helps to set creative writing in a specific time period

Elements of setting: How to create a vivid world

The elements of setting – time, place, mood, social and cultural context – help to make a novel feel real and alive. This is an essential element of writing that helps anchor your writing within a specific place. Read more about using the ingredients of setting to make your story more vivid:

• Post author By Bridget McNulty
• 3 Comments on Elements of setting: How to create a vivid world

Defining setting

Let’s first define setting. This can be the time frame or/and the location, and environment in which your story takes place. Setting is as vital a part of your story as characterisation or plot. Some novels are rooted in setting, such as many mystery novels where the setting becomes vital to the action. But many stories rely on setting, so it’s worth getting this right and creating your fictional world in detail. 

What are the 4 key elements of setting?

The core elements of setting are:

Time in setting  can refer to the length of time in which the story unfolds (as short as a day or as long as 1,000 years or more).

Time  can also refer to time period , the historical epoch (for example the Middle Ages) in which your novel is set. [When you brainstorm your core setting in the Now Novel dashboard, answer prompts about both to add time details to your story’s outline.]

‘Place’ is the ‘where’ of story setting. Place in your novel is the geographical location or or physical location of the story’s events, fictional settings that take place on a specific planet (or in space), in a specific country, county, city or neighbourhood (or span several).

The ‘mood’ of a story’s setting refers to the tone you create by providing details of time and place. The mood of a dank and rustling wood is very different to that of a bustling, bright metropolis.

Lastly, ‘context’ in setting refers to the way time and place come together to show how elements of setting (such as politics, culture, society) shape (or limit) people’s choices and actions.

Read the following tips on using each of these 4 elements of setting well:

1. How to create a sense of time in a novel

A. use time of day to dramatic effect.

Details such as the time of day add colour and variety to your novel’s mood. Characters leaving on a mission in the dead of night  instead of the daytime may create a much greater sense of urgency, threat or secrecy, for example.

Think also of the symbolic meanings people attach to time in stories. Daybreak can symbolize rebirth, renewal or the return of safety. Nighttime could symbolize danger, mystery or death. Or peace, tranquility, solitude.

Even if you don’t explicitly reference the time of day or year in a scene, it can help to add one to your outline so that you have other details in mind as you draft and describe your scene.

B. Show time passing to create urgency or anticipation

Show time passing in your story setting to help the reader see that the action of your story unfolds within a shifting, changing world.

A classic example of this we return to often is the ending of Evelyn Waugh’s  Brideshead Revisited . The protagonist returns to a grand manor he once knew to find it damaged considerably in the war. This passage of time creates a nostalgic, ‘you can’t go home again’ effect.

A sense of time passing is especially important where there is urgency. In a murder mystery, for example, each passing sunrise and sunset without a new lead is another opportunity for the ‘baddie’ to strike.

Showing how time’s passage changes your setting is a great way to add development to your story’s backdrop.

C. Make your time period realistic

It takes readers out of your story when you have a medieval knight saying ‘that’s sick’ or ‘cool’.

Unless your characters are supposed to time-travel, make sure your time setting is realistic and consistent.

Also ensure that you have a handle on the social environment (or cultural environment) of the setting of your story. What world or political events take place in an historic setting, and how might this contribute to the plot, for example? What is the etiquette like: are women allowed to walk the streets alone? 

If you’re writing historical fiction in particular, keep a cheat file of every detail about your setting. Research what people ate, wore and believed and how they spoke. You don’t have to include every detail in your draft. Some information is just for you to know, so you can keep details believable.

2. How to write place in a book

The second key element of setting, place, is equally as important as time . If your characters’ actions are anchored in a vivid location, they will seem much more real. To make your story locations vivid:

A. Research real locations thoroughly

Setting your book in a real place means that you need to understand it: Not only its geography but also what kind of life a traveler would find there.

