Fiction Writing Vocabulary

noun a pointed tool or spike used for breaking rock or ore

verb to move restlessly or aimlessly from place to place

• She always carries a small electronic gad with her to keep track of her appointments.
• I forgot my gad at home so I can't check my messages right now.
• I can't believe he lost his gad again, he's so forgetful.
• His words were like a gad, poking at her until she finally spoke up.

verb to create or invent something, especially a story or an excuse

• The evidence presented in court was all made up by the witness.
• I think he just made up that excuse to get out of going to the party.
• She totally made up that story to cover for her friend.
• His success was made up of hard work and determination.

noun a person who is the son of one's spouse from a previous marriage

preposition in-law (indicating a relationship by marriage)

• My stepson-in-law is a successful lawyer who graduated from a prestigious university.
• I get along well with my stepson-in-law, we enjoy watching sports together.
• My stepson-in-law is a cool dude, always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh.
• Having a stepson-in-law is like gaining an extra son, it's a new bond to cherish.