Setting the scene by Marian Lanouette

What I’m reading this week: J.D. Robb’s Calculated in Death

As I pondered what to post this week, it got me thinking about the towns and cities I use to set scenes in my books. Though we as authors write about fictional cities, there are some elements of real places we’ve visited or lived. You see as an author you take your life experiences and then create fictional places, characters and events and bring them to life. The best compliment an author can receive is from a reader, who tells you they were sad to see it end. The characters were so alive to them they didn’t want to leave them.

I’m sure this has happened to you with movies, books and even animated films. When I watch a Disney film the animated characters take on a life of their own and it warms my heart. How about you, can you think of a Disney film that has touched you and had you caring for the characters that seemed so real?

A story is enriched with settings. It’s important to lace them throughout your story and not dump them in there all at once. A little bit really does go a long  way here. Make your scenery as exciting as your characters and you’ll grab you reader attention and hold it.

Architectural designs grab my attention wherever I travel. I love buildings with personality. I’m sure I’m not alone. Tomorrow when you go to work, look around you and notice the detail on all the buildings. One design that always attracts me is what I call the angle buildings. Most cities have one. Check this one out:

Both pictures supplied by pics4.city.data.com

Let me know what type of building you love and post a photo here of your favorite building.

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