Episode 49 - Robin James - Writing Small-Town Settings that Readers Want to Live In
Jun 1, 2023
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Join the discussion on crafting authentic small-town settings in writing, with tips on incorporating personal experiences, cultural nuances, and local dialects to enhance narrative realism. Discover how factual elements of real towns are woven into fictional settings for storytelling purposes, and explore the legal and ethical considerations of incorporating real small towns in fiction.
Small town settings can act as characters, influencing story vibe.
Choice of setting in series planning shapes plot direction and character interactions.
Deep dives
Importance of Small Town Setting in Fiction
When crafting a story, the small town setting plays a crucial role in creating a vibe for the narrative. It serves as more than just a geographic location, evolving into a character itself in the plot. Whether writing romance or mystery, the setting draws in readers by providing a unique backdrop that influences the characters' development and interactions.
Initial Consideration of Setting in Series Planning
In series planning, the choice of setting takes precedence as the foundation for the narrative. The decision on where the story unfolds, such as in northern Michigan or southern Ohio, greatly influences the plot's direction and the characters' interactions. By meticulously planning the setting first, the story gains depth and authenticity, guiding the storyline's progression and consistency.
Balancing Realistic Setting Details in Fiction
Integrating setting details authentically in fiction involves blending real and fictional aspects to create a believable world. Authors like to merge factual elements, such as court systems and geographical features, with creative liberties to ensure a mix of familiarity and intrigue for readers. By crafting settings that resonate with readers while incorporating unique twists, authors can enhance the storytelling experience and engage audiences effectively.
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Robin James, bestselling author of over 16 small-town crime thrillers (Cass Leary & Mara Brent series) will discuss tips for how to build fictional towns that can become like characters unto themselves.
Join us as we discuss how to create authentic settings that readers love returning to book after book.
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in!
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