Quote

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.

Setting is the bedrock of your story. If you choose a real-world backdrop, be certain you get your facts straight.

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.

I always struggle with making the technical aspects of the plot fit with the story that's unfolding in my imagination.

With most of my books, I'll actually go out and look at the setting. If you describe things carefully, it kind of makes the scene pop.

When I work on a novel, I usually have one character and a setting in mind.

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.

It's always the story that interests me.

I just kind of do my thing with sort of tunnel vision for the story and my role and how it fits together.