When selecting a book to read or buy, like most folks, my eyes automatically scan the cover for telltale clues as to what the book’s about.
Many times, if the cover art is intriguing, it’ll cause me to give the book a second glance and I’ll at least peruse the book a little longer. I’ll probably read the back cover copy and get a feel for the story, the setting, and the characters.
The deciding factor in reading or purchasing the book (for me) will ultimately be the story. If the plot doesn’t appeal, the setting won’t matter. In my opinion, the plot is the “glue” and the setting is the “glitter.”
However, I have to be honest. I’ll be less likely to crack open the book in the first place if the setting is too far-fetched, off-the-wall, or simply unappealing. For instance, stories set in prisons, deserts, or morgues probably aren’t going to capture my interest. (Although…one of my favorite Bible heroes did spend a lot of time in prison, and to this day, his story remains one of my all time favorites.)
When I’ve talked about settings before, you may remember me mentioning that I’m very fascinated by architecture. I appreciate interesting lines, fascinating angles, and attention to detail. I prefer the old rather than new. I’m partial to native stone, winding staircases, and big rooms with tall ceilings. And I especially like homes and buildings rich in history and steeped in charm.
Places of yesteryear hold a certain nostalgia for me. When I step through the doors of a time-worn structure, I can close my eyes and almost be whisked away to how life must have been there.
I like seeing how others have lived and getting a sense of what was important to them. I suppose that’s why I pay careful attention to the settings I create for the characters in my novels. As I read and write, I try to immerse myself within the story walking in the characters’ shoes, or at the very least, ambling up beside them.
In the fictional, faith-based romance series I’m creating, the geographical setting is one that I’m familiar with and one that holds sweet memories for this born and bred Ozarkian gal. The vibrant foothills of the Missouri Ozarks is the colorful backdrop for where my characters live. The types of homes they live in play an integral role to each story. Some of their abodes are just like they are: simple and down-to-earth and as comfy as a favorite quilt fresh out of the cedar chest. Other characters’ dwellings might be a little more mysterious with secrets begging to be told, and perhaps, a few puzzles needing solved. Then there are the stately mansions, appealing to the eye, but their bones may be tired and in need of a realignment–somewhat like their new owners.
Though the setting of a novel can’t take the place of a great story, it can enhance it and paint a visual to create a more exciting ride.
******
Which grabs your attention first–the setting or the story? Are there any types of settings that you find distasteful?
Comments 12
Plot is always more intriguing for me, while the settings could be an undispensable part of it.
It is a little strange that you tend to miss those stories, which are based in prisons, for example. If you say that you are writing about people in extraordinary circumstances this should theoretically become some source of inspiration for you. Besides, there are a lot of really good works that you might miss out, e.g. Sarah Waters’ “Affinity”, not talking about “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Duma the major part of which is based in the jail.
U.C.
Author
Since I write contemporary, faith-based romance, settings that I would choose for my books would less likely be “prisons, deserts, or morgues.” The same applies if I read a faith-based romance novel. Those settings just aren’t appealing to me in faith-based romantic fiction. Since I pen romance, I was speaking more from that perspective.
Of course, there are thousands upon thousands of books (the “Count of Monte Cristo” included) that have excellent examples of extraordinary settings with equally extraordinary plots. Typically, a tragic tale of betrayal and a quest for justice (with a prison setting) might not initially capture my interest mainly because of personal preference. It certainly doesn’t mean that I’d completely rule out reading the story or seeing the stage version (see my recent post on “The Count of Monte Cristo”), however, there are other classics (“Little Women”, etc.) that I’d find a bit more appealing.
(And of course, there’s a nonficiton book that’s a daily source of inspiration for me, and it’s written by one of my favorite Authors.)
Thanks for your comment!
The story definitely grabs my attention first, and I’m not overly picky about setting, as long as it feels authentic to the story and it’s clear the author did their research.
Author
Yes, the plot has to indeed grab my attention first, Sarah. Now, if the setting is an underwater sea lab on Mars, for instance, that probably would make my reading decision easier. 😉
The plot definitely grabs my attention first.
Author
Yes, I think that’s going to be the general consensus, Loree.
It use to be the story. The cover and title would grab my attention first. Then, I would always read the back cover. Often the story wouldn’t appeal to me and I would put it back on the shelf. So, when someone gave me a book to read (usually one my mom had already read) I just stopped reading the back cover and found I usually enjoyed the book despite what it said on the back.
Some settings draw me more than others. I tend to be drawn to historical more than contemporary, though I like reading both. My favorite historical settings are Victorian and Medieval eras. I guess that’s why I write historical.
Author
Settings, like stories, are all about personal preference, I believe. And like you, Alisa, there are some types of settings that would draw me in more than others.
Happy Friday and Happy Writing!
I’m most interested in the story, but I do take the setting into account as well. My preference is stories with U.S. settings, particularly in the West where I live. However, if a story sounds captivating and isn’t set there, I’ll still give it a go.
Author
I’m with you, Keli. And I think it’s only natural to enjoy reading stories with familiar settings.
That’s a tough one. If I’m not comfortable in the setting, I won’t want to spend much time there. The story would need to pull me in quickly.
Author
That’s the way I feel, as well, Patti. As I mentioned above, however, I wouldn’t completely rule out reading a story/novel just because the setting isn’t necessarily my cup of tea. If the plot is outstanding, then of course, I’d keep turning the pages!