We have author Susan Carlisle talking about the importance of setting in a story.
I write character driven stories but start from the setting. I say, “What could happen here? Who would live here or visit here?” From there I develop a story. The setting becomes a minor character but often dictating what can happen while at the same time providing material for what can occur. For example, a book that takes place in the Grand Canyon National Park isn’t going to have the same opportunities for events as a book set at the beach. They will be vastly different. Therefore, the setting will add a special flavor to the book.
In my latest book, Falling for the Trauma Doc the book takes place in Kentucky during the weeks leading up to the Derby and the week of it. Horseracing is front and center. Now, other places have horseracing but in Louisville, Kentucky during the first weekend in May it is like no other place. Through the setting the feel and excitement of the story shows and make a book special.
Susan Carlisle's new book out this month...