Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Story Settings with Denise Covey #IWSG

As many know already, IWSG is starting up a free newsletter. To sign up for it, click here. It will be released on the last Wednesday of every month and it's going to be awesome! If you are an IWSG member and would like to submit a short piece for consideration (no longer than 200 words) on anything to do with writing, publishing or marketing, then please send a DOC to Chrys Fey at chrysfey(at)yahoo(dot)com with "Member Article" in the subject line, no later than March 2nd. If you'd like to be considered for the first newsletter, then please send your article no later than February 17th. 

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! 
And now, introducing the lovely and talented Denise Covey, a fellow Aussie whom I admire a great deal. Take it away, Denise.
--

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.

110 comments:

Denise Covey said...

Hi Lyn!
The 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 :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

If 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.
I've never been to Cassa, although that would be really cool!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Lynda,

Thanks 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!

L.G. Keltner said...

I'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.

Denise Covey said...

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!

Denise Covey said...

I 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...

Yolanda Renée said...

I 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.
Your book is resplendent. I applaud your skill! And yes, even envy it. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Ditto on the blurb, Michael - perfection as always!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Denise 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.

Denise Covey said...

That's good Sheena-kay! Nice to be intrigued!

Denise Covey said...

And I love how your love for Alaska shines through in your stories, Yolanda!

Denise Covey said...

I think so Alex. Of course if you're going to create a fantasy/sci-fi world, you have to know that well, too!

Trisha said...

I 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. ;)

Denise Covey said...

Hi Trisha. It'd be more alive because you've walked those halls and can recall it as it was.

DEZMOND said...

Congrats to Denise on her book!

Diane Burton said...

I 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. :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

All 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.

Cathrina Constantine said...

I 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.

I love Denise's cover and I'm wishing her much success!!!!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I 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!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi 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.

I 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

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
Great 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

Computer Tutor said...

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.

Juneta key said...

I 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.

Happy Writing
Juneta Writer's Gambit

Juneta key said...

I 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.

Happy Writing
Juneta Writer's Gambit

Julie Flanders said...

I want to visit that Italy!! Sounds like a fantastic story, Denise.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Paranormal and romance. A winning combination.
The setting of a story can make so much difference, whether a real place or make believe. I like both.

Mark said...

I'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.

Jennifer Hawes said...

I do write "what I know" but I've lived so many cool places, it just works for me;P

Pat Hatt said...

That's why I make places up, haven't lived in many to know them that well haha

Unknown said...

"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! :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

I 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.
Wonderful post!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I love reading books that make the setting come alive. It sounds like Denise knows how to do that.

cleemckenzie said...

I 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.

Denise Covey said...

Rowling's detective series is awesome!

Denise Covey said...

Those are the books I love too Susan.

Denise Covey said...

I love finding out new things...and with settings, Google certainly adds to what we know.

Denise Covey said...

Sounds like you're on the track that works for you Lexa.

Denise Covey said...

I hope not Pat!

Denise Covey said...

It's great that you can translate those cool places into your fiction Jennifer.

Denise Covey said...

There's a lot of research in historical fiction Mark, but there needs to be research no matter what our story world looks like.

Denise Covey said...

Thank you Julie. I hope you do get to that Italy!

Denise Covey said...

Settings win for me every time Beverly!

Patsy said...

I like writing - and reading - about real locations.

Denise Covey said...

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!

Denise Covey said...

It's great that you have those 'settings' to call on in your writing Pat!
Shalom
Denise

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Hilary. If you like detective stories, you'd love J.K's series.

Denise Covey said...

A 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.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks for liking my cover Cathrina! And sounds like you have a solid basis for your world building!

Denise Covey said...

Love Google Maps. I also love how you can take virtual tours of places.

Denise Covey said...

We have to know our world, whether real or imagined Diane!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Dezmond!

Chrys Fey said...

I 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!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You are most welcome

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Google 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.

Denise Covey said...

Yes, JK's Galbraith is awesome!

Denise Covey said...

They often resonate more don't they Patsy?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Hi Dezzy :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You've got to visit Petra via Google Maps...it's awesome!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The sign of a skilled writer.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Google Earth is brilliant.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

yeah, I like making places up too, but I usually draw from somewhere else I know.

Olga Godim said...

Great 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.

Computer Tutor said...

It has saved me any number of times.

Anonymous said...

Congrats 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.

emaginette said...

A setting done just right really does add to the story. Definitely worth the effort. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Denise Covey said...

True Olga. That doesn't happen too often thankfully. Balance is key.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Medeia. That's what I look for and try to create.

Denise Covey said...

It definitely is.

Karen Lange said...

Nice to hear from Denise! Wishing her well. Thanks for hosting, Lynda!

Chemist Ken said...

I 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."

S.P. Bowers said...

For some reason, world building is hard for me. I see it all, I just don't get it to the page.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Karen. Long time no see.

Denise Covey said...

Everyone has different talents S.P. No doubt you're awesome at something else.

Denise Covey said...

That's often a starting point Ken.

dolorah said...

I 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.

But, I'm working on it. Good thing I'm more of a character writer, lol.

Hi Lynda *waves* Love the new badge.

Denise Covey said...

Using your home town as a setting will give it authenticity. Linda's new badge does look good doesn't it?

J.Q. Rose said...

Great 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.

Denise Covey said...

Hi JQ. Ditto above.

Lisa said...

Oh 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!

Carol Riggs said...

Nice to see you here, Denise! Oooh, Italy as a setting, with authentic details. Nice. Best wishes for UNDER THE TUSCAN MOON!!!

Stephen Tremp said...

Good luck to Denise with her latest and greatest! And that is a spiffy new badge for IWSG.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Stephen. And it is spiffy!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Carol!!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Lisa. What a sweetheart. Friends are a good resource too! Thanks for pointing it out!

Misha Gerrick said...

I do sometimes feel insecure about setting, so I research a lot when I'm setting my story in a new place.

Mostly, though, if I'm not as familiar with the setting, I make sure to divert reader focus to other writing strengths I have. :-)

Ravyne said...

Thanks 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!

Ravyne said...

Sorry about the mistype on your name Lynda!

Denise Covey said...

That's what we do...work with our strengths and weaknesses.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Ravyne. Research is fun and knowing your settings is solid to build on.

Rhonda Albom said...

Thank you for this post. I like writing about places I know and combining my interest in travel with writing.

Denise Covey said...

Like me, Rhonda, you're a traveller, so quite easy to 'know' lots of places!

Michelle Wallace said...

"Write what you'd like to know"? Okay. Then I need to investigate Google Earth. I haven't used it.
Denise'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!

Nas said...

Great to see you here Denise. And loved this post on settings. All the best!

Blue Grumpster said...

Congratulations, Denise!

Hi Lynda :)

Denise Covey said...

Google Earth is amazing Michelle. I'd love that review when you can!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Nas!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks for your good wishes!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

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!

Denise Covey said...

Thank you so much Victoria. That's so kind of you.

Libby said...

Congrats on the IWSG group for the newsletter!

Crystal Collier said...

Mmm. 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.

Denise, the premise and setting sound lovely!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's all good. I'm used to it. I get everything from Linda to Lydia even.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Libby

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

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.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Hi Blue

Blue Grumpster said...

You're welcome!

Hi 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

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Can I say a little of both? ;)
Because I want both the cake and the joy of eating it too. I'm greedy like that.

Happy Valentine!

cleemckenzie said...

I'll have to take a look. Thanks.

Crystal Collier said...

Agreed. 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.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

And 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.