I think a setting is hugely important. I look at setting as a character with its own look, sound, history, quirks, goofy temperaments and moods.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I always try to make the setting fit the story I have in mind.
Settings are obviously important - and as a writer, you have to respect what was real at the time of the story you're writing. But the real key to success lies in finding the right characters to carry that story.
Setting shouldn't just consist of describing nature or a landscape, or of saying where something takes place. It is the world of specific people. It's not enough for it to feel vivid or credible; it should feel necessary.
When I work on a novel, I usually have one character and a setting in mind.
I try to use all of my senses when describing a setting, and try to think of everything that would impact a character in any given scene.
I think of setting as almost a character of its own, influencing the other characters in ways they're not even aware of. So much of the success of a good ghost story rides on creating a creepy atmosphere; details of the landscape itself can help create a sense of dread.
From my years of teaching creative writing, I know that new writers take the setting for granted, as simply a place to set the action, but setting is a vital element in fiction writing and deserves serious treatment.
I always think change is important in a character. The most dynamic choices that you can make for a character are always the best ones.
As a writer, I'm driven by settings. Others are driven by characters or predicaments, but with me, settings come first.
Setting is the bedrock of your story. If you choose a real-world backdrop, be certain you get your facts straight.
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