Places to Start
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Oxford English Dictionary (OED)Where does your word come from? What other meanings does it have? This can be a great place to start!
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Academic Search UltimateDo a big search on your word? What ways are scholars using your word? Any pop culture references? This database will catch uses in news, culture, science and more.
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A dictionary of literary symbolsWhat might your word symbolize? Get some ideas here!
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The concise new Partridge dictionary of slang and unconventional EnglishWhat other meaning might your word have? Try the slang dictionary!
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An encyclopedia of swearingThis book is fascinating and can take you down some interesting research avenues!
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Newspaper Source PlusWhat was happening at the time of the events you're writing about? What historical events relate to your word? News events can provide good places to explore.
More ideas:
- Visit the place you're writing about. Go back if you can - it can help trigger memories and can provide detail for stronger imagery and scenes.
- Look through old journals and other writing.
- Talk to other people in your stories. Who else witnessed your stories? What do they remember? What are their perspectives?
