The funny thing about setting the scene or stage for me is that it's not done by me. It truly comes to me from my characters. I believe it's helped me keep each story that I've written, so far, unique and different.
M.S. Spencer fellow bestselling Red Rose Publishing author visits Romancing the Pen this week, and she discusses setting the scene/stage. And what happened when she realized she'd set a scene/stage she knew absolutely nothing about.
Visit Romancing the Pen, and let us know what you think.
Wit my latest signed manuscript, I didn't start with a full outline of where my characters would be heading. The story takes place in WWII, and the story evolved as I wrote. Consequently, I had to do research on many different places and historical incidents. I also wanted to write in as authentic a manner as possible. the characters had to be realistic and so did the circumstances in which they found themselves. Researching setting and history was essential.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I checked out so many World War II books from the library, I think I set a record. What happened eventually was that I became intensely interested in the progress of World War II. Ii even checked the weather on those days my character was in certain places.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! I looked on the blog first for comments, so I missed yours. Thanks for your input. Yes, I think research is essential--I know what you mean Carolena--weather, time of year--I've even checked tides when it was important? My question is, however, do you think you can recreate a place adequately if you've never been there? M. S. Spencer
ReplyDeleteLeft a comment at the other site; when I wrote the 'Reunion' story for my Arbor U series, all of a sudden, the main character announced she lived in Tempe, AZ. Since the farthest west I'd been at the time had been Colorado, I described a typical condo and made vague references to the area. Later, when I met someone who'd visited Phoenix, I had him read over what I'd written and he agreed it sounded okay. He made some suggestions and I incorporated them. This was before Google Earth, and since book #3 isn't pubbed yet, I have plenty of time to tweak it:)
ReplyDeleteFunny--my daughter just moved to Mesa (suburb of Phoenix)! If you have any questions, let me know. I'm also planning to visit her in April--I can send pics!
ReplyDeleteI have the same concerns whether it's historical or a place I've never visited. I always want people who've been there or who know the subject intimately to believe or feel the story rings true.
ReplyDeleteI found myself getting so bogged down in one of my mss that my critique partners had to stop me, and say...wait a minute too much detail :-)
In a perfect world we could visit every site in our books--and write it off! I actually did that for the last two--had to "walk" the places in Maine, Florida and Chincoteague. I think it did improve the authentic feel. As to getting bogged down--I KNOW how it is. One thing I try to do (taken from my academic days) is to read everything, then sit back & absorb it before reformulating in my own words.
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