Also, I'm over at the IWSG Website with a cover reveal for our short story anthology from the IWSG contest, so don't forget to pop on over.
And check out our new IWSG Badge!
Do you ever feel insecure when you’re developing your setting in your stories? Do you set your stories in places you’ve lived or visited? Or…do you take risks and set your story somewhere exotic?
That old adage ‘write what you know’ has been discredited. Now it's ‘write what you’d like to know’. But there’s something to be said for setting stories in places we know. Readers somehow feel its authenticity and dive right into the story.
Here are a couple of examples from the myriad I can think of...
Did Harper Lee know her Maycomb County when she penned To Kill a Mockingbird? Did her local knowledge of the setting lend authenticity to her powerful story which still resonates with readers today?
Jump to today.
I’ve just finished reading the second in the series by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling), set in London, and can’t wait to grab the third which I see is out. Well I daresay JK knows London like the back of her hand. You can hear the jackhammers pounding away in the streets and cough up the dust in your throat; you can feel the chill air; slip in the murky snow; drink in the pubs with the flawed aristocracy, the twits…all as you follow her Private Investigator Cormorant Strike on his mission to solve the crime du jour. It has authenticity. It has a I-live-here-and-this-is-my-London tone.
I’ve always been a champion of the authentic setting, so for my novella, Under the Tuscan Moon, I recalled trips to Italy. Those medieval towns haven’t changed much since back in the day. Walk in those forests surrounding these towns and you could be back in the 1700s, the time my paranormal series is set. The wild pigs still hunt for truffles and other delicacies, the crumbling villas tower over the villages like vengeful giants.
This is my Italy...
Here's the blurb:
Within the velvety Tuscan sky, a harvest moon glows like liquid amber. Mysterious shadows seep noxiously through the unsuspecting forest, preying on the vulnerable, whose blinded gaze mocks their senses.
A man.
A woman.
Forever locked in a sensual embrace.
A werewolf howls…
A cloak swishes…
And,
Alabaster flesh waits to be torn.
Timing is everything in the Danse Macabre.
On this night the nectar of revenge is at its sweetest.
Just ask Vipunin…
“Who is Vipunin?” you ask.
A tormented soul, longing to recapture the life stolen from him a century ago. His wait is finally over. His love, Ciassia, has returned and she will be by his side for eternity…
Or so he thinks…
Thanks so much for having me, Lynda!
Under the Tuscan Moon
A paranormal romance
Book One – Cassia
Denise Covey hails from that land Down Under, where she publishes flash fiction, short stories and travelogues in Australian magazines. When not writing, she teaches English Lit to her rapt senior students who think it’s way cool to have a writer as a teacher. Under the Tuscan Moon is her first, but not last, paranormal romance. Denise has decided it’s way cool to live in a world of vampires, angels, demons and werewolves.Join Denise on Blogger, Word Press, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Wattpad.
Hi Lyn!
ReplyDeleteThe IWSG newsletter is going to be a real boon to writers everywhere!
Thanks so much for letting me onto your blog today to talk about my novella!
Thank you mate,
Denise :-)
You are most welcome
DeleteIf you're going to write about a real place here on earth, it's important to know it well. And the best way it to go there and walk the streets.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Cassa, although that would be really cool!
I think so Alex. Of course if you're going to create a fantasy/sci-fi world, you have to know that well, too!
DeleteGoogle maps is pretty good too, but you don't get the smells, sounds, vibe of the place...yet I do feel like I've been to Petra, lol.
DeleteHi, Lynda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Denise today... I'm very excited about the cover reveal for the IWSG anthology. I was privileged to create the blurb for Yolanda Renee's story.. WHAT A STORY...AMAZING. Can't wait to read the others. And looking forward to the first newsletter, too!
YAY DENISE. LOVED Under the Tuscan Moon, as you know.
Like you, I am a firm believer that when it comes to settings having visited them does make a difference. HOWEVER a talented atmospheric writer, with the proper research, can set the scene equally as well... As long as there is a passion for it!
