literary analysis. An Archetype can be: a statement, pattern of behavior, prototype, "first" form, or a main model that other statements, patterns of behavior, and objects copy, emulate, or "merge" into.
B Story
See Subplot
Brachylogia*
The omission of a conjunction between words or phrases. Example: I have beauty, brains, brawn.
Call-to-Action
In story telling the Call to Action is the triggering event that drives the protagonist out of their comfortable ordinary world and into the world of adventure to solve a problem. The call to action may be an event, a mission, orders, or the will to change something problematic, among other things. The call to action must such that it cannot be solved on its own or without direct effort from the protagonist.
Canon
The collection of rules or texts that are considered to be authoritative and authentic.
Catharsis
The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. In writing, Catharsis happens at the resolution of a particularly difficult scene or challenge, which releases the tension for the reader. The ultimate catharsis happens at the end of the story when the central question has been resolved.
Central Question
The Central Question is what drives a particular work. In a book it is the matter, problem, or point which needs to be considered and solved to bring the story to it's conclusion. In a murder mystery it is generally the "who is the murderer?" question.
Chapter
A main division of a book, typically with a number or a title.
Character Driven
Character Driven stories are focused more character arc and development than they are on plot. It is a story that is driven by emotion, inner transformation, or relationships rather than plot, often found in real-life stories.
Climax
The Climax or turning point of a narrative work is its point of highest tension and drama, or it is the time when the action starts during which the solution is given. The climax of a story is a literary element. Often the point where everything changes in the story.
Conflict
A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. In life Conflict can be based around issues such as personal, racial, religious, class, caste, nation, or political to name a few. The Conflict in a story can be internal with the protagonist struggling with something personal and emotional, like a false belief, or external such as coming against natural forces or the antagonist and their forces.
Conjunction
Joins two words, ideas, or phrases together and shows how they are connected. Examples: and, or, but, because, yet, so
Crisis
The Crisis a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. The decisive moment where a difficult or important decision must be made. In storytelling it is the do or die moment where the protagonist must gather all they have learned and earned along the way to defeat the opposing forces.
Denouement
French term meaning unknotting. It is the conclusion after the climax of a story where the complexities of the plot and conflict are resolved, including the wrapping up of the character arcs of all main characters.
Diacope*
Repetition with a word between. Example: Fabulous, absolutely fabulous!
Epanados*
Repetition but in reverse order. Example: Must we write? Write we must!
Epanalepsis*
Ending a group of words with the same word that began it. Example: Little by little.
Epanorthosis*
Addition of a correction. Example: I enjoy writing - no, I love writing!
Exposition
Is a literary device that conveys important information to the reader such as background information, setting, event, or other narrative element. It introduces the reader events that happened before the story and sets the scene for the coming narrative.
Falling Action
The action that happens near the end of the story after the climax and resolution of the major conflict or central question. Rising action increases drama and tension, the Falling Actions decreases it on the way to the denouement.
Flash Fiction
A genre of fiction producing very short pieces of fictional literature which still feature character and plot development, often focusing on a single scene. While there are no defined word counts, a Flash Fiction typically can range from 3 to 1000 words.
Genre (See Genre Definitions Page)
French term meaning kind or sort. Genre refers to a form, class, or type of literary work, such as horror, romance, or thriller.
Hendiadys*
Expression of an idea with two nouns. Example: Doom and gloom.
Hypallage*
Applying and adjective to the wrong word. Example: I had a sleepless night.
In Media Res
Latin for into the midst of things. Beginning the story or narrative in the middle of the plot typically in the midst of the climax or critical situation. The reader is brought close to the conclusion of the crisis before being brought back to the beginning of the story. Often, the exposition is filled in through dialogue, flashbacks, or descriptions of past events.
Infodump
When a large quantity of backstory is supplied all at once in a matter of pages, rather than unfolding throughout the story. Often seen as clumsy and inappropriate.
Interjection
A word or phrase that expresses a strong emotion. Examples: Ouch! Hey! Oh! Watch out!
