Writers need to juggle a number of details when creating story from concept to novel ready—plot structure, characterization, point of view, dialogue, pacing and more. So it’s easy to understand how many writers can overlook establishing and maintaining the overall context of where the story is unfolding for the reader.
The more we, as writers, get into a story the easier to overlook what might be missing on the page. Some writers think that indicating the story is set in Melbourne or Texas or Katmandu in the spring is enough context, forgetting that most readers might have no reference as to what these settings look like in any season, and more importantly, how do the characters in the story relate to both place and season. A character born and raised in New York City would have a very different impression of a Texas spring than one born and raised in Texas.
Assuming that all readers know what you, the writer, mean by a specific time of year in a specific location leaves the overall story context vague and marginalized, if not in error.
Example, in the early draft of a story a writer from southern Alabama wrote her female character as wearing a sleeveless dress outdoors in early March in Chicago, where the average temperature in March is 450F in the day, definitely not sleeveless weather. This classic error happens when the writer makes an assumption that the Setting context, including season, is the same regardless where you live. March is spring thus it must be warm enough to wear certain clothing.
Another issue that trips up a writer is forgetting that a specific time of year in a specific location also involves the quality of light, when the sun rises and sets, which can confuse a reader by causing them to wonder why the characters are outside doing something when, where the reader resides, at that time, it’s already after dark.
Orienting the reader can be a simple telling statement such as…In November in southeastern Texas darkness falls around [time] —followed by a specific showing detail such as—preceded by the fiery red and orange sunsets the POV character has come to love. Or contrast the season and seasonal expectations with her childhood home in Nova Scotia. This uses the time of year as an opportunity to learn a bit more about the POV character and the specific details to bring your reader deeper into the story. They can now see the time of day and won’t be pulled out of the story wondering why the character is outdoors when in the reader’s world, it should be dark.
To make your story reveal stronger context, make it easier for the reader to understand:
- Overall Setting location
- Specific clarity about time of year or season
- Specific details versus vague—Artic chill vs it was chilly
Be sure to:
- Show plus Tell how the different POV characters experience the location and time of year, using it to reveal characterization, back story, and how the Setting impacts them.
- Be aware your reader may have no reference to the location, time of year, weather and light in your story’s Setting. Don’t leave them guessing.
Setting, including seasons, is an outstanding opportunity to make your story richer and more intriguing to your reader. Use the revision process to layer specific details, enough to build the larger story context and your readers will thank you.
BIO:
USA Today bestselling author, Mary Buckham writes the best-selling WRITING ACTIVE series for writers – WRITING ACTIVE SETTING and WRITING ACTIVE HOOKS. She is also the co-author of BREAK INTO FICTION® with NYT author Dianna Love. Mary is nationally recognized for her online and live writing workshops for writers of all genres around the US and Canada, including the Power Plotting Webinars.
Mary doesn’t just teach writers though. She practices what she preaches, writing Urban Fantasy with attitude. Do you love romance, danger & kick-ass heroines? Find it in her Alex Noziak or Kelly McAllister series!
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