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Friday, June 18, 2010

Friday Round-Up - #103

Your character's stage or setting helps the reader enter your story world. Laurel, at Laurel's Leaves, gives great information and examples on improving setting.

What are some of the methods you use to ground your character in a time period or place?

Suzanne Hartmann gives tips on making readers feel like they're in the Point of View character's head.

Have a blessed weekend!

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25 comments:

  1. Donna M. KohlstromJune 18, 2010 at 5:23 AM

    I enjoy writing settings for my characters. There are endless options and it's a challenge to keep the settings current to the story timeline and plot.

    Wishing you a cool, relaxing weekend full of blessings!

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  2. Terri TiffanyJune 18, 2010 at 9:06 AM

    I'm not really good with settings so I guess you can tell where I'm headed next!

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  3. pattiJune 18, 2010 at 10:03 AM

    LOVE that grounding in time and place with details from the setting.

    swaying palms in Hawaii, languid and droopy willows near a river...

    you get the picture. Yeah, I'd like a respite today but will be banging the keys a la deadline!!!

    Blessings, Susan

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  4. NancyJune 18, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    My link didn't work this time. I do love settings. I use pieces of my past and add from things I imagine. And I love the settings in books. They pull my in to the story.

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  5. Cindy R. WilsonJune 18, 2010 at 11:14 AM

    Those sounds like helpful links--thanks!

    I enjoy writing settings. The way I usually ground my characters in a setting is to have them interact with the setting. If my MC is walking down a path, then I'll have her bend to touch a rose petal. Or if she's in a restaurant, I'll have her rearranging her silverware or whatever suits her character. That way I can reveal more about character and setting at the same time.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  6. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 12:15 PM

    Hi Donna -

    Thanks. It's supposed to get humid tomorrow.

    I'm better at action and dialogue. Setting is tougher for me.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  7. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 12:16 PM

    Hi Terri -

    I hope it's helpful. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  8. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 12:18 PM

    Hi Patti -

    One thing nice about being pre-published is the lack of deadlines. Rack up those words!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  9. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 12:19 PM

    Hi Nancy -

    I'm sorry the link didn't work. I check them when I preview the post. Hmm, I'll have to see what's going on.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 12:19 PM

    Hi Cindy -

    Thanks for the great tips! I'll have to keep that in mind when I write.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  11. Karen LangeJune 18, 2010 at 12:50 PM

    Thanks for the links; they look good!
    Have a wonderful weekend, all.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  12. KristenJune 18, 2010 at 12:52 PM

    Thank you!! I really needed the setting page, and it's always good to keep your character grounded!! Thanks. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  13. Jill KemererJune 18, 2010 at 1:04 PM

    I layer in setting details when revising, because I stink at adding sensory info in the first draft!

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  14. UnknownJune 18, 2010 at 3:26 PM

    Great food for thought.

    I so appreciate your comment over @ Life Lessons. It's comforting to know that all of us struggle with obstacles in life at some point or another. The sword of the Spirit, God's word, is probably the single, most powerful tool we can use to route out the enemy! You are a wise woman to pick it up and begin using it at the first hint of a 'visit' from the 'cousins'! Thanks for your encouragement and the reminder of the truth of 2 Tim. 1:7 - great verse. God bless you greatly!

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  15. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 4:28 PM

    Hi Karen -

    Enjoy your weekend!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  16. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 4:28 PM

    Hi Kristen -

    You're welcome. I'm glad the links are proving useful.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  17. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    Hi Jill -

    Hmm, that's a good idea. I whip through the first draft, and setting is usually the major element to suffer the consequences.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  18. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 4:31 PM

    Hi Maria -

    You're welcome. Have a great weekend.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  19. Carla GadeJune 18, 2010 at 9:04 PM

    I have a vivid imagination, like all of you, I'm sure. I can see my setting very easily, but sometimes I have a hard time conveying it on paper. I try to keep the 5 senses in mind, and add the emotional and spirital senses, too, as they also convey a setting/atmosphere that we cannot always see.

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  20. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 18, 2010 at 9:35 PM

    Hi Carla -

    You made an excellent observation. I can "see" my settings, but I get so wrapped up in the dialogue and action that I forget to communicate it to the reader.

    Including the spiritual senses - now there's something you could post on your blog. I'd like to know what that looks like.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  21. Lynda Lee SchabJune 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM

    Following you back, Susan. Thanks for swinging by my blog!

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  22. Sandra Heska KingJune 19, 2010 at 3:36 PM

    Good stuff. Again. Always learn something helpful when I come here!

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  23. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 19, 2010 at 4:29 PM

    Hi Linda -

    Thanks! It's nice to make your acquaintance. I'm looking forward to future posts.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  24. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 19, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    Hi Sandra -

    I'm glad. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  25. prashantJune 20, 2010 at 10:59 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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