Journey Home
The process of changing and developing over time. Once the protagonist has seized the sword and defeated the antagonist, they begin their Journey Home, often facing more trials and perhaps encountering the antagonist once more. It is the return to the Ordinary World.
Litotes*
Affirming something by denying its negative. Example: He's no slouch.
L.O.C.K.
Lead, Objective, Confrontation, Knockout. A strong narrative contains the L.O.C.K. formula. The Lead is a compelling protagonist for the reader to follow throughout the novel. The Objective is what the protagonist is trying to achieve or attain, otherwise it is just a character standing around. As the protagonist is working toward their objective, they must face Conflict to increase tension and drama in the story, otherwise there is no plot. Finally, the story must end with a Knockout punch delivered at the end of the story. This is the moment of payoff the reader has been waiting for. Make it spectacular.
Magic Realism
A genre of literature that depicts an undercurrent of magic or fantasy in the real world. Narratives with Magic Realism blur the line between fantasy and reality as depicted in fairy tales.
Metaplasmus*
Misspelling that serves a purpose. Example: Dawg instead of Dog.
Metonymy*
Substituting an attribute for the thing itself. Example: I serve the crown.
M.I.C.E. Quotient
Milieu, Idea, Character, Event. The M.I.C.E. Quotient helps to identify what kind of narrative is being told. A Milieu story often revolves around a location either journeying to or escaping from. An Idea story is centred around a central question or idea, such as solving a crime. Character stories are driven by the character and their arc. Event stories are centred around an event which must be resolved, such as a kidnapping or natural disaster.
Narrator (Unreliable Narrator)
The narrator is the speaker of the text and determines the story's point of view. If the narrator is a full participant in the story, the narrative is in the first person. If they are not a character in the story and are merely telling the story, the narrative is said to be in third person. An Unreliable Narrator is a narrator who cannot be fully trusted or whose rendition of events must be considered carefully.
New World
The New World is the unknown world the protagonist enters when they cross the threshold form the Ordinary World into their adventure. This is where they will learn new abilities, face trials and challenges, meet allies and enemies, and work through their character transformation.
Noun
Name of a person, place, thing, or idea. Examples: Dani, London, table, hope
Ordinary World
The Ordinary World is where the reader meets the protagonist and introduced to their regular daily life before something happens to disrupt it and drive them into the New World and the story.
Pants
The term Pants refers to writing a story without outlining the plot before hand. Also known as discovery writing, it is a method of beginning the story and allowing it be built and flow naturally as it is being written.
Paradiastole*
A sarcastic euphuism as a means of disparagement. Example: That sculpture is imperfectly beautiful.
Pleonasm*
Needless duplication of meaning. Example: An illustrating example.
Plot
A sequence of events connected by cause and effect which bring the reader through a story.
Plot Driven
A Plot Driven story is often fast-paced and full of excitement, enticing the reader to keep turning pages to find out what happens next. The story focus is on ideas and dilemmas, more so than people and their motivations. Will the characters survive, find the talisman, escape, foil the antagonist, or defeat the evil behind the curtain?
Plot Outline
As opposed to pants, Plot Outline is the practice of detailing the and arranging the key plot points of the narrative before beginning to write. Plot points are similar to sign posts along the way of the story guiding the writer on where to go next. Outlining can be very effective in larger stories, series, or sagas and allow the writer to keep track of multiple moving parts.
Point of No Return
The Point of No Return is the action taken by the protagonist or event that happens to the protagonist from which they can no longer return to the ordinary world without completing the task before them. This can include angering the authorities, stealing an object, brushing up with the antagonist or their forces, a hijacking, or even a kidnapping that must be solved. It is the event which forces the protagonist into the story and the New World.
Polysyndeton*
A surfeit of conjunctions. Example: We have ships and men and money and stores.
Praeteritio*
Drawing attention to something by pretending to ignore it. Example: I won't mention that he cheated on his exam, but I am not sure he can be trusted.
Preposition
Shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word. Examples: at, on, in, from, with, about
Pronoun
Used in place of a noun or a noun phrase to avoid repetition. Examples: I, you, it, we, us, them, those
Prosthesis*
Tacking letters onto the beginning of a word. Example: Bemoan
Protagonist
The principal character in a narrative or story. The character the reader follows throughout the narrative.
