Crafting Memorable Settings

As writers, we are the creators of worlds where we invite readers to join us on epic adventures, to travel uncharted territories, and to explore both the real world or ones of pure imagination. But what transforms these words into a vibrant tapestry to captivate a reader’s senses? How do we transport him into a world of our design? It is a matter of detailed worldbuilding, engaging the senses, and being consistent with the internal logic within our created spaces.

Imagine yourself an explorer, venturing into uncharted lands where every stone and tree holds significance. The key to creating an immersive world lies in the details. Consider the geography, history, and culture of your world. Paint a picture of majestic mountains and winding rivers, or sprawling cities pulsating with life. Develop a clear understanding of how these elements intertwine. How they shape the lives of your characters and contribute to the narrative at hand.

There are many techniques to develop a detailed universe. You can use a program such as “World Anvil”. Originally, this online site was designed for D&D dungeon masters, but authors also discovered it to be a useful tool. One advantage of using such a site is you can set up a public file of the world for your readers to discover, or use it to create a settings book about your world later. This gives your novel’s universe additional value.

Sometimes a simple map of the territory and schematics of your buildings are enough to keep you on track of the details in your story. This is my favorite technique since I enjoy sketching. I will take out my art paper and pencils to create simple blueprints of houses, castles, or space stations where my stories take place. This becomes a visual reference for me. By investing time into building a rich and intricate world, we invite readers to embark on a journey they will never forget.

Next, it is important to engage the senses of your reader. By doing so, you allow them to enter the world and feel what your characters are experiencing. I like to use Diana Gabaldon’s rule of three senses to create more depth. For instance, you might write what the character is seeing and hearing, but also add either taste or scent as well. It is important to not always be in the character’s head, but to remember they have bodies. Add in those sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the world as your characters experience them. You will breathe life into your settings and allow your reader to feel the pulse of your world. Through vivid descriptions, we create a symphony of sensations that linger in the reader’s mind, long after the last page has been turned.

The importance of consistency and internal logic within our created worlds is vital to a good story. Just as in our own reality, every world must adhere to a set of rules, a foundation upon which its existence is built. From the laws of physics to the complexity of societal structures, maintaining the fabric of your story is essential. Avoid sudden shifts or contradictions that jolt readers out of the immersive experience. Instead, nurture an internal logic that guides the choices of your characters. By establishing a coherent world, you invite readers to suspend their disbelief and to become an active participant in the unfolding story.

Through detailed worldbuilding, engaging the senses, and maintaining consistency, we create settings that transcend the boundaries of ink and paper. We invite readers to walk alongside our characters, to breathe the same air, and to witness the wonders of the worlds we have crafted.

Wendy Van Camp is the Poet Laureate for the City of Anaheim, California. Her work is influenced by cutting edge technology, astronomy, and daydreams. She is a nominated finalist for the Elgin Award, a Pushcart Prize, and for a Dwarf Stars Award. Her poems, stories, and articles have appeared in: “Star*Line”, “Scifaikuest”, and “Indy Author Magazine”, among many others. She is the editor of two annual poetry anthologies “Eccentric Orbits” and “Anaheim Poetry Review”, and a guest editor for the SFPA’s “Eye To The Telescope”. She is a graduate of the Ad Astra Speculative Fiction Workshop and a member of SFWA, Codex, SFPA, and IBPA. Find her books on all major online retailers. Learn more at http://wendyvancamp.com

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