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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12839-Setting.html
Contests & Activities: November 13, 2024 Issue [#12839]




 This week: Setting
  Edited by: spidey Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!



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Letter from the editor


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! *Quill*



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Editor's Picks







Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
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Journey Through Genres: Official Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Write a short story in the given genre to win big prizes!
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Contests/Activities:

The Long Poetry Contest Open in new Window. [13+]
Do you like to write long poetry? Come enter this month's round! No maximum line count!
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Vagrant Vignettes Open in new Window. [E]
Write a vignette. Open For Sign-ups only. Starts December 1st, 2024
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Can you write the most engaging opening sentence for a story?
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Writing Activity, No Competition - image-based prompts!
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VETERANS GROUP Open in new Window. [13+]
A group for all veterans of all services.
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On Our Own: Indie-publishing Group Open in new Window. [E]
Forums, marketing info, advice, and support concerning indie-publishing. Open to all.
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Roots & Wings Group Open in new Window. [E]
MB ATTACHED TO THIS GROUP. For those interested in writing their family history/memoir.
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This is a page to request reviews for static items and books.
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Themes, Elements, and Tropes. Some things that Science Fiction is best known for.
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Some How/To Items that might help you:

On Giving Reviews Open in new Window. [E]
Are you speechless when you stare at that little reviewing box? Here are some tips.
by Roseille ♥ Author Icon

Helping Links Open in new Window. [ASR]
'Help Links' for Newbies and all other members who are still learning
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Some contest resources:
How to Create a Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Things you need to know before you open a contest. Includes a contest template.
by Angels in my Ear Author Icon

"Create/Edit a Message ForumOpen in new Window.
Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format Open in new Window. [E]
Learn the ins and outs of creating a link using the bitem format.
by NickiD89 Author Icon





Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!



 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer



Feedback from my last newsletter "Contests & Activities Newsletter (October 16, 2024)Open in new Window., 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 Author Icon


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 Author Icon

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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