Tonya is legal secretary by day and aspiring writer by night.  She often sandwiches writing time between lunch breaks and motherly chores. She writes both fiction and nonfiction articles.

            And she writes them well.  I know, because she’s my student.  J

                                    --Mary Rosenblum, LR Web Editor  

                                                      Creating a Believable Setting

                                                                By Tonya Stokes

 

            As writers, we strive to create that memorable character or plot that drives our story into fame.  But a big part of our success could hinge on the setting as well.  That perfect setting may not only be the time or geographic location but what about the weather, political turmoil, reigning ideologies, or climatic challenges?  All of these different aspects can add dimension to our characters.  If a character is feeling carefree and blissful, show a day in the park surrounded by laughing children chasing balloons. Character dealing with inner demons of prejudice and hate?  Show a political or social realm that feeds the hate.  Readers long to be drawn into your character.  However, the lack of an appropriate setting may leave readers detached and disoriented. 

           

            As a newbie writer, I began writing without much focus on setting. Everything was set in a contemporary, non-distinct setting.  Very limiting, right?  To begin the race from the ‘writer’s block,’ I decided the best start would be to ask myself a few questions, which I now share with you.  So, take pencil in hand and poise yourself.  Hear the whistle shrill and leap forward into the first question.  Pace yourself and run the race to create the perfect setting.

 

                                                               Setting Worksheet

 

I.          Time

 

In what time does this story take place? 

 

If an historical period, name some easily recognized persons or events that will place your reader directly in that time period.

 

If a futuristic or fantasy period, describe the key places or events that anchor your story.

 

What type of clothing is worn? 

 

What types of weaponry or tools are used?

 

List some common objects of the period. (Ex. telegraph machine, rotary dial phones, antibellum art)

 

What type of transportation is widely used and/or available?

 

II.        Location

 

In which geographical location does your story take place? 

 

 

Are there any landmarks and/or streets with immediate reader name recognition? (Ex. Golden Gate Bridge, Mount St. Helens). Describe with detail.

 

If using an actual locale, describe in detail the key sites you will reference in your story. (Ex. Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana)

 

Describe the types of buildings your characters frequent?  What is the architectural style?  

 

What are the typical establishments in the locale? (Ex. Saloon, casino, library, shopping mall, barn, cave)

 

Describe the landscape. (Ex. Rolling mountains, wheat filled plains, tumbleweed infested, babbling streams)

 

Are there any smells associated with the landscape/architecture?  (Ex. The putrid aroma of decaying corpse; Musty, swamp odors rising from the snake inhabited bogs. Sulfurous reek of a paper mill.)

 

What would character see if he/she looked out of a window?

 

III.       Climate

 

In which season or seasons does your story take place? (Describe weather, storms)

 

Describe the vegetation, if any.

 

What are the weather cycles?  Do the characters fear the elements? (Ex. Hurricanes or Tsunamis, solar flares, global warming)

 

Does the climate adversely affect your characters?

 

IV.       Social

 

Describe the ruling government. 

 

Which social class does your character belong to?

 

What prevalent social issues influence your character’s activities, struggles, or opinions? (Ex. Antiwar campaigns, civil war, slavery)

 

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