To research a real contemporary location:

• See if it’s available to explore using Google Street View – your own virtual guided tour will make it much easier to describe
• Read through information about your chosen real-world setting on regional government websites.
• Read other works of fiction set in the same place and time. Many fiction writers take liberties with describing real places. But creative accounts can develop your own imaginative grasp of a place

Even if your fictional world is entirely made up – a distant planet in the solar system that has been colonized in the year 5000, for example – you can base it on a real world location for inspiration.

B. Show place with description

‘Show don’t tell’ is repeated so often that you’re probably tired of hearing it. But this is especially true for place description in setting.

Instead of just telling the reader that the train rolled into the big city, show the big city . Describe some of its buildings, or its landmarks, or the faces on the station platform [Brainstorm individual locations such as landmarks or a station by creating a ‘small-scale setting’ in the World Builder on Now Novel].

Describe the features that would strike a newcomer most. The better you observe and show place in your novel, the easier it is for readers to enjoy your fictional world.

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C. Go there if possible

If you’re writing about a real place and you’ve never been there in person, go if it’s at all possible. As writer Suzannah Windsor Freeman says, when creating a story setting sometimes ‘research doesn’t cut it’.

Research and looking at photos of the destination combined can give you enough material to create a keen sense of place, but actually walking the streets where your novel is set will help to inspire your storytelling and enrich it with plenty of detail.

3. How to create mood in your story’s setting

Creating a precise mood with your setting is important because:

• It signals to the reader how they should read the unfolding action: Is there a sense of danger or adventure? Is the story reaching a point of higher stakes or is the action winding down?
• It creates contrast – the light and shade – that keeps a story’s environments interesting and believable

Setting can also be used to contribute to the plot and perhaps show the character development of your cast. For example you can show that a character has grown up and become more responsible because their house has been freshly painted, and looks neat now. 

Some tips for using the elements of setting to establish a clear mood:

A. Use common connotations of places and times

Different places are associated with different things: A mountain pass might be associated with travel and adventure while the seaside might be associated with relaxation and introspection.

Similarly, winter might be associated with introspection or depression while summer is associated with extroversion and a jubilant mood.

If you want to emphasize that a negative situation is turning around for your character, you might show the transition to a new life alongside a change in the seasons.

Underscoring the action of your novel with mood this way heightens its sense of drama and change.

B. Show how time and place affect characters’ moods

You could use the mood of your setting to also reveal aspects of your characters’ personalities and desires.

For example, if your character loves to spend time in a library, this may show that they are an intellectual person (or simply a person who loves books or quiet).

Think about the relation between place and time and how your character might change depending on their surrounds.

4. How  to write context for your story’s setting

Context is one of the most important elements of setting for plot . The social, cultural, historical, political and environmental details tied to time and place shape people’s lives in many ways. Creating this context for story settings is important because:

• It shows what possibilities and limitations are placed on your characters by their place and time
• Context gives readers a more detailed sense of your fictional world (readers know how power is divided, how people celebrate, and other cultural details).

To make the context element of your setting more real:

A. Think about how society is organised in your setting

Let’s consider the environmental setting of your world, not just the scenery, but what is happening socially and politically. Think about the kind of your society your characters live in. From country to country, different cultural practices are the norm. Think about what the practices will be in your novel’s own place and time. Will your main character uphold these traditions or challenge and rebel against them?

B. Make notes on every aspect of a real-world context

If your novel is set in a real-world time period and location, make notes on all the context-related elements of setting. Do light research and summarize information about:

• Demographics (what is the social makeup of your setting: What different groups and belief systems occupy the land?)
• Political system
• Social views (are most people leftist, centrist or on the right of the spectrum?)
• Cultural practices (For example, what is the standard greeting? What words or gestures are considered offensive?)

Your novel doesn’t need to reference each of these elements explicitly (a romance novel most likely won’t explore politics). Yet having an idea of the most dominant viewpoints and ways of life of a place and time will help you to create characters and dialogue that feel right for the setting.

Use the ‘Core Setting’ section of Now Novel’s story dashboard to work out your story’s memorable setting .