Thanks Michael. I know your blurb for Yolanda is wonderful...as is your blurb for UTTM. Nothing like really knowing your setting. Thankfully, travel is such a large part of my life!
DeleteDitto on the blurb, Michael - perfection as always!
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing how the first newsletter turns out! Seeing a place in real life can definitely give you a taste of the nuances that don't turn up through other kinds of research.
ReplyDeleteI think so L.G. Although I've enjoyed TRYING to set stories in places I haven't yet visited, but want to in the future. Not so successful...
DeleteI think it's why I keep going back to the places I've been. Why Alaska resonates with me, but I too will use the maps and pictures on the internet to visit a place I haven't been. Imagination can create any thing, any place and sci fi writers do it well.
ReplyDeleteYour book is resplendent. I applaud your skill! And yes, even envy it. :)
And I love how your love for Alaska shines through in your stories, Yolanda!
DeleteDenise your book has me very intrigued. I got chills! Yeah write what you know is so old hat but if you wear it right it's vintage. Thanks for the info Lynda I might submit something to the newsletter either this or next month.
ReplyDeleteThat's good Sheena-kay! Nice to be intrigued!
DeleteI mostly write stories set in my home town - but even those may not always be accurate, because I'm recalling a past time. For instance, the few books I've written that are set in high school, I set them in my school I went to - which no longer exists, as it was merged with another school, and the original grounds converted into apartments and houses. But I still keep it alive in my books. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Trisha. It'd be more alive because you've walked those halls and can recall it as it was.
DeleteCongrats to Denise on her book!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dezmond!
DeleteHi Dezzy :)
DeleteI set my contemporary novels in Michigan, my home. Easy to explore. My sci-fi romances are another story. I build that world so I know it well. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have to know our world, whether real or imagined Diane!
DeleteAll of my fiction books were set in places I'd visited often enough to know the layout and feel. And what I didn't remember, I researched. Plus Google Maps is a Godsend.
ReplyDeleteLove Google Maps. I also love how you can take virtual tours of places.
DeleteYou've got to visit Petra via Google Maps...it's awesome!
DeleteI do tend to world build from where I live. Especially in my Wickedly Series which takes place right here in Buffalo. Except for my dystopia series, but I did some research for that area.
ReplyDeleteI love Denise's cover and I'm wishing her much success!!!!
Thanks for liking my cover Cathrina! And sounds like you have a solid basis for your world building!
DeleteI have written about places I've never seen, but only after about 4 months of research. I once asked a VN vet to read my assassin story. He read it then asked when I'd been in-country. That was the endorsement I needed. Writing about places that you've never been shouldn't be taken lightly, but it can be done. Great post, Denise!
ReplyDeleteA story setting will always sing louder if you do your research. Even though I've spent quite some time in Italy wandering around, I still needed to research more of the 1700s.
DeleteHi Lynda - great you've featured Denise - she brings her settings to life ... and we all need to feel we're amongst reality and not a botched up writerly mismatch.
ReplyDeleteI imagine JK would describe things accurately ... but it's good to feel the draw of the country - Italy, Australia, the American east coast, little old UK! .. Cheers Hilary
Thanks Hilary. If you like detective stories, you'd love J.K's series.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteGreat introduction of Denise.
All of my books are set in Europe and Northern part of the African continent, because as an ExPat American living in Europe ,these are the continents I visit frequently.
Shalom,
Patricia
It's great that you have those 'settings' to call on in your writing Pat!
DeleteShalom
Denise
I agree--write what you want to know. There are so many ways to research settings without the expense of living there--or visiting. Google Earth is a favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteGoogle Earth is brilliant.
DeleteIt has saved me any number of times.
DeleteI worry about setting, while I prevaricate about place to use in the story, even my made up worlds for fantasy. My favorite writer of setting is L. M. Montgomery whose setting pop, live and are almost a character in her books. I once planted silver bushes in my back yard, because I loved her story Pat of Silver Bush so much--I could see it so clearly from her words.
ReplyDeleteHappy Writing
Juneta Writer's Gambit
The sign of a skilled writer.
