joanne Weck Author Page

Thursday, April 18, 2013

SETTING MATTERS--GET THE WEATHER RIGHT

It may be true that readers want action on the first page. Television and the movies have changed our expectations. No longer can a writer start a novel or story with a leisurely description of the landscape, the sun coming up over the horizon, or the slow creation of a mood through details of the mountains, river or desert.

Still writers know that time and place influence the emotions and attitude of characters and have a major impact on the action. So how does a writer introduce these elements without boring readers?

My first mystery novel CRIMSON ICE takes place against the harsh winter background of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania but there is no single long paragraph describing the mountains, the snowstorms, or the icy lakes and ponds. Instead, I start with action. A young woman races through a winter night to come to the aid of her sister. We see her driving through the night and braving the storm. The storm itself becomes part of the action.

For example: Frankie's foot pressed hard on the gas pedal. She was headed northwest, climbing steadily into mountainous country where the snow was deeper and there was more wind.  Finally, the outline of dark mountains indicating the Delaware Water Gap appeared dimly ahead.  She slowed for the E-ZPASS at the bridge and crossed into Pennsylvania.  Her Honda, one of the few cars on the highway, ate up the empty miles.  She was unaware of the state trooper behind her until the lights flashed and a siren sounded.

In my short story, "Autumn Wedding," the setting is rural Pennsylvania in the mid-1800's.  I don't need to mention the date or the exact location, but as the details appear in the midst of action the reader draws conclusions about the time and place.

For example: He clicked to the horse, and they clattered off down Main Street, toward the bridge and home. But then they’d taken a detour past the old Presbyterian Churchyard and the long dark stretch of the park. He’d let the reins slacken as the sleek chestnut mare grazed. He hadn’t spoken, merely reached for her and begun to kiss her. And then...  Don’t think of that.

Mood is important. Setting is vital to creating mood but it must me approached obliquely and subtly.
Get the weather right. WRITE ON!

2 comments:

  1. ..great way to set the stage..or the scene..or assemble a composition!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's like looking at a blank canvas, perhaps?

    ReplyDelete