When it comes to writing children's stories, one of the first things a writer must decide is where and when to set the story. The most convenient setting, of course, is a place and time the writer knows well - a hometown, for example, in the present day. But familiar story settings may not be what a writer has in mind. In fact, many children's writers choose to set their stories in unfamiliar, faraway places, during historic or futuristic times.
How, then, can a writer create a reality for a setting he or she knows little about? Here are a few helpful tips:
Begin by Researching Time and Place
Getting to know an unfamiliar setting begins with researching time and place. Writers can use encyclopedias or the internet as a starting point, but many organizations, such as a chamber of commerce, public library, historical society, museum, or embassy, can provide useful and sometimes more specific information about a story setting. Plus, organizations like these often have a strong online presence, so writers can do research or request information simply by visiting the website.
Resources that help writers develop story settings include:
- maps
- photographs
- newspaper articles, past or present
- travel books
- documentaries
- magazine feature pieces
- scrapbooks and journals
Futuristic story settings may not be as easy to research as past and present settings. Still, resources are available that can help writers create believable futuristic worlds, such as films, books, and magazine articles on future trends and technology. Writers can also contact research organizations, like World Future Society, that study the future for information. That said, creativity plays a big role in any story setting and especially a futuristic one.
Flesh Out the Important Details of a Story Setting
Gathering research, however, is only the first step to creating a credible story setting for kids. Next comes fleshing out the important details. When doing this, always keep in mind the audience. What may seem like an important detail to adults may matter little or nothing to kids. So what exactly do kids want to know about a setting?
Depending on the age, everything from geographic details to home styles, food, clothing, weather, transportation, and social climate - basically anything that will help create a vivid picture of the setting for a child and bring authenticity to it. Then home in on the particulars.
Think about what kids pay attention to today. Do they notice scenery? New technology? The rain? When they're in a car, do they point out street decorations or store-front displays? Do they comment on people's hats or moods or how people speak? Do certain animals catch their eye? Specific details like these not only matter to kids, they give stories a sense of time and place.
Consult an Expert When Creating a Story Setting
An unfamiliar story setting can be made even more credible by getting an expert to offer an opinion. An expert may be someone who lives or lived at the time or place of the story or someone who happens to know a lot about the time or place of the story, like a local historian. For a futuristic setting, an expert might be a professional or enthusiast in the field of futurology.
Getting a respected opinion on a story setting can only help make the story stronger. Experts can confirm that the setting details are accurate or at least probable. Experts can also help fine-tune the setting elements and make them even more vivid and interesting for kids.
No matter how remote a story setting, making it believable for kids doesn't require taking a trip. In fact, by conducting thorough research, fleshing out the story setting details that matter to kids, and consulting an expert, children's writers can create credible story settings without ever leaving the house.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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