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Write better settings


Having a problem getting those scenes in your head to come across the right way on paper?

Think of it like this: your characters are actors on stage. When you only have dialogue it is like having characters stand on a black stage with only a spotlight directly focused on them. Where are the sets?

That's what descriptions are like when writing. They provide the set for your actors on stage. So, how can you illuminate the entire stage?

One way is to do it after you have written the dialogue.

After you get your dialogue down, start adding in details about where the characters are and what is going on around them and what they're doing during the conversation (pacing? sitting on a couch? leaning against something? do they gesture sometimes?). Start adding in the details and the scene will become clearer to you and your readers. Remember, movement (I think they call it 'blocking' in the theatre?) is an important part of your setting too. Be mindful of where your characters are and write accordingly.

It's okay if you provide too much detail at first. That's what revision is for!

Happy Writing!

Source: https://twitter.com/WriterEve