Book Review: The Emotional Wound Thesaurus

Review by Carolyn Miller

I was pretty excited when first alerted to the release of this new book by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. The Emotion Thesaurus by the same authors is a fabulous resource for writers wanting to explore emotional responses beyond the simple and the known. But The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Psychological Trauma is another thing entirely. As Story Genius author Lisa Cron says “What good is ‘writing well’ if you haven’t zeroed in on the essence of the story you are telling? This book peels back the layers to reveal not only where the beating heart of your story lies, but how to get it onto the page.”

So why have the likes of Lisa Cron and James Scott Bell endorsed this book? Because it is so practical, giving information on various reasons for motivation through exploring backstory, which is where he essence of all good stories lies. 

TEWT begins with a warning (!) that some of the issues raised may touch on an author’s own past, and to be wise when and where exploring such issues takes place. As it goes on to say “People are products of their pasts, and if we want our characters to come across as authentic and believable to readers, we need to understand their backstories, too.” The beginning section looks at how experiencing a traumatic event – whether it be bullying, divorce, car accident, witnessing a shooting, or even ongoing challenging situations, such as living with poverty or a disability – can impact how people see the world, and result in disempowering beliefs about themselves and the world they live in, which affects relationships, their moral code, and their ability to communicate. It then touches on the trigger for change, with a brief look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs, and how unmet needs tend to motivate characters to particular goals – a helpful tool for authors needing some help with Goal, Motivation, Conflict.

TEWT explores over 100 different scenarios, examining possible examples of this issue, the basic needs often compromised by this wound, false beliefs that may be embraced, what characters may fear, possible responses and results, personality traits that may form, triggers that may aggravate the wound, and opportunities to overcome the wound. It even gives case studies, and tools to help your character arcs, and backstory profiling.

I think this is a fabulous resource that I cannot recommend highly enough. Want your characters to be believable? Get this resource. Now.

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked part-time as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, and The Dishonourable Miss DeLancey, available at Amazon, Koorong, etc

Connect with her:        www.carolynmillerauthor.com

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Another Look at Conference Highlights

I've just returned from a lunch date at Picton where I filled in a host of details of our Omega16 conference, Mulgoa, to my sick friend who missed out. We've already had an excellent rundown from Meredith Resce, but this is entirely from my POV.

I loved our special welcome from Thomas. He meandered along the drive and approached our car then almost pushed his head through the window. I think he hoped for an apple or a carrot. Sorry Thomas...next time.

As we only live 45 minutes from the Edmond Rice Centre, we arrived early and met committee members setting up. I particularly enjoyed meeting our writers face-to-face. And everyone mixed well. That's important when some writers are attending for the first time. Staying in cliques can make a newbie feel 'out of it'.

Who could forget Hallee Bridgeman's passionate love scenes read by one very 'hot & bothered' lady? So much fun there. But so helpful. Surprised to find she's an extremely successful Indie Publisher with a huge fan base.

Every one of the presenters knew their topics well and were never stumped by questions. I really took in Cecily Thew Patterson's spot on Memoir Writing, as the idea of my unusual experiences as a travelling evangelist has been on my mind. I took a deeper look at my Beds I Have Slept In. Hm. Deeper than the humour I'd begun with.

Our Maori chef with his cheerful aides, presented such generous helpings. So delicious with seconds offered. And new table friends to interact with at many meals.

Narelle, Rose, Andrea, rudely photobombed by Raewyn and Heather!

And such a studious, quiet time as we pored over our writing ... NOT! It was a fabulous time of fun and fellowship. And that, my friend, (if you are thinking about attending next year) is a great atmosphere for learning everything you wanted to know about the writing, editing, social media, reviewing, writing technique - goals, motivation and conflict, understanding your characters & POV. Whew! 

Yes, there's more to writing a novel, memoir, nonfiction,             

Aussie and Kiwi friends

devotional than perhaps you ever thought. And as a writer who has been at it for some years now, I know there's always something new to learn.

And that's where a beta reader and an editor willing to assess your work is so important to you. 

I got a big kick meeting Iola Goulton. She has worked with me on my Victorian trilogy and also a couple of other stories which are still in the pipeline. You have to have a soft spot for someone with whom you share your precious words. Someone who cares enough to help you sharpen your mind processes enough to make your novels sparkle. And sharing a wry sense of humour helps big time!

Glad to see Meredith Resce accepting the position of Omega's president. A job with huge responsibility. Just as well she's a competent girl who knows the value of delegating. And I appreciate the idea of incorporating an afternoon nap. Our brains can only take in so much. :)

Currently Rita co-presents a Christian radio program with her husband, George. This is broadcast Australia-wide on local FM stations. As an author, she has written five historicals & contributed to several US anthologies.

Each year Rita and her husband minister for a month in Thailand at Buddhist schools, prisons, hospitals, orphanages and Christian churches.  see www.ritastellapress.com