Program:

The setting for your story can establish the mood; ground your scenes; carry the plot; act like a character; provide continuity – or discontinuity – across multiple points of view; and/or convey change over time. In The Martian by Andy Weir, the setting dominates the story. In The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, the “black-and-white-with-an-occasional-shock-of-red” setting grounds the story and adds to the mysterious mood. In Maureen’s book, Between Before and After, I like that she uses New York as the setting for the historical scenes of the story and California for the more contemporary scenes. While her choice may have been driven by actual history and her family experience, the story would not have been the same if it were centered in any two other settings.

Let’s talk about writing setting. Bring examples to share of your favorite or most memorable – good or bad – story settings. And in your own writing, what has worked well? And what poses a challenge?

1. Discussion: What is Story Setting?
   https://www.nownovel.com/blog/what-is-story-setting
2. Discussion: Plumb the Emotional Depth of Your Setting;
   https://writerunboxed.com/2016/05/06/plumb-the-emotional-depth-of-your-setting
3. Discussion: Writing Setting with All Five Senses;
   https://www.swoonreads.com/blog/writing-setting-all-five-senses
4. Discussion: Book That Plane Ticket: How Experiencing Your Setting First-Hand Can Enhance Your Writing;
   https://writerunboxed.com/2016/04/25/book-that-plane-ticket-how-experiencing-your-setting-first-hand-can-enhance-your-writing
5. Donald Maass, Writer Unboxed UnConference 2016:
   How do you want your novel to change the world?

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Upcoming Events, Conferences and Workshops:

9/12 – 09/15/2019 PNWA Conference

Next Meeting:

7/8/2019