How to Create a Setting

By definition, the word ‘setting’ signifies the time and location in which a story occurs. A setting is a fundamental aspect of writing because it is what makes a story more convincing, enabling the reader to enter the realm of imagination.

For starters, I would like to introduce to you three types of settings:

Exteriors:

This is the outside world. This type of setting mainly contains opened spaces such as forests and mountains.

Interiors:

This is the inside world. This type of setting mainly contains enclosed spaces such as snug homes and obscure rooms.

Psychological and Social Aspects of Environment:

This is the emotional tone of the setting. How does the setting appeal to your senses? How does the character’s surroundings affect their body language and speech?

Your choice must be based on the background of your story, which must be adequate. One thing that I have learned is that if it's based on things we are familiar with, we tend to overlook it. In order to avoid that common mistake, make your descriptions more detailed.

As a writer, you need to constantly remind yourself that your readers don't know how you imagine the setting to be and that is why detail is crucial. Through the detail you give, you need to paint an image in the reader's mind. Look at things as though it were the first time you were seeing it because for your readers, it will be!

Therefore, appeal to your senses and make good use of them. Ask yourself, "How does this place look, feel, smell, taste and sound?". If you can find unusual ways to describe thing, it will make your story not only more unique but also interesting. So get into the habit of noticing the ordinary things around you, from colour to texture, and comparing them with each other.

Always bear in mind that all the settings you create must be described, as they have an impact on your characters!