I started using Now Novel to assist me with my story’s structure. The prompts were helpful in developing my characters, settings, and scenes. The story outline was a valuable asset that guided me through my rough draft. The feedback from my personal writing coach took my writing to the next level. — Kathy

Related Posts:

• Vivid story setting description: Examples and insights
• How to create a fantasy world that everyone will believe
• Story setting ideas: 6 effective setting examples and tips
• Tags elements of setting , world-building

By Bridget McNulty

Bridget McNulty is a published author, content strategist, writer, editor and speaker. She is the co-founder of two non-profits: Sweet Life Diabetes Community, South Africa's largest online diabetes community, and the Diabetes Alliance, a coalition of all the organisations working in diabetes in South Africa. She is also the co-founder of Now Novel: an online novel-writing course where she coaches aspiring writers to start - and finish! - their novels. Bridget believes in the power of storytelling to create meaningful change.

3 replies on “Elements of setting: How to create a vivid world”

This is the factor that will bring the world that you created to your readers, connecting them to it. That is why you need to put more effort into making your setting come alive.

If you don’t mind, I want to know your thoughts about this blog: https://gregvanarsdale.com/guide-to-creating-vivid-setting-for-your-fiction/

I will surely appreciate your opinions.

Hi Lydia, thank you for sharing that. I would say it could use a little further editing for paragraph structure and length, as well as more headings. Clarity and argument could be tweaked a little too, but it’s on its way.

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How to Develop Your Creative Writing Process

by Melissa Donovan | Feb 7, 2023 | Creative Writing | 45 comments

What steps do you take in your creative writing process?

Writing experts often want us to believe that there is only one worthwhile creative writing process. It usually goes something like this:

• Rough draft
• Revise (repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat)
• Edit, proof, and polish

This is a good system — it absolutely works. But does it work for everyone?

Examining the Creative Writing Process

I’ve been thinking a lot about the creative writing process. Lately I’ve found myself working on all types of projects: web pages, blog posts, a science-fiction series, and of course, books on the craft of writing .

I’ve thought about the steps I take to get a project completed and realized that the writing process I use varies from project to project and depends on the level of difficulty, the length and scope of the project, and even my state of mind. If I’m feeling inspired, a blog post will come flying out of my head. If I’m tired, hungry, or unmotivated, or if the project is complicated, then it’s a struggle, and I have to work a little harder. Brainstorming and outlining can help. A lot.

It occurred to me that I don’t have one creative writing process. I have several. And I always use the one that’s best suited for a particular project.

A Process for Every Project

I once wrote a novel with no plan whatsoever. I started with nothing more than a couple of characters. Thirty days and fifty thousand words later, I had completed the draft of a novel (thanks, NaNoWriMo!).

But usually, I need more structure than that. Whether I’m working on a blog post, a page of web copy, a nonfiction book, or a novel, I find that starting with a plan saves a lot of time and reduces the number of revisions that I have to work through later. It’s also more likely to result in a project getting completed and published.

But every plan is different. Sometimes I’ll jot down a quick list of points I want to make in a blog post. This can take just a minute or two, and it makes the writing flow fast and easy. Other times, I’ll spend weeks — even months — working out the intricate details of a story with everything from character sketches to outlines and heaps of research. On the other hand, when I wrote a book of creative writing prompts , I had a rough target for how many prompts I wanted to generate, and I did a little research, but I didn’t create an outline.

I’ve tried lots of different processes, and I continue to develop my processes over time. I also remain cognizant that whatever’s working for me right now might not work in five or ten years. I will keep revising and tweaking my process, depending on my goals.

Finding the Best Process

I’ve written a novel with no process, and I’ve written a novel by going through every step imaginable: brainstorming, character sketches, research, summarizing, outlines, and then multiple drafts, revisions, and edits.

These experiences were vastly different. I can’t say that one was more enjoyable than the other. But it’s probably worth noting that the book I wrote with no process is still sitting on my hard drive somewhere whereas the one I wrote with a methodical yet creative writing process got completed, polished, and published.

