Describing Setting - Writers Forum

The Thing · 01-24-2008, 07:16 AM

When I write I seem to get stuck on describing the characters surroundings. A lot of my recent work is set in everyday places like the characters home. How do I make the mundane interesting?

When do you descibe setting? Reading through a number of books I realised that there are several ways. One way is to describe the scene straight away almost as if you were looking at a set on a play. Then the characters come on a interact with it.

Another is to describe it as you need it. So you don't descibe the deep, dark basement until your character goes down there. But when I use this style I find my characters using stuff which just so happens to be conveniantly there. With the previous example if the character needs to use something it's there already and doesn't seem so coincidental, but I find it boring to read as well as write.

I have seen several writers use both these ways, Stephen King for example. But, which way is the right way?

murder_of_crows · 01-24-2008, 07:41 AM

IMO i wouldnt say there is a right way both are great...the way i do it is describe the setting first in a broad description then get into more detail as the story comes

Ken · 01-24-2008, 08:34 AM

I agree with Murder of Crows. I don't think there is necessarily a "right" way or a "wrong" way. I think the plot and characters dictate the description of the setting. In other words, it isn't always necessary to go into details about the particulars of a house or whatnot.

HOWEVER, if something about the way the house is decorated can inform the reader about the character who lives there--then describe it, but ONLY those parts that deepen either their characterization or illumine the plot. Description, just for description's sake amounts to overwriting, in my opinion.

But, for instance, if your character is an obsessive compulsive you could describe how meticulously arranged the throw pillows are on the couch , or how the coffee table books are arranged in alphabetical order--by author!

Rather than describing the entire room in excruciating detail, pick one thing that really says something about the person.

The same thing applies to a larger setting. If you're describing a town, for instance, hone in on one thing about the town that really speaks about the people who live there. This will create an image that sticks with the reader.

Anyway, just my opinion--most of which was culled from others! Hope some of it helps!

All the best,

Ken

murder_of_crows · 01-24-2008, 09:45 PM

^^ exactly next time i try to say something ill tell ken AKA "the dude" and he can translate

awesome job on the advice

MSWordUp · 02-01-2008, 05:00 PM

I agree with Ken's advice, though, scenery does not have to be so minimized. Not every detail about each brick and window needs to be added but describing the general scene can help put the reader in the novel.

Perhaps, you should imagine the scene and write (or even draw) all details: The color of the walls, what sort of flooring, the cabinets, the glasses, the electronics, the windows, the doors, the newspapers and books. Everything. Then trim it down to what is necessary.

Take yourself to the scene. Walk through it. Examine it. It will help you take your reader to the place your characters are.

For example, if your MC is at a bar you could describe what it looks like, even if it is not necessary for the plot or your character. It can put your reader there at the bar because he/she can imagine what it actually looks like. Then, instead of being an outsider being told what is happening, they will, in a way, be sitting a stool away from your MC watching the events unfold firsthand.

rosiecotton · 02-02-2008, 05:45 PM

I think you can do what you will with description of setting but it can have a tendency to get out of hand and pull you too far from character or plot, which is not great for the reader.

Slip your description of setting in through your characters. Have them dictate the description - how do they interact with that surrounding? What do they focus on and why? Does something draw them? Does something remind them of other things/times/people/places?

Description of setting should place you but it should also reveal. Readers will fill in a huge mass of detail for you without you even saying a word. Bedroom. Garden. You create the scene as a reader and it doesn't matter if it's decorated in blue or yellow. But if you pull the reader in with a focus (which has relevance to character or plot) - the jewellery box on the dresser, the clock on the mantle, the scent of talcum powder on the air, the Tiger Lily amongst a patch of nettles, the frog pond choked with algae, you step into the setting in a more personable and meaningful way.

rumpole40k · 02-02-2008, 06:31 PM

I think Elmore Leonard said it best, " ... you don't want descriptions that bring the action, the flow of the story, to a standstill." This is my acid test when describing a setting.

ClancyBoy · 02-04-2008, 01:58 AM

I say describe the parts that are important to the story and let the reader fill in the rest.

KeshKesh7 · 02-05-2008, 07:26 PM

I love describing textures and color. They really give a feel to the room. A black leather couch is different from a chocolate suede one. Heavy, dark draperies are different from sheer white ones.
The most interesting exercise I've ever done was to describe a plain, empty room. I ended up with moonlight streaming through a barren tree to turn the smooth walls into a maze of shadow.
I really think the 'feel' of the room can describe so much more than a detailed description. It tells you what sort of people live there, how they live, even why they live.

murder_of_crows · 02-07-2008, 10:57 PM

to keshkesh7 and no offence when i say this but i think there is such a thing as over describing something for example when i hear this "I ended up with moonlight streaming through a barren tree to turn the smooth walls into a maze of shadow. " it doesnt seem like an empty room to me i think if its an empty room it should be an empty descriptions sorry if its confusing i have a hard time describing my techiniques plus you prolly dont care what i think