Making Connections discussion
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Location! Location!
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Noelle
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Apr 20, 2013 10:57AM
How important is 'location' in the books you like to read? Is it just a vehicle for moving the characters through the story? Or can it become almost a character in its own right?
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For me, choosing the right location for my stories is ALMOST as important as choosing the right names for my characters. Location sets a tone for the story. A small town gives an entirely different vibe than a big city. The south is different from the southwest, etc. Setting matters. It breathes reality into your novel/novella. And occasionally, it does become a character in and of itself.
I agree with Judith. Maybe sometimes it's more important than others, but in my book 'Kergulen', Kergulen is a place, not a person, and it very definitely is a character that moves the story forward.
Location is extremely important! Location makes the story. Every story I write is dependent upon the location it takes place. location determines dialog, and action in the scenes. And taking an American and putting them in an Asian setting, or vice-versa, makes a story in itself.
Judith wrote: "For me, choosing the right location for my stories is ALMOST as important as choosing the right names for my characters. Location sets a tone for the story. A small town gives an entirely differe..."Thanks Judith, I agree totally. The location sets the tone for the story, and influences the characters - their behaviour, their dialogue.
Dean wrote: "Location is extremely important! Location makes the story. Every story I write is dependent upon the location it takes place. location determines dialog, and action in the scenes. And taking an Am..."Couldn't agree more Dean. I'm an Australian, and my heroine is in Cambodia. She shares her discoveries of cuisine, language and culture with the reader. Thanks for your comment.
Dean wrote: "Location is extremely important! Location makes the story. Every story I write is dependent upon the location it takes place. location determines dialog, and action in the scenes. And taking an Am..."I agree with Dean
R.A. wrote: "I agree with Judith. Maybe sometimes it's more important than others, but in my book 'Kergulen', Kergulen is a place, not a person, and it very definitely is a character that moves the story forward."Thanks RA. It looks like we have agreement here. I canvassed several places, and all authors and readers said the same. In case you're interested, here's the post that came from my question.
http://antoniavanzandt.blogspot.com.a...
I recently just wrote my first book that has to do with a specific location. I think it's key to know where you want the setting of your book to be. To have an idea in mind is always good because not only are you building off characters but you have to build off where your characters are as well. When your creating your own place such as a fantasy world or alien planet then you really need to sit down and brainstorm but when your choosing an actual real place there's less to worry about. Of course you have to either know the place or study it to make it as realistic as possible and throw in your own twist. Location really is important because if it's done well enough you can almost give a reader the sense that they are there or want to go there and if you can do that then you've really thought out and described your location in detail.
If it's a real location, I try to use those I've been to and know something about.
