Creating a Sense of Place

As a novelist, creating a believable setting is key to immersing your readers in the story you're telling. Whether you're writing historical fiction, a romance, or a sci-fi epic, the setting of your novel plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere of your work. Sure you can have an amazing sci-fi novel set in the most epic of spaceships on the galaxy's most intricate planet, but if you don't give the reader the glimpse of the setting they need, then your novel could just be set at your local hardware store and they won't know the difference. In this article, we'll discuss some tips and techniques for crafting believable settings that will bring your story to life.

Research is key

See that title you just read? Now read it again - research is key. Before you start writing, it's essential to do your research. Even if you're writing a fantasy or sci-fi novel set in a completely made-up world, you'll want to create a sense of realism that your readers can buy into. This means researching everything from the geography and climate of your setting to the cultural and historical context of the world you're creating. If you're writing a novel set in ancient Rome, but you have your characters walking through jungles to get to the Colosseum for the big battle - you're going to create a lack of credibility in your story that just might be the thing that causes your reader to put your novel down and never pick it up again. The more detailed and specific you can be in your research, the more immersive and believable your setting will be.

Use all five senses

One of the most effective ways to create a sense of place is to use all five senses in your descriptions. Instead of simply describing what your setting looks like, think about how it smells, sounds, feels, and even tastes. For example, if your novel is set in a bustling city, describe the sound of traffic, the smell of exhaust fumes, and the feel of the pavement underfoot. By engaging all of your reader's senses, you'll create a more immersive experience that will make your setting feel more real. You can't stand on the beach without smelling and tasting the salty air or feeling the sand between your toes neither can your character. 

Use setting to set the tone

The setting of your novel can play a huge role in setting the tone of your work. For example, a novel set in a dark and foreboding castle will feel very different from a novel set in a bright and sunny beach town. Think about what mood you want to create for your readers and use your setting to help you achieve it. Use color, lighting, and other sensory details to create a mood that fits the tone of your story.

Make the setting an active participant

In many novels, the setting can become an active participant in the story. Think about how your characters interact with their environment and how their surroundings affect their behavior and decisions. If your characters are lost in a dense forest, for example, the setting can become an obstacle that they must overcome. By making the setting an active participant in the story, you'll create a more dynamic and engaging experience for your readers.

Keep it consistent

One of the most important things to remember when crafting a setting is to keep it consistent throughout your novel. If you describe a character's house as being on a quiet street in chapter one, you can't suddenly have it on a busy highway in chapter ten. Similarly, if your novel is set in a historical period, you'll need to make sure that everything from the language your characters use to the technology they have access to is consistent with the period. Inconsistencies can quickly break the illusion of your setting and pull your readers out of the story. 

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In conclusion, creating a believable setting is essential to crafting a successful novel. By doing your research, using all five senses, using your setting to set the tone, making the setting an active participant, and keeping everything consistent, you'll create a world that your readers will want to get lost in. Remember that the setting of your novel is just as important as the characters and plot, so take the time to craft it with care.

If you've read some of my articles in the past you'll remember the story of my sister and the Tudor Fiction she holds near and dear. Nothing will have her throwing that book across the living room faster than giving Henry VIII a flushing toilet so please do your research when writing. 

Keep writing and keep reading.

With love, 

B.K. xoxo

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