In fact, I have found that using a process generates better results if my goal is to complete and publish a project.

But not every piece of writing is destined for public consumption. Sometimes I write just for fun. No plan, no process, no pressure. I just let the words flow. Every once in a while, these projects find their way to completion and get sent out into the world.

It is only by experimenting with a variety of processes that you will find the creative writing process that works best for you. And you’ll also have to decide what “best” means. Is it the process that’s most enjoyable? Or is it the process that leads you to publication? Only you know the answer to that.

I encourage you to try different writing processes. Write a blog post on the fly. Make an outline for a novel. Do some in-depth research for an epic poem. Try the process at the top of this page, and then do some research to find other processes that you can experiment with. Keep trying new things, and when you find whatever helps you achieve your goals, stick with it, but remain open to new methods that you can bring into your process.

What’s Your Creative Writing Process?

Creative writing processes are good. The reason our predecessors developed these processes and shared them, along with a host of other writing tips, was to help us be more productive and produce better writing. Techniques and strategies can be helpful, but it’s our responsibility to know what works for us as individuals and as creative writers and to know what will cause us to infinitely spin our wheels.

What’s your creative writing process? Do you have one? Do you ever get stuck in the writing process? How do you get unstuck?

45 Comments

Hi Melissa: I do a lot of research on the topic I’ve chosen to write about. As I do the research I take notes on a word perfect document. When I have a whole lot of information written down–in a jumble–I usually leave it and go do something else. Then I sit down and start to work with the information I’ve gathered and just start writing. The first draft I come up with is usually pretty bad, and then I revise and revise until I have something beautiful that I feel is fit to share with the rest of the world. That’s when I hit the “publish” button 🙂 I’m trying to implement Parkinson’s Law to focus my thinking a little more as I write so that I can get the articles out a bit faster.

My favorite pre-writing process would have to be getting a nice big whiteboard and charting characters and plots down. I find that it really helps me anchor on to specific traits of a character, especially if the persona happens to be a dynamic one. Such charting helps me out dramatically in creating an evolving storyline by not allowing me to forget key twists and other storyline-intensive elements =)

That being said, my favorite pre-charting process is going out the on nights leading to it for a few rounds of beer with good friends!

Hi Melissa – I’m like you – I do different things depending on what I’m writing. With the novel I’m working on now – alot of stuff I write won’t even go into it.

Some of the stuff the gurus recommend are the kind of things I’d do if I was writing an essay – but nothing else.

I don’t know if I have a set process. I start with morning pages and journaling. then whatever comes streaming from that gets written. As I go about my day I have a notebook that stays with me whereever I go and I am constantly writing in it, notes, ideas, themes, Sentances that begin with “I wonder…” and then then next monring the notebook is with me during quiet time and these thoughts are often carried right in to the process all over again. So…if that is a process, I guess…I never really thought about it. As I have said before, a lot of my writing also takes place in my jacuzzi..so…

I guess my process is that when its falling out of my head I try and catch it.

This will be the first year that I attempt NaNO so I will need to be more organized. This is good for thinking ahead. One of the reasons I started blogging in the first place was to get in the discipline of writing every day. That was the first step. Just creating the habit. This will be a good next step.

These days, I feel so scattered, I feel like I’m not getting anything done at all! (grin)

Melissa, I am really organized but my writing process has never followed the guidelines. I’ve tried them on for size and find that they don’t fit. Even in school, I never did outlines and drafts so I suppose I trained myself against the system! I always do research first and gather all of my notes, clips in one location. As for the writing process itself I let it rip, then go back and fine tune. It has worked for me thus far but I’m always open to trying new techniques on for size, hey if they fit I’m all on board!

@Marelisa, that doesn’t surprise me. Your posts are comprehensive, detailed, and extremely informative. I can tell you care a lot about your topic and about your writing. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy your blog; your passion is palpable.

