This week: Setting Edited by: spidey  
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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey , and I'm your Editor this week!
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Setting/Location
I'm curious, as a writer and a reader, how important is setting descriptions to you?
Feedback on my last newsletter got me thinking. For me, when I'm reading a story or book, I don't necessarily need a full, fleshed-out description of the characters. One or two details to make them stand out is a good idea probably, to help distinguish them from other characters. Does setting work the same way?
Do you like very detailed descriptions of a city, country, or world when reading? I supposed it can depend on how different it is from our world. If you're writing a sci-fi/fantasy story set on another planet or in another reality, perhaps a more detailed description is necessary?
Plus, it might depend on the type of story you're telling. For some, world-building can be very important in setting the story up, creating atmosphere, helping the reader understand the world they're delving into. In others, maybe all that description isn't quite necessary.
I've often wondered if authors travel a lot for accurate descriptions of places in the world, or if they make it all up. Maybe they do research by reading or watching videos about a real world place?
How do you research your setting? And how much detail do you put in? How much detail do you prefer when reading?
Even in a short story, the setting can provide key details to the reader without being overly lengthy. A rural vs urban setting can make a difference in the reader's mind, I think.
Take care, and as always, keep on writing! 
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Feedback from my last newsletter "Contests & Activities Newsletter (October 16, 2024)" , which discussed character descriptions:
How a character looks isn't a big deal for me. This might be because I don't pay that much attention to looks anyways. Every now and then I might notice a feature but how long I can remember that features is questionable. So, I don't need a lot of details but I do need some way to tell characters apart. If I haven't read the book for a couple of days and go back but don't know the difference between the characters, that might be an issue.
~ Dawn Embers 
I kind of feel the same way. I don't often have a very clear image of characters that I'm reading about, I think.
My own stories provide only any character details that are necessary for the reader to understand the person or the situation. That allows readers to imagine any further details as the story progresses.
~ Dan I Am 
I agree! I do feel that maybe one or two traits to make them stand out can be helpful.
Submit your feedback below!
How important do you think setting is? How detailed do you like your settings? |
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Contests & Activities: November 13, 2024 Issue [#12839]
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