Every story requires an appropriate setting. Consequently, there are many considerations that every author has to consider when choosing the right background. Some of these are expounded in this article.

Fictitious or Real Places

Choosing a real place or a fictional one is among the first decisions you have to make as an author. The benefit of using a fictitious setting is that you are able to design it as you wish. Real physical places can be limiting in this aspect. However, the reader is also able to relate more easily with a place they are familiar with than a fictitious one. In the case of a made-up place, you have to provide an adequate description that will give the reader a vivid picture of the setting. Depending on your story, you can pick the option that you find most appropriate and that you think will best enhance your story.

For non-fiction books, it is obvious that real places have to be used. In such an instance, researching the setting is extremely vital in presenting factual information. Africa Risk Dashboard by Issa Baluch and Jon Vandenheuvel is a non-fiction book that is set in Ghana. The authors are residents of Ghana but they were born in the US. It took them time to understand the country’s economic and cultural processes. Through research and experience, they have been able to write a book that focuses on the Agribusiness sector not only in Ghana, but also in other parts of Africa.

Most children’s books contain imaginary settings that allow the child to open up their mind to new ideas. There is an enchanting aspect attached to faraway lands. For such a book, illustrations are very helpful in describing the made-up place. The account should also contain details that highlight the elements of the setting. A great example is Ash Gilpin’s Forgotten Christmas which is a picture book that describes an imaginary land where Christmas does not exist. Using illustrations, the author has been able to describe this particular setting adequately. The culture of the people is also briefly showcased in the plot and it provides a wonderful foundation for the storyline.

Your Understanding of the Selected Place

One of the easiest ways to select a setting is choosing a place that you are already familiar with. You are also able to share a part of your heritage in this way. This does not mean that you are only confined to selecting settings of which you have prior knowledge. If you have little knowledge of the preferred background, you can thoroughly research and ensure that the plot fits the setting.

 An example of a story set in a place that an author has great knowledge of is Out of Focus which is authored by Carol Ashe. The narrative is set in Winnipeg, Manitoba. By understanding the dynamics of the town, the author has been able to create an engaging story that reflects the crimes that are prevalent in this part of Canada. She is also able to describe the landscape and the natural flow of the town.