Fantasy
What happens in a kingdom far away when a gentle king
who provides for his people is replaced by a tyrant who places
the people in bondage?
Historical
In a historical setting, breathtaking mountain peaks become
deadly if a wagon train is trapped by a snow storm. Or the
lure of owning property in the West is met by a cattle baron
who threatens new settlers, controls the water rights, and sets
fire to dry earth.
Sci-Fi
In a sci-fi novel, an isolated, peaceful planet is invaded by
aliens who require the inhabitant’s life source.
Contemporary
A contemporary setting in a rural community, known for its
charm and family appeal, is hit by a mile-wide tornado.
A writer who visits the setting has an advantage. Walking
the same earth as the character adds depth to every part of
the story. Acquiring detail means hard work, but the rewards
pay off with more readers.
To make a story and its setting come alive, consider the
items listed below.
1. Visit the area’s Chamber of Commerce.
2. Conduct a google search of the community or area.
3. Take lots of pictures and label them.
4. Interview the people living in the area. In a historical,
this also means reading diaries and journals. How has
history affected the community?
5. Listen to how the local people talk. Do they have a
unique vocabulary?
6. What is the area’s culture? What are their values and
expectations?
7. What is their diet? How do they obtain their food supply?
8. How is the area governed?
9. Local restaurants and hotels?
10. What is their source of entertainment?
11. How do they experience the seasons and what are
average temperatures?
12. What are their medical concerns? Is medical care
available?
13. Where do the people live?
14. Where do the people shop?
15. How do they dress?
16. Do the arts play a role in the community?
17. If the area is near a national or state park, look for
research material in the visitor’s section.
18. Know the wildlife and birds of the area.
19. How do the people view education, sports teams,
and favorite colleges and universities?
20. How do the people earn a living?
10 Southern Writers
21. Locate a map of the area.
22. Visit the local library. View newspaper archives.
23. Look for documentaries.
If a book is a fantasy, sci-fi, or speculative, use the above
twenty-three suggestions to create a story world. The writer’s
imagination is his/her best friend.
If a writer uses a real place, be sensitive to those living
there. We would not want a serial murderer living on a real
street in a community or state damaging information about
prominent people and places.
Settings do not have to be the frail stepchild of fiction
when a writer’s mind spins with possibilities to make a
character change and grow. n
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes
her readers should expect an adventure.
She combines unforgettable characters with
unpredictable plots to create action-packed,
suspense-filled novels. See her latest book,
Burden of Proof. DiAnn is very active online and
would love to connect with readers on any of
the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com
Mid-South Christian
Writers Conference
with Agent and Author
Bob Hostetler
• Appointments with industry professionals
• Informative, practical writing workshops
• Networking with other Christian writers
• Friday bonus workshops
https://www.midsouthchristianwriters.com
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