Resolution
The resolution is the end of the story. It occurs after the climax and is when the reader learns what happens to the characters after the conflict is resolved. Also known as the Denouement, the resolution ties up any loose story lines and closes any remaining character arcs.
Rising Action
The Rising Action is a series of incidents in the plot which build toward the climax or point of greatest interest. It increases the tension and drama, whereas the falling action decrease the tension and drama. The Rising Action serves to keep the reader engaged while continuing the plot.
Saga
A Saga is a long story typically about something dramatic or heroic, often dealing with a complicated series of events. Commonly found in Icelandic or Norse prose.
Series
A Series is a group or number of related or similar persons, things, or events coming one after another. In literature it is a group of books following the same story line like the Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, or Harry Potter.
Story Length
How long should a story be or what is considered a novel? Typically the length of a story dictates how it is classified.
Micro-Fiction - up to 100 words
Flash Fiction or Short Short - 100 - 1000 words
Short Story - 1000 - 7,500 words
Novelette - 7,500 - 20,000 words
Novella - 20,000 - 50,000 words
Novel - 50,000 - 110,000 words
Epic or Super Novel - 110,000+ words
Subplot
A side story that runs parallel to the main plot. It includes the secondary line of characters and events which infuse important details and information into the plot. Often used to follow and describe the character arc of the protagonist as it pertains to the plot. Lessons learned in each will further the development of each. Example: A detective is trying solve a murder (plot) while at the same time trying to save their failing marriage (subplot). While confronting their false beliefs in their marriage they learn something that has been holding them back from solving the crime.
Syllepsis*
Relating the same word to two others in different senses. Example: I swallowed my pride and a stiff shot of scotch.
Synaloepha*
Combining two words with an omitted letter. Example: Can't, Shouldn't, Won't
Synaesthesia*
Expressing one sensory experience by another. Example: There was a heavy silence.
Synecdoche*
Substituting the part of the whole. Example: Ten head of cattle.
Tapinosis*
Belittling someone or something by sarcastic hyperbole. Example: Here comes his Lordship now!
Theme
The universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. It is the main idea or underlying meaning being explored in the narrative. The theme may be conveyed using characters, settings, dialogue, plot, or any combination. Themes may include courage, loyalty, honesty, betrayal, love, or compassion.
Threshold
In literature, the Threshold is the point where the protagonist leaves the Ordinary World and enters into the New World, as well as when they return from the New World to the Ordinary World. It is often an event that pushes the protagonist past the point of no return. It can be figurative, such as leaving their village to go on an adventure, or literal, such as crossing the threshold into the vampire's castle.
Tweener
A writer who uses a mix of plotting and pantsing their work.
Verb
Shows an action or a state of being. Examples: go, speak, eat, live, are, is
World-Building
The process of developing a detailed and plausible fictional world for a novel or story. The act of developing laws, rules, locations, maps, characters, etc. to create a world for a narrative. The deeper the world-building, the more rich the experience for the reader.
Zeugma*
A verb governing two incongruous objects. Example: She lost her head and her purse.
If you have a word you think should be included in this list, Tweet it to: @thecalmscribe
*As referenced from The Superior Person's Third Book of Words by Peter Bowler.
The act of beginning a poetic narrative at the earliest possible chronological point. (Latin: from the egg. Original phrase: Ab ovo usque ad mala, From the egg to the apples. - penned by Roman Poet Horace)
Act Structure
The Act Structure is a model used in narrative fiction that divides a story into parts. Most common is the 3-act structure often broken into segments called the Setup, the Confrontation, and the Resolution. Also found are the 2-act structure, 4-act structure, and 5-act structure.
Adjective
Describes, modifies, or gives more information about a noun or pronoun. Examples: cold, happy, young, two, fun
Adverb
Modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It tells how (often), where, when. Examples: slowly, very, always, well, too
Anadiplosis*
Repetition of an end at the next beginning. Example: Though I yield, I yield gladly.
