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Writing Lessons & Advice: Setting



A setting is the time and place of action and so much more!

Let’s say we’re writing a story with a character named Bob. Bob is going to experience great events as the story unfolds. This story might even make some great statements on human nature! Just one thing is missing though...when and where is Bob going to experience the aforementioned events? A clear sense of the setting influences the answer.


In simplest terms, yes, a setting is the backdrop of where and when the main action takes place. The sense of place is important but setting is more layered than people initially think. It can also influence plot and character. For instance, the challenges Bob would face on an intergalactic adventure would be different than those he would face if he were on the Oregon Trail in the 1840’s. Or he could be a different person in Medieval Europe than he would be in modern Europe.  


Like with characters, setting can have your choice of basis within reality or fiction, if not some of both. If heavy world-building is needed, templates and guides are available to help flesh them out. Research will be necessary if writing a setting that is far out of your own time, place, or expertise--historically or geographically. We can make more informed decisions with the story elements and avoid unintentional anachronisms by looking into elements like landmarks, culture, maybe language, daily life, or sometimes even different disciplines altogether. To make this more practical to Bob's story, a glance into science and astronomy can help us detail his ship or the other planets on his intergalactic adventure. Or looking into history, we might have to decide whether he is a Mormon missionary heading into the American west or a merchant in Medieval Europe.


A well-written setting immerses the reader as well as the character(s). Once you understand or have your ideas of the setting’s physical elements, you’ll want to incorporate them into the story with sensory details: smell, sight, taste, touch, sound. More still, you might even consider a mood or tone and create the scene accordingly. In Bob’s case on the Oregon Trail for instance, perhaps sunny, blue skies signify a hopeful, happy day while dark, stormy skies forebode danger. Like explained in other lessons, show more than tell to keep your story going. 


As you can see, Bob can experience great things anywhere. Just deciding where specifically can make all the difference! Setting is a multi-dimensional backdrop to a story. While establishing the time and place of significant action, it also shapes the rest of the story, converging with the character and events as well. 


I hope this is practical insight into setting and world-building development! I also hope the other Lessons & Advice on story elements have been useful too! :



If there's a topic you want me to cover in the future, you're welcome to reach out to me in the comments, the chat, or through the socials!



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