Quick Tips: How to Brainstorm & Research the Setting For Your Novel

The setting of a story should be treated with much attention as if it were a character in itself. Think of your favorite book--how would the plot differ if it were set in snowy mountains? Or in a dry desert? When a writer accurately portrays a believable setting for their novel, the reader becomes sucked into the story. This should be done in a way so that the story would not be the same if it were set in another location.

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For example: The setting is a crucial element in the movie The Titanic. It would be impossible to set that story in another location; the entire plot would unravel. People fall in love with books that present well-developed settings and story worlds. What would The Chronicles of Narnia be without Narnia? Or Anne of Green Gables without Green Gables? This is why us writers should never rush the process of brainstorming a setting.


So, when choosing a setting, ask yourself...

• What is the mood and theme of this story? What kind of setting—a small town, big city, another planet, etc.—would best portray this?
• How will the setting affect the plot of the story?
• Will I use a real location or invent one?
• What places—including my hometown—am I familiar with? Out of those, which one am I most passionate about?
• How can I weave symbolism into this setting?
• How does the setting influence who my protagonist is and what is his/her attitude toward this location?

Then, once you have chosen your setting, it's time to collect as much information as you can about this place--even if you've invented it. You should know it just as well as your characters do.  

Here's how you can research your setting: 

• Take a research trip (if feasible).
• Watch YouTube videos. Many times, people will give a “virtual tour” of a certain place. As you watch, pay close attention to the sights and sounds.
• Research the location and its history through various online resources. (Keep in mind, however, that some websites, such as Wikipedia, may not provide 100% accurate information.)
• Read books about the location, including memoirs.
• Read the online newspaper of the location.
• Find pictures via Pinterest. (Make sure to pin them to your storyboard as well!)
• Interview people who have a connection to the location.
• Research the city through www.areavibes.com. This website allows you to explore a location and discover its amenities, housing and neighborhoods, population, economics, crime, weather, etc. It will even compare these results with another location as well.
• Take advantage of Google Earth and its street view feature.

When researching (or inventing!) your setting, take note of the following:

• What unique elements can contribute toward the personality of my setting? Have you chosen/invented a town that is popular for its rolling hills? Are there willow trees that form a canopy over a certain street? Farm animals held behind fences? (Cough ... Unwritten Melody reference.) ;) 
• How do the locals speak? What is their dialect and popular slang?
• Where is the place located geographically?
• What is the climate in every season?
• What is the history of the location, and how has it shaped the setting into what it is today?
• What is the most popular religion? (For instance, have you chosen a town that's located in the Bible belt of the US?)
• What are the socioeconomics?
• What is the atmosphere? Is it a laid back town in the south, where people are accustomed to a slow-paced lifestyle--or does it take place within the hustle and bustle of NYC?
• What is the popular fashion and hairstyles?
• Where do people shop for food, coffee, groceries, clothes, ice cream, etc.?
• What are the significant landmarks and parks?
• Where do the teenagers hangout?
• What kind of animals can be found in the location? Plants? Insects?
• If it’s a small town, what big city is it located near?
• What are the popular street names?

Remember: 

The setting of a story should be treated as if it were another character, so make sure to research it beforehand. 


Then, when you begin to write, highlight on the specific details that will breathe life into your setting. However, make sure that this is presented through the eyes of your POV (Point of View) character. 


Through proper developing and portraying your setting, you will give your readers the opportunity to become transported into the story’s location . . . and they’ll never once have to leave the comfort of their own home. ;) 


~ ~ ~ 
What's your favorite way to brainstorm and research the setting for your books? 

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Quick Tips: How to Brainstorm & Research the Setting For Your Novel @TessaEmilyHall #amwriting #writingtips


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Preparing to Write Part 1: How to Brainstorm Your Novel

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A story idea may spark in many number of ways: through a photograph, song, news story, etc. As a writer, it is crucial that we keep our eyes open to the endless possibilities around us. Train your mind to always be on the lookout for a new story (or character) idea, and keep a notebook handy so you can jot down these ideas as they come.

However, just because you may have an idea for a story doesn't necessarily mean it is okay to go ahead and begin writing it. Even if you are a seat-of-a-pantser (meaning your story unfolds as you write), you must not skip this step. Brainstorming turns an okay idea into a genius one.

It may take weeks—or even months—to develop an idea. The good news is: You don’t have to wait until you’re at your computer (or notebook) to brainstorm. When I have a story idea, I am constantly trying to think of ways in which to flesh the idea out even further. Ideas may come while I am cleaning, taking my dog on a walk, or even watching TV.

➙ Beginning to Brainstorm

Every idea begins with one story-starter. This usually comes in the form of 1 – 2 sentences, such as: “A husband and wife are planning on getting a divorce when the wife finds out she has cancer.”

Once you have your story-starter, it is time to begin asking the “What if” questions:

What if . . .

• the cancer prolongs the divorce?
• the husband begins sympathizing with his wife?
• they reminisce old memories when the wife is in the hospital?
• the wife’s cancer continues to progress?
• the wife is miraculously healed?
• or she ends up passing away?

When you ask “What if” questions, you will soon have a developed story idea rather than just a story-starter.

Keep in mind that the possibilities are endless. When your “what if” list is complete, you can then branch our even further and write new “what if” questions for the original ones. That way, you can begin to decide which direction you should take your story.

For instance:

If the wife ends up dying, what if . . .

• The husband reads her diary?
• He decides to never get married again?
• He regrets his behavior towards her for the past five years or so?
• He tells his friend, who is also considering divorce, not to go through with it?

If the wife is miraculously healed, what if . . .

• They start having problems again because of financial stress due to the hospital bills?
• They burn their divorce papers?
• They decide to take action to save their marriage?

There are also several brainstorming apps that can help develop and organize your ideas:

• Freemind – This one is especially useful for the above brainstorming technique.
• iBrainstorm – This app allows you to jot down notes and ideas.
• Writer’s App – This app allows you to organize your plotting ideas and is specifically made for writers.
• XMind – This allows you to manage your information and organize brainstorming ideas in a web-format.
• Popplet – Another app that uses a web to store your ideas, except this one allows you to insert photographs as well. Perfect for those who are visual thinkers, like myself.

Also, as you brainstorm, ask yourself:

• What kind of stories do I love?
• Is there a book that I would love to read, however it doesn't even exist (yet)?
• What are my favorite elements in a story? (It could be a setting, plot thread, character, genre, etc.)

I recommend keeping a journal or a binder for your book as you begin. It always helps to have a tangible object that contains your story ideas. You can also create a private board on Pinterest and pin quotes, song lyrics, and photos that relate to your book. I also recommend creating a playlist, which you can do by downloading Spotify. It is always nice to have a soundtrack for your story, even if you don’t necessarily listen to music as you write.

Be sure to check back next week for Preparing to Write Part 2: How to Plan Your Story!

    ✎ How do you usually brainstorm? Are there any apps you use that I did not mention? 

photo credit: @boetter via photopin cc

Tweetables:

• Brainstorming turns an okay idea into a genius one. @tessaemilyhall on how to brainstorm http://bit.ly/1nd5dPJ Click to Tweet!
• "As a writer, it is crucial that we keep our eyes open to the endless possibilities around us." http://bit.ly/1nd5dPJ Click to Tweet!
• How do you brainstorm a novel? YA Author @tessaemilyhall shares her tips at http://bit.ly/1nd5dPJ #yalitchat Click to Tweet!

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All story ideas expressed in this post are completely my own and are copyrighted.