Thursday 17 July 2014

Let atmosphere work its magic

As you know, I place great store on creating fictional places that engages your reader. But how do you do it? Here’s some thoughts:
Allow the atmosphere of the place to take you over - we do not do enough standing in this busy world of ours but if we do atmospheres can spark creativity
Work out what job you want your place to do - for example, I created the northern city of Hafton to be gloomy, dark and gritty because that served my needs as a crime writer
Draw out contrasts - a dark wood where glades are illuminated by sunlight through the trees, cities with rough tough areas just a few hundred yards away from more pleasant areas can give you much to play with as a writer
Use all your senses not just vision - what does your place sound like, smell like, taste like, feel like?



John Dean

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