Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, memoir or news articles, giving readers a sense of place means that you must build your story’s world.
Writing Tip for Today: Here are some ways to make your story world more engaging for readers:
The Where of Story
In any fictional scene, “where” is usually called setting. Readers want to know where and when they are. Without these references, readers become confused or aren’t able to engage with the story. Exotic settings arouse reader curiosity and lets them experience a place vicariously.
Think about how different a story set in Antarctica is from one set in the Sahara Desert. You may have heard that setting can become a type of character in the story—without a specific place, a story may lack literal ground. I always begin a new scene with time and place to orient readers.
For nonfiction, memoir and even news articles, setting is an important marker for readers. They can imagine the “where” as they read, allowing setting to color the attitudes, dialects and customs of the place. Different settings evoke different experiences—even if readers have never visited there in person.
The Character’s View
Your story world also influences how the characters act or react, what their attitudes and habits may be or the ways a character interacts with a setting.
A character in a familiar setting has certain ways of thinking about that area—for better or worse. For instance the character may long to be somewhere but be prevented from going. Or the character may disdain the setting as unsatisfying and be willing to go to an unfamiliar place. When the setting changes, be sure to let readers know right away, in the first sentence of any new scene.
Characters who land in a strange place might be welcomed. Or they may be shunned or even receive hostile reactions. By painting your story world in a deep and illuminating way, readers can buy into the story world as one major aspect of how the character ultimately grows and changes.
When you write your story world, look for details that signal authenticity.
Story World Immersion
When you write your story world, look for details that signal authenticity. If you write a story set in the Southern US, be sure your dialogue, traditions, even food choices demonstrate your knowledge of the place. The setting you choose should reflect at least some details which show setting as an important part of the story.
If your story world is one of intrigue or mystery, you might write the setting in darker tones of light or darkness. This signals the story will be full of unexpected or mysterious turns. A more light-hearted story world may feature serene shafts of sunlight and green meadows or gentle breezes.
Whatever the genre, a story world that pulls in readers and keeps them engaged can add depth and flavor to an otherwise generic plot. When you are out in the world or researching, pay attention to lesser-known details about the place to lend authenticity and emotional meaning to your story. Build your story world with details, authentic culture and characters who act and react in that particular place.
