The Art of Setting – The Importance of location in Fiction Writing

The Art of Setting: The Importance of Location in Fiction Writing.

In the world of fiction, a well-crafted story is like a tapestry woven together with various elements, and one of the most crucial threads in this tapestry is the setting or location. Whether it’s the gritty streets of New York City, the barren, mystical land of Northern New Mexico, or a fantastical future world, the location in a novel plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and immersing readers in the story.

In this blog post, I explore four key points that illustrate the importance of location and how I used them to bring my stories to life.

1. Setting the Mood and Atmosphere: The location of a story serves as the backdrop against which all the action unfolds. It’s not merely a physical place; it’s a vessel for emotions, tone, and atmosphere. Tone and atmosphere are huge components of my stories. By skillfully describing the setting, I can evoke specific moods and emotions in readers. I cultivated a sense of foreboding in “Completion” on the very first page: “Places can be like people—good or bad—and New Mexico is empty in a ghost town way, a way that feels like trouble.” The barren and isolated environment of the compound also mirrored the interiority of the main characters and their struggles. The location is an integral part of the narrative, setting the stage for the drama to unfold. As a testament to the use of location, one of my favorite reviews of “Completion” started with: “You had me at the first tumbleweed.”
2. Character Development and Interaction: A location can also influence character development and interaction. Different places can bring out distinct aspects of a character’s personality or force characters to confront their inner conflicts. For instance, a character might behave differently in the hustle and bustle of a city compared to the solitude of a remote cabin in the woods. Locations can also serve as a means for characters to bond or clash. In “A Rainbow Like You” the characters of Adrian and Hastings bond during their time together on a tour bus. It serves as a microcosm for the loneliness and dilemmas faced by these two, impacting their relationship and growth in the story.
3. Enhancing Plot Dynamics: The location can significantly impact the plot of a novel. It can present challenges and opportunities that drive the story forward. Traversing the country on a tour bus and landing in different cities created many obstacles for Adrian and Hastings, while the mystical compound in New Mexico hid secrets waiting to be uncovered. In my upcoming novel, Vancouver is not just a city; it’s a conflicted and pulsing enigma that becomes central to the unfolding of the plot.
4. Cultural and Societal Reflections: Locations in fiction can also serve as a lens to explore cultural, societal, and historical themes. By choosing specific settings, I can shed light on the customs, values, and challenges faced by the people who inhabit those places. I chose Vancouver as a backdrop in my upcoming story to explore the complexities of wealth disparity and immigration and how a shadowy crime syndicate exploits both to its advantage. Vancouver is integral to understanding the characters and the broader socio-cultural context of the story. PS Did I mention there is a cool and unexpected supernatural angle? Ha! Just you wait.

In summary the importance of location in a fiction novel is HUGE! This  dynamic element shapes the narrative, characters, and themes. If I can bring a location to life through vivid descriptions, I create a richer, more immersive reading experience. So, whether my story unfolds on a remote compound, or a rock and roll tour bus, the location is not just a setting—it’s an essential character!

Thanks for reading!

ACF

xo