How to Write the Setting for a Story
Setting is essential to a story because it helps put your readers on familiar ground with your characters. It explores the time, the place, and the elements surrounding your character. Here are 4 tips to help you develop a setting of a story:
1. The Right Amount of Detail
Include enough detail to let your readers picture the scene but only details that actually add something to the story. For example, do not describe all the steps of Jane locking the front door, walking across the yard, opening the garage door, checking the tires on her car, putting her seatbelt and driving down the driveway--none of these details matter except that she drove out of the driveway without looking down the street first.
2. Be Descriptive
Choosing the right kind of description is vital. You don't need to say how many exact miles it is to the grocery store. Instead, describe the walk - what other scenery does the character pass by? Is the character under time restrictions to reach their destination? Is the weather slowly them down? Things like this describe the walk to the grocery store much better than simply saying "It took Susie half an hour to walk the 4 miles to the store."
3. Use the Senses
Use two or more senses in your descriptions of setting. Don't just talk about the way it looks, also mention how it might smell or feel or sound. Bring your reader into the setting; make them a part of it. "Show" don't "Tell."
4. Describe the Weather
Don't just describe what the place looks like. If your character is outside add the weather into the scene.
Now, do not just put in a sentence that "The wind was blowing." Describe how it interacts with your characters.
For example, "The wind tossed Carrie's brown curls around her face."
That added an actual image for the reader to see.
Remember to "Show" the scene, don't just "Tell" it. You don't need to describe what every single room looks like in detail. Sometimes all you need is a few things about the room.
Some scenes need to focus on other details so don't get lost in describing your setting. It's important but not in every scene.
Also, avoid too much or too little detail - this can make your story boring or drawn out.
- Remember to "Show" the scene, don't just "Tell" it.
- You don't need to describe what every single room looks like in detail. Sometimes all you need is a few things about the room. Some scenes need to focus on other details so don't get lost in describing your setting. It's important but not in every scene.
- Avoid too much or too little detail - this can make your story boring or drawn out.
I'm a junior at the University of Missouri studying strategic communications! In my free time I love to play soccer, cook, and read!