@Joey, I love the planning stage too. In fact, sometimes I get stuck there and never make it out. Ooh, and white boards. Yes. Those are good. Usually I just use drawing paper though. When I do NaNo, I’m going to try to do less planning. In fact, I’m going to plan in October and just write in November. I’m hoping this new strategy will result in winning my word count goal!

@Cath, I sort of pick and choose which tips from the gurus I use.

@Wendi, you write in the jacuzzi? That’s cool. Or hot. I guess it’s hot. Your process sounds really natural. I started blogging for the exact same reason — to write every day. I’m excited to hear you’re doing NaNo too. That will be fun, and we can offer each other moral support!

@Deb (Punctuality), it sounds like you have a lot going on! I get into that mode sometimes, where I’m so overwhelmed, I can’t get anything done. It’s really frustrating. Sometimes I have to shut down for a day to get my bearings and that’s the only way I can get back on track.

@Karen, that’s probably why your writing flows so well, because you just let it do its thing. I remember learning to do outlines back in 6th grade but it didn’t stick. Later, in college, we’d have to do them as assignments, so I didn’t have a choice. I realized that they sped up the writing process. Now I do them for some (but not all) projects. But I will say this: I actually enjoy outlining (weird?).

Melissa, I’m not a real writer but I do love reading how you, who are, go about the business of putting words to paper. As always, a great post. Thanks.

It is funny that you wrote about this today. I picked up an extra assignment with a today deadline. Let’s not talk about how long it’s been since I’ve written copy on that tight a deadline.

My mantra: “If it doesn’t make it I don’t get paid for it.” Rinse and repeat.

Also, I grew to enjoy outlining when I went back to university. Sometimes I’m happy just to outline; also known as a stall tactic.

Ah, my writing process?

1) Spit out mindgarbage! 2) Sort through mindgarbage. 3) Take out the handy scissors and glue (or rather, ctrl+c, ctrl+v…) 4) Revise Revise Revise 5) Edit, proof, polish… 6) Rewrite, revise rewrite, revise…

My prewriting is just writing. Writing trash. Then cleaning it up. 3 pages = 1 paragraph trash. Yeaaaaah.

@Milena, what do you mean you’re not a real writer? Of course you are. You write; therefore you are a writer!

@Deb, sometimes those crunch deadlines really light the fire. I’ve been amazed at what I can write in a day when there’s a client waiting for it with a nice big PayPal deposit!

@Sam, that’s a good way to get it done! Do you free-write your early drafts? I’ve been teased for editing too much, but it’s definitely worth it. You can get the good stuff early by just spattering it all over the page, and then refine it until it’s polished and sparkling!

I never really liked the 5 step process when I wrote back in school, but I suppose that learning that did make me a better writer. I don’t have a set process, sometimes it’s just sitting at the computer and opening up my blog, or a blank page in Word. Sometimes things come from something that struck me during the day. I think I have to work on the discipline of actually sitting down to write more often! Practice makes perfect, or at least close enough, right?!?!

I’ve tried to figure out what my process is, but it’s different depending on what I’m writing.

Blogging – 90% of the time, there is no process at all and it shows. I’m usually writing as fast as I can think, and sometimes I can’t keep up and I may just jump to the next thought at random. I may go back and read and finish thoughts that were left incomplete. I try to write my blogs as if the reader is having a conversation with me, which makes it feel natural for me to write.

Poetry – Most times I don’t like editting unless I’m really unhappy with the first draft. Usually I’m only changing or adding punctuations. But overall, I’ll get my inspiration and after reciting a few lines in my head and an idea of where I want to go, that’s when I’ll pull out some paper (or cardboard or napkins or laptop) and write a potential masterpiece.

