By Harlequin Romance Author Jennifer Faye
When you think of writing a book, you might not readily think of the setting. However, the setting of a story is its backbone. It’s the bones upon which a story is built.
The setting you choose should be integral to the story. You shouldn’t be able to pick up your story and move it to another location without your story falling apart.
For example, in my latest release, Greek heir to Claim Her Heart, the story takes place on a luxurious Greek island. This story would not work in say, London or New York City. First of all, the story takes place during Valentine’s (February). In London or New York City in February you would expect to find snow. On this Greek island, it’s warm and raining. And the rain plays a crucial role in my hero and heroine’s first meet.
Perhaps you’re wondering about locating the story on another island, say Hawaii? Well, that wouldn’t work because not only is this a beautiful island in a warmer climate but the island comes with a royal history that plays out in the trilogy.
I actually find the setting a lot of fun to create. In fact, it takes me a lot of time, thought and research. For me, the setting is a lot like a character as it has a history, a look, and a certain feel.
The setting also creates atmosphere in a book. Sometimes you might want a light and fun tone, which you could portray with a light blue and marshmallow clouds. However, in Greek heir to Claim Her Heart the first scene takes place at night with a rainstorm. The weather is indicative of the characters’ moods. She’s exhausted and worried about her future. Everything feels very tumultuous to her. And the hero wants absolutely nothing to do with Ludus Island. Yet he’s been forced to come here to conclude some personal business and he is in a very foul mood.
And then there are other times when you can do the opposite. Such as when a character is sad and moody and yet the sun is shining bright. You could say that the beautiful summer day was mocking them with its bright, cheerfulness.
You can do the same with an interior setting. When a character enters a room, you could describe the room as having two brown couches facing each other with a coffee table in between and bright white walls. The reader could picture that in their mind, but it wouldn’t give them any sense of the person that lives there.
Whereas perhaps one of the couches has an old quilt draped over the back of it. The heroine remembers her mother making it. And not only are there throw pillows on the couch but also a well-loved teddy bear. Who does the bear belong to? And why was it left there? And how does the heroine react to seeing?
Make the setting work for you by providing the details. Let your characters interact with the things around them in a meaningful way. If a room or location doesn’t evoke emotions in the character have them move on to a different setting until you find one that plays for or against the character’s feelings. Because in the end, it’s all about getting the characters and readers to have an emotional response to your setting.
If you want to see how I implement these tips, pick up the first book in my Greek Paradise Escape series for Harlequin Romance, Greek heir to Claim Her Heart available now!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!