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Perhaps you've heard the phrase "writing setting as a character?" Creating a strong setting is crucial in creating an immersive world that readers will fall into.
I recently read (and reviewed) Keeper of Enchanted Rooms and it was one of the strongest case studies of "setting as a character" I've ever read. The setting was (almost literally) a living, breathing thing.
But how can you create settings that are characters without the inclusion of a haunted house? That's what we're looking at today.
What does "setting as a character" mean?
Basically, it means that your setting is vivid and dynamic.
Focus on the five senses. Create a dynamic setting by having it change over time.
In this way, your setting becomes more than a backdrop: it becomes a metaphor that enhances the themes of your story.
How can I make my setting into a character?
Give your setting a backstory, just like you would any other character. Does your setting contain any secrets? Any quirks? Any trauma?
Know how the setting will contribute to the plot. For instance, in Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, the inciting incident is set off when the haunted house locks the main character inside.
Determine what makes your setting unique. Bring that to life through your (other) characters' eyes.
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