Anastrophe*
Reversal of normal order. Example: Author extraordinaire!
Ansyndeton*
Omission of a conjunction between clauses. Example: We loved, we laughed.
Antagonist
An Antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the chief foe of the protagonist.
Arc, Character
A Character Arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story. If a story has a character arc, the character begins as one sort of person and gradually transforms into a different sort of person in response to changing developments in the story.
Arc, Narrative (Story)
A Story Arc is an extended or continuing storyline in storytelling spanning from the beginning to the end of the story. In a series or multi-part narrative several narrative or story arcs will be used. One for each story and another for the overall arc of the series.
Archetypes (Jungian, etc.)
A very typical example of a certain person or thing. The concept of an Archetype appears in areas relating to behavior, historical psychology, and literary analysis. An Archetype can be: a statement, pattern of behavior, prototype, "first" form, or a main model that other statements, patterns of behavior, and objects copy, emulate, or "merge" into.
B Story
See Subplot
Brachylogia*
The omission of a conjunction between words or phrases. Example: I have beauty, brains, brawn.
Call-to-Action
In story telling the Call to Action is the triggering event that drives the protagonist out of their comfortable ordinary world and into the world of adventure to solve a problem. The call to action may be an event, a mission, orders, or the will to change something problematic, among other things. The call to action must such that it cannot be solved on its own or without direct effort from the protagonist.
Canon
The collection of rules or texts that are considered to be authoritative and authentic.
Catharsis
The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. In writing, Catharsis happens at the resolution of a particularly difficult scene or challenge, which releases the tension for the reader. The ultimate catharsis happens at the end of the story when the central question has been resolved.
Central Question
The Central Question is what drives a particular work. In a book it is the matter, problem, or point which needs to be considered and solved to bring the story to it's conclusion. In a murder mystery it is generally the "who is the murderer?" question.
Chapter
A main division of a book, typically with a number or a title.
Character Driven
Character Driven stories are focused more character arc and development than they are on plot. It is a story that is driven by emotion, inner transformation, or relationships rather than plot, often found in real-life stories.
Climax
The Climax or turning point of a narrative work is its point of highest tension and drama, or it is the time when the action starts during which the solution is given. The climax of a story is a literary element. Often the point where everything changes in the story.
Conflict
A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. In life Conflict can be based around issues such as personal, racial, religious, class, caste, nation, or political to name a few. The Conflict in a story can be internal with the protagonist struggling with something personal and emotional, like a false belief, or external such as coming against natural forces or the antagonist and their forces.
Conjunction
Joins two words, ideas, or phrases together and shows how they are connected. Examples: and, or, but, because, yet, so
Crisis
The Crisis a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. The decisive moment where a difficult or important decision must be made. In storytelling it is the do or die moment where the protagonist must gather all they have learned and earned along the way to defeat the opposing forces.
Denouement
French term meaning unknotting. It is the conclusion after the climax of a story where the complexities of the plot and conflict are resolved, including the wrapping up of the character arcs of all main characters.
Diacope*
Repetition with a word between. Example: Fabulous, absolutely fabulous!
Epanados*
Repetition but in reverse order. Example: Must we write? Write we must!
Epanalepsis*
Ending a group of words with the same word that began it. Example: Little by little.
Epanorthosis*
Addition of a correction. Example: I enjoy writing - no, I love writing!
Exposition
Is a literary device that conveys important information to the reader such as background information, setting, event, or other narrative element. It introduces the reader events that happened before the story and sets the scene for the coming narrative.
Falling Action
The action that happens near the end of the story after the climax and resolution of the major conflict or central question. Rising action increases drama and tension, the Falling Actions decreases it on the way to the denouement.
Flash Fiction
A genre of fiction producing very short pieces of fictional literature which still feature character and plot development, often focusing on a single scene. While there are no defined word counts, a Flash Fiction typically can range from 3 to 1000 words.
Genre (See Genre Definitions Page)
French term meaning kind or sort. Genre refers to a form, class, or type of literary work, such as horror, romance, or thriller.
Hendiadys*
Expression of an idea with two nouns. Example: Doom and gloom.
