How to describe the setting in a book

Author: Carl Weaver
Date Of Creation: 27 February 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
How to describe a setting
Video: How to describe a setting

Content

"The whole world is what you see, what you think of it. You can make it very large or very small, as you like." Francis Scott Fitzgerald.

The setting is one of the most important elements of a good piece of art. A well-created setting will make your novel come alive and grab the attention of readers. If you are having difficulty describing the scene, this article is for you.

Steps

  1. 1 Take a few minutes to imagine the world from your novel. Different writers find inspiration in different ways.Some listen to music, while organizing a mental "brainstorming"; others go for a walk, expecting to find a source of inspiration in the real world around them; others just need to sit in a quiet place and think calmly. Find a way that suits you and let yourself get lost in the vastness of your own imagination.
  2. 2 Once you have a general idea of ​​the setting, it's time to start writing down ideas. If you don't want to, you can not write in full sentences for now - sometimes, in the early stages of writing a book, it is better to jot down a few essential words than to write long paragraphs right away. Write down whatever comes to mind, even if you're not sure it will come in handy. You can always cross out the unnecessary later. If you wish, you can even roughly draw the places that you imagined, if this helps you. Remember: do whatever you see fit. There are no rules. Let your thoughts flow freely.
  3. 3 Bring the scene to life. The reader should feel like falling through a rabbit hole into the world you created. If the action takes place in a tropical forest, let the reader hear the growling, screams and screeching of wild animals, breathe in the sultry aroma of exotic flowers, feel the wind and streams of rain on his skin, feel the sweetness of splashed juice, biting off an unknown fruit. Always rely on all five senses, even if you are not going to describe each. If the weather matters in a particular scene, describe it. It all depends on you.
  4. 4 "Show, not tell" is a powerful technique. The phrase "it was warm" will not awaken the reader's imagination and will not obviously be associated with the action in the book. Instead, try experimenting with different language tricks or unusual imagery. "I was covered by a wave of hot air breathing hundreds of aromas" sounds more interesting than "it was warm" and immediately creates a certain image, doesn't it?
  5. 5 Keep in mind that you don't always have to show, not tell. When describing a dynamic, action-packed scene, the description of the setting should be concise. Too lengthy descriptions will unnerve the reader and distract him from the main point, so do not overuse them. When you feel connected to the place you're writing about, it's easy to get carried away and dive into unnecessary details. Remember, the main thing is to tell a story. Don't lose sight of the plot and characters.
  6. 6 At this point, you should have a completely clear mental picture of the world in which the characters live. If you are not yet 100% immersed in the romance environment, you can do a little warm-up exercise. Write a page or two about your location, as if you were researching it. Write from any point of view that seems suitable to you. You can take on the role of one of the characters in the book, create a new character, or even write some sort of expedition report on your own behalf. Allow yourself to delve into the world you created and, more importantly, have fun with it.
  7. 7 Find an effective "response" system for yourself. As a writer, you don't always notice the mistakes and inconsistencies that the reader will notice. Show what you have written to someone you trust and ask if this scene worked well for you. You can post an excerpt for discussion on the writers forum.
  8. 8 Continue until you get the perfect result. Most good writers return to individual episodes of their works so many times that they memorize them. Cross out details that are useless, add new ones to liven up the scene, or simply re-read what you write.
  9. 9 If you have a true passion for writing, nothing is out of reach for you.

Tips

  • Carry a small notebook with you. Whenever you get an idea, write it down quickly.
  • Read, read and read again! If you come across a brilliant description of the scene in a book, it may inspire you.Read books by different genres and by different authors to become familiar with different ways of describing the environment. This will help you shape your own unique style.
  • If you're describing a place you've never been to (such as a desert or jungle), gather enough information about it and look up pictures on the Internet.
  • Compose when you are busy with boring daily activities. You can generate ideas while you shower or vacuum the apartment.

Warnings

  • Sitting hunched over in front of a computer or laptop for a long time is harmful to vision and posture. Get a quality, comfortable chair and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

What do you need

  • Pen and notebook
  • Computer or laptop
  • A comfortable place to think and focus