DeleteI worry about setting, while I prevaricate about place to use in the story, even my made up worlds for fantasy. My favorite writer of setting is L. M. Montgomery whose setting pop, live and are almost a character in her books. I once planted silver bushes in my back yard, because I loved her story Pat of Silver Bush so much--I could see it so clearly from her words.
ReplyDeleteHappy Writing
Juneta Writer's Gambit
That's wonderful Juneta. My favourite for description of setting is Pat Conroy...Beach Music and South of Broad thrill me each time I re-read!
DeleteI want to visit that Italy!! Sounds like a fantastic story, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie. I hope you do get to that Italy!
DeleteParanormal and romance. A winning combination.
ReplyDeleteThe setting of a story can make so much difference, whether a real place or make believe. I like both.
Settings win for me every time Beverly!
DeleteI've always felt that "write what you know" was a bit of a loaded term. I prefer write what you'd like to know:) Especially for historical authors like myself, we often write about times and era that no one knows much about anymore.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of research in historical fiction Mark, but there needs to be research no matter what our story world looks like.
DeleteI do write "what I know" but I've lived so many cool places, it just works for me;P
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you can translate those cool places into your fiction Jennifer.
DeleteThat's why I make places up, haven't lived in many to know them that well haha
ReplyDeleteI hope not Pat!
Deleteyeah, I like making places up too, but I usually draw from somewhere else I know.
Delete"write what you’d like to know" - I love that! I tried writing what I know and found it boring. Now I'm setting books in cool and exotic locations that I've never visited, and I love it! Great post, Denise! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're on the track that works for you Lexa.
DeleteI love that idea "write what you'd like to know," too. I struggle with getting setting descriptions on the page, but it's something I'm working on building in my next project.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!
I love finding out new things...and with settings, Google certainly adds to what we know.
DeleteI love reading books that make the setting come alive. It sounds like Denise knows how to do that.
ReplyDeleteThose are the books I love too Susan.
DeleteI love great settings that enhance a story. Haven't read Rowling's newest, so will take a peek and revisit London through her words. It sounds as if you do very well with that setting in your book.
ReplyDeleteRowling's detective series is awesome!
DeleteI'll have to take a look. Thanks.
DeleteI like writing - and reading - about real locations.
ReplyDeleteThey often resonate more don't they Patsy?
DeleteI set stories wherever. Places I've been, haven't been, and completely fiction. I love e working with all 3 and reading stories set in a three different settings. I love JK as Robert Galbraith!
ReplyDeleteYes, JK's Galbraith is awesome!
DeleteGreat post on setting, Denise. I love settings in my stories and in the stories of others but I noticed that sometimes, there could be too much of it. When that happens, the story becomes boring. It's not only important to make your setting authentic, or at least believable, but also to have the right balance between setting and action. That is a challenge in itself.
ReplyDeleteTrue Olga. That doesn't happen too often thankfully. Balance is key.
DeleteCongrats to Denise. I have a copy. I always have New York and South Florida settings since I've lived in both places. An authentic setting jumps out at me and digs into my brain.
ReplyDeleteThanks Medeia. That's what I look for and try to create.
DeleteA setting done just right really does add to the story. Definitely worth the effort. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
It definitely is.
DeleteNice to hear from Denise! Wishing her well. Thanks for hosting, Lynda!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. Long time no see.
DeleteI don't feel particularly insecure about my settings. My insecurity comes from trying to describe those settings using words that don't sound trite or "told."
ReplyDeleteThat's often a starting point Ken.
DeleteFor some reason, world building is hard for me. I see it all, I just don't get it to the page.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has different talents S.P. No doubt you're awesome at something else.
DeleteI go for a little of both for settings. Sometimes its great to be a world traveler and be able to write out those famous places, and equally it good to LIVE in a great setting. One of my novels is set in and around my home town, but dang it, I'm no travel writer and it just doesn't have the same intrigue as London, Paris, or even San Francisco.
ReplyDeleteBut, I'm working on it. Good thing I'm more of a character writer, lol.
