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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5392-Developing-Settings-Using-Art.html
Action/Adventure: November 27, 2012 Issue [#5392]

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Action/Adventure


 This week: Developing Settings Using Art
  Edited by: Sara♥Jean 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

I'm so excited to be your Action/Adventure Newsletter Editor this week! Please let me know if you have any feedback, or if you have any topics you'd like covered in a newsletter. I will be glad to research it for you and do my best.

- SaraJean


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Developing Settings Using Art
Sometimes developing a setting can be difficult. Here are some ways you might approach it in a different manner.


Let's face it, when writing Action/Adventure stories, there are often a lot of fight scenes. Movies have the advantage of camera angle - they build the set, and then they let the actors and the camera do the rest. In stories, we don't have that benefit. We, as authors, have to see every single side of that room, so as the fight turns and moves, so can the description that we use.

That is easier said than done, however.

Visualizing it can sometimes be the hardest, so here are a few ways you might be able to visualize the scene/setting and really solidify what is all around your characters:

Draw a Picture - I know, I know - you're not an artist, you're a writer! But... fact is, it doesn't have to look pretty. It just has to function as a blueprint, of sorts, to help you as things move around. I might be cheesy, but there are times when I even like to put little army men on it once I have it drawn out, and move them around as I write, changing their positions to match what is going on in the fight.

I make the pictures detailed. I put the alarm clocks, discarded socks, pictures on the walls, etc. That way, when the characters move over there, I know exactly what they will disturb during the altercation.

Create a Miniature - Sometimes all it takes to make a miniature is some cardboard that's cut out, or some small toys. This method seems a little more playful and a little less art, but it is actually surprising how much it helps to move people around and make a visual this way. The benefit over the drawing, of course, is that the miniature model would be 3-Dimensional, whereas the picture is flat. You can actually knock the table over in the miniature, which is amusing in itself.

Pipe Cleaners - Pipe Cleaners are excellent for creating a blueprint as large as you'd like for really cheap. You can also make it three dimensional by putting the corners of the walls, etc. You can create a see-through model in which to visualize, and it is a whole lot of fun. (And colorful! If you like colors...)


These are not the only ways, of course, but they are some that you can use to visualize your scenes, and at the same time, help you add detail to your writing when you use the pictures or models as a guide.


Editor's Picks

For these picks, I will focus on scenes and settings. Some may not be for Action/Adventure, but they can still give ideas.

 Streets of Chicago, 1930 Open in new Window. (13+)
A story of the 1930's mob scene!
#461251 by Andi Author IconMail Icon


 Random Scene 3 Open in new Window. (13+)
A visit to a missing friend reveals a reason for concern...
#263341 by Tehuti, Lord Of The Eight Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#676843 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1155411 by Not Available.


 Quest for the Sphere Open in new Window. (E)
The best science fiction -- in a country setting!
#416024 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

What are some unusual ways you use to visualize what is going on in your book or story, and to guide your writing? I'd love to include a short list in the next newsletter I edit, so everyone can pull ideas from it. *Smile*

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