The Boy Who Cried, "Wolf!" (Lessons on Creative Writing)

Chapter 1: Setting

Chapter 1: Setting

When and where the story happens is called Setting. While some writers do not particularly give much importance to the setting of the story, it is still essential that you are able to introduce your readers to the world that you are creating for them. They need to understand the culture behind the story, and this can be done when you are able to give a vivid description of the setting.

the following are some aspects of a setting. Note that some or all may be found in your story.

1. Place - Where is your story taking place? Is it in the real world, fantasy world, or parallel universe? The first two places are self-explanatory, so let me just expound the parallel universe here: this is a place where everything that exists in our world is an exact duplicate. However, they are totally different from us in terms of experience, and there is no chance that we can meet with them. In a parallel universe, there is another YOU but that person lives a totally different life. In some cases, the life of that person living in the parallel universe may be affected by the life of the person living in the real world.

2. Time - When is the story taking place? Is it in the present time, historical period, or in the future? This also refers to the time of day, year, etc.

3. Weather conditions/ seasons - Is it rainy, sunny, etc? Is it spring, summer, fall, or winter? When used properly, weather conditions improve a story in ways one can imagine.

4. Social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Their culture? Does the story contain local colour (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)? What doctrines or belief does that society hold?

5. Mood or atmosphere - How do you want your story to start? You can choose to start the story in a sad or happy mood. You can also begin with frigthening of suspenseful atmosphere. Your imagination is the only limit.

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