Hi Lynda *waves* Love the new badge.
Using your home town as a setting will give it authenticity. Linda's new badge does look good doesn't it?
DeleteGreat post. That old adage about writing what you know works for me in my stories because I write about small towns and I am a small town girl. Seeing it, feeling it, living in a small town adds authenticity to my descriptions and emotions. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi JQ. Ditto above.
DeleteOh what a great post. Loved the blurb! I write both about places I've been and places I want to go, not always exotic, but I try to give a sense of realism to a place/scene. Google earth is good for seeing a place, and so are friends who live there and love being asked to describe things! Came over from Denise's site, thanks for having her here!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. What a sweetheart. Friends are a good resource too! Thanks for pointing it out!
DeleteNice to see you here, Denise! Oooh, Italy as a setting, with authentic details. Nice. Best wishes for UNDER THE TUSCAN MOON!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol!!
DeleteGood luck to Denise with her latest and greatest! And that is a spiffy new badge for IWSG.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephen. And it is spiffy!
DeleteI do sometimes feel insecure about setting, so I research a lot when I'm setting my story in a new place.
ReplyDeleteMostly, though, if I'm not as familiar with the setting, I make sure to divert reader focus to other writing strengths I have. :-)
That's what we do...work with our strengths and weaknesses.
DeleteThanks Linda and Denise! I am looking forward to the newsletter. It sounds exciting! And thanks Denise for those wonderful thoughts on settings. I write a lot of science fiction, so I am a world-builder, but whenever I am writing other fiction, I tend to write about places I have explored mostly in Virginia, Oklahoma and NYC. I need research to write about other locales. But that is also half the fun in writing! Cheers all!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ravyne. Research is fun and knowing your settings is solid to build on.
DeleteSorry about the mistype on your name Lynda!
ReplyDeleteIt's all good. I'm used to it. I get everything from Linda to Lydia even.
DeleteThank you for this post. I like writing about places I know and combining my interest in travel with writing.
ReplyDeleteLike me, Rhonda, you're a traveller, so quite easy to 'know' lots of places!
Delete"Write what you'd like to know"? Okay. Then I need to investigate Google Earth. I haven't used it.
ReplyDeleteDenise's Tuscan setting is...atmospheric!
I still need to post a review for UTTM. I'm so behind with reviews. *sighs*
Thanks Lyn and Denise!
Google Earth is amazing Michelle. I'd love that review when you can!
DeleteGreat to see you here Denise. And loved this post on settings. All the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nas!
DeleteCongratulations, Denise!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynda :)
Thanks for your good wishes!
DeleteHi Blue
DeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteHi Lynda :)) How's life been treating you? Meh but let's pretend it's yay? Or yay and there's more where that came from?
Happy Valentine!
Blue
Can I say a little of both? ;)
DeleteBecause I want both the cake and the joy of eating it too. I'm greedy like that.
Happy Valentine!
Hi, Lynda! I signed up for the newsletter. Denise, I LOVE the blurb. It's so evocative. Thanks so much for this post on setting. I agree that the reader must feel as though she is a part of the setting, together with the character[s]. Congratulations, Denise, on your new book. All the luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Victoria. That's so kind of you.
DeleteCongrats on the IWSG group for the newsletter!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Libby
DeleteMmm. It's true. Nothing is quite so awesome as an authentic setting you can feel. There are stories I have on reserve to write one day, after having visited or lived in certain places because I want that feel. Regardless, having a local who will consult and straighten you out on details can definitely help when you can't visit a location.
ReplyDeleteDenise, the premise and setting sound lovely!
While there is nothing quite like having visited the place and soaked it in, there are definitely other helpers too. Like you said, talking with someone in the know is priceless.
DeleteAgreed. Even having lived places, I'm planning on finding a consultant when I go to write some works. The only real way to know a place is to spend a lifetime there.
DeleteAnd each person will pick up different things too. I find if you live in a place for a long time, you start to take those little things for granted--those things that make the place unique. So it's good to get a different perspective.
Delete