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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
25 comments:
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!
I'm not really good with settings so I guess you can tell where I'm headed next!
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
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.
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!
Hi Donna -
Thanks. It's supposed to get humid tomorrow.
I'm better at action and dialogue. Setting is tougher for me.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Terri -
I hope it's helpful. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Patti -
One thing nice about being pre-published is the lack of deadlines. Rack up those words!
Blessings,
Susan :)
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 :)
Hi Cindy -
Thanks for the great tips! I'll have to keep that in mind when I write.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Thanks for the links; they look good!
Have a wonderful weekend, all.
Blessings,
Karen
Thank you!! I really needed the setting page, and it's always good to keep your character grounded!! Thanks. Have a wonderful weekend.
I layer in setting details when revising, because I stink at adding sensory info in the first draft!
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!
Hi Karen -
Enjoy your weekend!
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Kristen -
You're welcome. I'm glad the links are proving useful.
Blessings,
Susan :)
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 :)
Hi Maria -
You're welcome. Have a great weekend.
Blessings,
Susan :)
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.
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 :)
Following you back, Susan. Thanks for swinging by my blog!
Good stuff. Again. Always learn something helpful when I come here!
Hi Linda -
Thanks! It's nice to make your acquaintance. I'm looking forward to future posts.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Sandra -
I'm glad. :)
Blessings,
Susan
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