One of the things I am working on with my current WIP is a sense of place. Since my story is based on an actual historical event, I don’t just want my readers to accept that this happened in the past. I want my readers to be transported back in time to taste, touch and feel what is was like during that period in time.
I have been studying several sources and here are a few common ideas that they suggest to move beyond setting and create a sense of place.
1. Use your senses- Use your words to tell your readers not only how it looks but how it sounds, smells, feels and tastes.
2. Use Imagery- Move beyond the basic description and include feelings and emotions.
3. Provide accurate details- Readers will detach from reality enough to accept a monster coming down to destroy the city but if you have the bakery located on the wrong street it will make them wonder what else you have incorrect. If you are setting your story in a real location make a map to help you get your bearings on the location.
Can you think of any other ways evoke a sense of place? I would love to hear them.
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
Writing on the sidewalk 
Wonderful post, Suzanne. In fact I used this same approach in a workshop I taught last night. One of the writing prompts I also gave the writers was to make a map of the interior of their main character’s room and her closet. What skeletons might be uncovered doing that? These place exercises are a great way to get to know your character(s).
Thanks Clara glad to hear I’m on the right track. I love the idea of making a map of the room it’s much easier to share the sense of space when you have a better concept of it yourself.
I’m making a map today.
Sue
Sue – have you read Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge? It’s a short story and does a good job of setting the scene. I remember it being described as using the same method to set the place as we use in movies today… The story itself is memorable, but I remember the imagery just as much… Just my 2 cents… 🙂
Thanks Scott,
I just found the story online and I am going to check it out. I think it’s an interesting concept to think of setting place in the same way we do movies.
Thanks for sharing,
Sue