Contests & Activities: November 13, 2024 Issue [#12839]
<< November 6, 2024Contests & Activities Archives | More From This Day | Print This Issue




 This week: Setting
  Edited by: spidey Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

header for my C&A Newsletters
Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B083RZ2C5F
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


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*



purple flower sig


Editor's Picks







Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

Journey Through Genres: Official Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Write a short story in the given genre to win big prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon




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!
by Allan Charles Author Icon

Vagrant Vignettes Open in new Window. [E]
Write a vignette. Open For Sign-ups only. Starts December 1st, 2024
by WakeUpAndLive~doingNaNo'24 Author Icon

Hook of the Book Open in new Window. [18+]
Can you write the most engaging opening sentence for a story?
by . . . Jeremy Author Icon

 
GET THE PICTURE ?  Open in new Window. [13+]
Writing Activity, No Competition - image-based prompts!
by Solace.Bring Author Icon

VETERANS GROUP Open in new Window. [13+]
A group for all veterans of all services.
by Monty Author Icon

 
On Our Own: Indie-publishing Group Open in new Window. [E]
Forums, marketing info, advice, and support concerning indie-publishing. Open to all.
by Voxxylady Author Icon

Roots & Wings Group Open in new Window. [E]
MB ATTACHED TO THIS GROUP. For those interested in writing their family history/memoir.
by GeminiGem🐾 Author Icon

 
Group: I Write in 2025 Open in new Window. [E]
Hot Potato Game
by NaNoNette Author Icon

 
Please Review Open in new Window. [E]
This is a page to request reviews for static items and books.
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

You know it's Sci Fi when... Open in new Window. [ASR]
Themes, Elements, and Tropes. Some things that Science Fiction is best known for.
by the last cicada Author Icon



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
by Maryann Author Icon



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!



 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 1542722411
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


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?

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B083RZJVJ8
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


<< November 6, 2024Contests & Activities Archives | More From This Day | Print This Issue

This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright.