Setting The Scene

We've had some incredibly beautiful weather here in Virginia of late, and now I'm itching for spring to peek around the corner. I love warmer weather, particularly when it's accompanied by wind and a stray thunderstorm. Those are the days when I find the most inspiration for writing.

But beautiful weather doesn't just inspire me, it helps me create a setting for what I write. Fireflies In December wouldn't be quite the same if it were really set in December. There's something about the summer heat - complete with cicadas, crickets, and hot, sleepless nights - that makes Jessilyn's story more real. I've had people comment to me that they could feel the heat while they were reading, even though we're in the middle of winter. That just goes to show how important setting is. It transports a reader into the story. It may be one more piece to add to the novel-writing puzzle, but it's an important one. Taking a reader to a place they can feel adds depth to the characters and their plot.

Including small details in a story can make all the difference, bringing believability and relatability to fictional characters and stories. And it's a part of writing that requires little research. We can all observe our surroundings. When you write, don't forget to include the chirping birds, the tinkling wind chimes, the rumbling thunder. They can bring a story to life.

And that's what makes fiction feel so real.

I want to add a quick P.S. here to thank C.J. Darlington for her hard work on an interview with me on her website, TitleTrakk.com. She had some terrific questions, and made the interview tons of fun. Thanks, C.J.!