Story/scripts – I plan the entire story in my head. One might call it a brainstorm, but I’ll go farther and say it’s a hurricane. I won’t stop with just a story, I’ll create characters, scenes, even background music. A lot of times I’ll get the idea but I won’t be able to write anything down, like if I’m driving, rock climbing, sky diving or underwater. A lot of ideas come to me when I’m in the bathroom. Without sharing much details about that, I’ll just say I have time to think and let my imagination go to work. When I’m able to get to some paper or my laptop, I’ll write out the story and flesh it out a little until I’m done, or I’ll keep working on the story in my head and bounce it off some people to see how they would react of this happened or that happened.

I don’t like outlines, but when it comes to screenplays, they help out a lot and it’s the only time I MIGHT use one. I’ve been known to go without them though.

@Jenny, practice does make perfect! I believe that. I rarely use the five-step process on paper, but I think I often do some steps in my head, often without even realizing I’m doing them!

@t. sterling, I consistently get some of my best ideas in the shower. There must be something very inspiring about bathrooms or water. Like you, I have a bunch of different processes that I use depending on what I’m writing. And after reading all the comments, it seems like that’s how it works for a lot of writers.

I like the show me yours, show you mine tradezees.

It’s kind of long, but there’s a lot to it: http://blogs.msdn.com/jmeier/archive/2007/12/24/building-books-in-patterns-amp-practices.aspx

Thanks, J.D.

That depends on the complexity. If it’s something simple like some of my blog posts, I just start writing without outlines. For tutorials, usually there are steps so I will write down all the steps first and re-arrange them to the order I want.

For stories, sometimes I write down the events that should happen, but sometimes I don’t. Even if I don’t explicitly write out an outline, I would still have some kind of structure in my head. And even if it’s written out, eventually I will get that into my head because it’s easier for me to sort through things that way. I think it might be a habit I developed from working as a computer programmer. I tend to rely a lot on short-term memory. I get all these details into my head, and then I try to sort things out in my mind.

Actually, you know what? I’ve just brainstormed for a story right before reading this. I already have most detailed sorted out in my head, so I will most likely write and post it tomorrow. I think I’ll post my writing process after that as well. For now I’ll sleep on it. (I think maybe that’s part of the process as well.)

Oh yes, sleeping on it is definitely part of the process. I like to insert that right between rough draft and revision. Then I do it again between revision and polish or proofread. Sounds like you do things similarly to the way I do — a little of everything with the steps varying depending on the project.

Great post! Thanks for sharing your insights on the writing process. As for me, I feel like I work in spurts of inspiration… Lots of writing, then editing, then writing again.

That is how I’ve always written poetry — with spurts of inspiration and freewrites. Then I will go through the pages and pull out lines and phrases to build a poem. I do use brainstorming, notes, outlines, research, etc. for other forms, but it really depends on the project.

Actually, I’m not that organize when it comes to creative writing. Most of the time I keep in tune with my thoughts. When something pop-ups (words, phrase, ideas, vocabulary) is immediately write it down on my black notebook.

I go with my own style of writing because I believe my work will speak out only if it’s unique on its own. Being imperfect, I don’t put too much effort on the grammatical construction. I believe that what’s between the words are more important the the words itself. A distinctive writer possesses this quality. 🙂

Writing down your ideas, words, phrases, etc. in your notebook is an excellent habit! However, I have to disagree with you on the importance of grammar. I think it’s essential for writers to master grammar and then (and only then) can you start breaking the rules. Of course, this may depend on what you want to write (i.e. blog versus fiction). Grammar gives writers a common or shared framework in which to construct the language, and believe it or not, there are some astute writers and editors out there who will judge your work rather harshly if the grammar is not up to par. That doesn’t mean it has to be perfect, but if you’re missing the basics, it’s likely they won’t bother reading past the first paragraph. By the way, a fast and easy way to learn grammar is by listening to the Grammar Girl podcast. Just a few minutes of listening a couple times a week will teach you more than you can imagine!

I separate first draft from editing, but I’m not particular about whether I finish the whole draft before I start editing. Sometimes going back and editing the first 3 chapters gets me moving on a better line.

When I edit, I do whole read-thrus until I’m happy with the story flow. Then I use the Autocrit Editing Wizard to really polish the manuscript. After that, I’m done!

