Next to plot and
character, I think setting is the next most important decision a writer has to make.
Setting is where the story takes place and it can be a character in itself. The setting creates the
atmosphere of the book.
Think about the geographic
location (state, country, city), the terrain (midtown Manhattan, Midwest
fields, San Francisco bay), buildings (is the story set in the city or rural
area), weather (is it excessively hot, cold, major storms), transportation,
population, economic, ethnic traditions, and time of year (spring, summer,
fall, winter). Once the setting is decided, as you progress through the story
make sure you stay consistent with time and place.
Don’t resort to clichés –
“Dark and stormy night.”
Provide sensory details.
What does the place look like, smell like. What are the shapes, colors, and
textures? Use descriptive terms. “It was a nice day,” is bland. Come up with
phrasing that ignites the reader’s senses.
Link details of your
setting with emotions your reader might feel. What makes your setting different?
What details can you provide that makes this setting unique.
Louise Penny, Deborah Crombie, and Elizabeth George (along with may other authors) do a great job of placing readers into their setting.