Hypallage*
Applying and adjective to the wrong word. Example: I had a sleepless night.
In Media Res
Latin for into the midst of things. Beginning the story or narrative in the middle of the plot typically in the midst of the climax or critical situation. The reader is brought close to the conclusion of the crisis before being brought back to the beginning of the story. Often, the exposition is filled in through dialogue, flashbacks, or descriptions of past events.
Infodump
When a large quantity of backstory is supplied all at once in a matter of pages, rather than unfolding throughout the story. Often seen as clumsy and inappropriate.
Interjection
A word or phrase that expresses a strong emotion. Examples: Ouch! Hey! Oh! Watch out!
Journey Home
The process of changing and developing over time. Once the protagonist has seized the sword and defeated the antagonist, they begin their Journey Home, often facing more trials and perhaps encountering the antagonist once more. It is the return to the Ordinary World.
Litotes*
Affirming something by denying its negative. Example: He's no slouch.
L.O.C.K.
Lead, Objective, Confrontation, Knockout. A strong narrative contains the L.O.C.K. formula. The Lead is a compelling protagonist for the reader to follow throughout the novel. The Objective is what the protagonist is trying to achieve or attain, otherwise it is just a character standing around. As the protagonist is working toward their objective, they must face Conflict to increase tension and drama in the story, otherwise there is no plot. Finally, the story must end with a Knockout punch delivered at the end of the story. This is the moment of payoff the reader has been waiting for. Make it spectacular.
Magic Realism
A genre of literature that depicts an undercurrent of magic or fantasy in the real world. Narratives with Magic Realism blur the line between fantasy and reality as depicted in fairy tales.
Metaplasmus*
Misspelling that serves a purpose. Example: Dawg instead of Dog.
Metonymy*
Substituting an attribute for the thing itself. Example: I serve the crown.
M.I.C.E. Quotient
Milieu, Idea, Character, Event. The M.I.C.E. Quotient helps to identify what kind of narrative is being told. A Milieu story often revolves around a location either journeying to or escaping from. An Idea story is centred around a central question or idea, such as solving a crime. Character stories are driven by the character and their arc. Event stories are centred around an event which must be resolved, such as a kidnapping or natural disaster.
Narrator (Unreliable Narrator)
The narrator is the speaker of the text and determines the story's point of view. If the narrator is a full participant in the story, the narrative is in the first person. If they are not a character in the story and are merely telling the story, the narrative is said to be in third person. An Unreliable Narrator is a narrator who cannot be fully trusted or whose rendition of events must be considered carefully.
New World
The New World is the unknown world the protagonist enters when they cross the threshold form the Ordinary World into their adventure. This is where they will learn new abilities, face trials and challenges, meet allies and enemies, and work through their character transformation.
Noun
Name of a person, place, thing, or idea. Examples: Dani, London, table, hope
Ordinary World
The Ordinary World is where the reader meets the protagonist and introduced to their regular daily life before something happens to disrupt it and drive them into the New World and the story.
Pants
The term Pants refers to writing a story without outlining the plot before hand. Also known as discovery writing, it is a method of beginning the story and allowing it be built and flow naturally as it is being written.
Paradiastole*
A sarcastic euphuism as a means of disparagement. Example: That sculpture is imperfectly beautiful.
Pleonasm*
Needless duplication of meaning. Example: An illustrating example.
Plot
A sequence of events connected by cause and effect which bring the reader through a story.
Plot Driven
A Plot Driven story is often fast-paced and full of excitement, enticing the reader to keep turning pages to find out what happens next. The story focus is on ideas and dilemmas, more so than people and their motivations. Will the characters survive, find the talisman, escape, foil the antagonist, or defeat the evil behind the curtain?
Plot Outline
As opposed to pants, Plot Outline is the practice of detailing the and arranging the key plot points of the narrative before beginning to write. Plot points are similar to sign posts along the way of the story guiding the writer on where to go next. Outlining can be very effective in larger stories, series, or sagas and allow the writer to keep track of multiple moving parts.
Point of No Return
The Point of No Return is the action taken by the protagonist or event that happens to the protagonist from which they can no longer return to the ordinary world without completing the task before them. This can include angering the authorities, stealing an object, brushing up with the antagonist or their forces, a hijacking, or even a kidnapping that must be solved. It is the event which forces the protagonist into the story and the New World.
Polysyndeton*
A surfeit of conjunctions. Example: We have ships and men and money and stores.
Praeteritio*
Drawing attention to something by pretending to ignore it. Example: I won't mention that he cheated on his exam, but I am not sure he can be trusted.
Preposition
Shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word. Examples: at, on, in, from, with, about
Pronoun
Used in place of a noun or a noun phrase to avoid repetition. Examples: I, you, it, we, us, them, those
Prosthesis*
Tacking letters onto the beginning of a word. Example: Bemoan
Protagonist
The principal character in a narrative or story. The character the reader follows throughout the narrative.
Resolution
The resolution is the end of the story. It occurs after the climax and is when the reader learns what happens to the characters after the conflict is resolved. Also known as the Denouement, the resolution ties up any loose story lines and closes any remaining character arcs.
Rising Action
The Rising Action is a series of incidents in the plot which build toward the climax or point of greatest interest. It increases the tension and drama, whereas the falling action decrease the tension and drama. The Rising Action serves to keep the reader engaged while continuing the plot.
Saga
A Saga is a long story typically about something dramatic or heroic, often dealing with a complicated series of events. Commonly found in Icelandic or Norse prose.
Series
A Series is a group or number of related or similar persons, things, or events coming one after another. In literature it is a group of books following the same story line like the Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, or Harry Potter.
Story Length
How long should a story be or what is considered a novel? Typically the length of a story dictates how it is classified.
Micro-Fiction - up to 100 words
Flash Fiction or Short Short - 100 - 1000 words
Short Story - 1000 - 7,500 words
Novelette - 7,500 - 20,000 words
Novella - 20,000 - 50,000 words
Novel - 50,000 - 110,000 words
Epic or Super Novel - 110,000+ words
Subplot
A side story that runs parallel to the main plot. It includes the secondary line of characters and events which infuse important details and information into the plot. Often used to follow and describe the character arc of the protagonist as it pertains to the plot. Lessons learned in each will further the development of each. Example: A detective is trying solve a murder (plot) while at the same time trying to save their failing marriage (subplot). While confronting their false beliefs in their marriage they learn something that has been holding them back from solving the crime.
Syllepsis*
Relating the same word to two others in different senses. Example: I swallowed my pride and a stiff shot of scotch.
Synaloepha*
Combining two words with an omitted letter. Example: Can't, Shouldn't, Won't
Synaesthesia*
Expressing one sensory experience by another. Example: There was a heavy silence.
Synecdoche*
Substituting the part of the whole. Example: Ten head of cattle.
Tapinosis*
Belittling someone or something by sarcastic hyperbole. Example: Here comes his Lordship now!
Theme
The universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. It is the main idea or underlying meaning being explored in the narrative. The theme may be conveyed using characters, settings, dialogue, plot, or any combination. Themes may include courage, loyalty, honesty, betrayal, love, or compassion.
Threshold
In literature, the Threshold is the point where the protagonist leaves the Ordinary World and enters into the New World, as well as when they return from the New World to the Ordinary World. It is often an event that pushes the protagonist past the point of no return. It can be figurative, such as leaving their village to go on an adventure, or literal, such as crossing the threshold into the vampire's castle.
Tweener
A writer who uses a mix of plotting and pantsing their work.
Verb
Shows an action or a state of being. Examples: go, speak, eat, live, are, is
World-Building
The process of developing a detailed and plausible fictional world for a novel or story. The act of developing laws, rules, locations, maps, characters, etc. to create a world for a narrative. The deeper the world-building, the more rich the experience for the reader.
Zeugma*
A verb governing two incongruous objects. Example: She lost her head and her purse.
If you have a word you think should be included in this list, Tweet it to: @thecalmscribe
*As referenced from The Superior Person's Third Book of Words by Peter Bowler.