I’ve never heard of the Autocrit Editing Wizard. Sounds interesting. I usually edit short pieces like web page copy or blog posts on the fly, i.e. I will stop every couple of paragraphs and go back to re-read and edit. However, with longer works, I feel like if I start editing midway, I might lose the project and get caught up in polishing before the rough draft is nailed down. All that matters, however, is that each writer finds his or her own best method. Sounds like you’ve got it down!

LOL! I think I’ve worked through every possible type of creative process possible. From outlining the whole darned thing to working with notecards, story boards and of course just winging it, which resulted in a story with a really flat ending – unforgivable:-) And while I firmly adhere to Anne Lamott’s *&^^%# first draft, I have finally settled into a process that works for me. I now use a plot worksheet and a character worksheet. It takes me a bit longer to actually start writing but what I write works and requires less editing.

I’ve tried all the methods too, and I’m glad I did. I’ve learned that each one works for me, but in a different capacity. With creative writing, such as fiction and poetry, I just jump right in and start writing. Right now I’m working on a nonfiction, educational project using detailed outlines and note cards. I think what you’ve done is brilliant — figuring out what advice works for you and what doesn’t work and then letting your own, personalized process unfold.

I have used all the methods, too, and I agree that the method used depends mostly on the subject matter. For novels, it also seems to depend on the genre. I can rip out a romance novel without an outline (in fact that’s the most fun way to do it). I finished a Romance for NaNoWriMo last year in three weeks. For novels with a more complicated plot at least a general outline is helpful (keeping in mind I have to be flexible enough to let the characters take over and go off in some completely different direction).

For me the single most important thing is letting a certain amount of time go by between drafting and editing. It could be days, it could be weeks. For novels it’s even better for me to let months go by. It gives me the the opportunity to look at the material with “fresh eyes”.

Probably for that reason, I tend to work on multiple projects at once: drafting one (early mornings on the weekends when I’m at my best); editing one and polishing another (weekday evenings). That way everything keeps moving forward, I never get bored and I always have new material in the pipeline.

I’m with you, Meredith! I can see how it would be fun to write a romance novel on the fly, and I’ve heard that mystery writers often use outlines because they need to incorporate plot twists and must keep track of various story threads. Another method is to outline as you write, so you have notes that you can refer back to when necessary. Allowing time to pass between writing, editing, proofreading, and polishing is absolutely essential! We know the brain will read incorrect text correctly, plugging in words and proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. That time away really does give us fresh eyes! I love your strategy for working on multiple projects simultaneously.

There are good things to be said for the traditional formula, but as you say it isn’t the only method that works. I have written eight novels and dozens upon dozens of short stories and never once sat down to do a brainstorming session to come up with ideas. I do a lot of research, but most of it as I go along during the writing process. The last three steps I think are golden though.

I do have one new organization tip to share though. If your tech savvy enough to do a local install of wordpress on your computer it can become a great writing tool. Not only does it have a simple to use word processor in the form of the posting tool, it allows you to categorize your research and there are plenty of tagging plugins that will allow you to easily cross reference notes and text.

I LOVE the idea of using a local installation of WordPress for research and novel writing. I can imagine all the benefits with links and images, even video. Hmm. I don’t know how to do a local installation, but I’m thinking another option would be to load WP onto a live domain and simply put it in permanent maintenance mode (plugin) or set up some kind of password protection to block it from the public. I definitely need to think about this as a tool. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

I use Scrivener ( https://www.literatureandlatte.com/ ) for all my writing. It’s great for research and saving web pages, building characters, plotting and planning, all in one place. And best of all you can break down a story into scenes (separate documents) within Scrivener itself – something you can’t do in Word or similar. Wordpress is all very well, but you can’t see all posts/pages at once in a sidebar – something you *can* do in Scrivener. You can download a free trial of Scrivener to see whether it’s for you. Don’t be put off by the complicated look of it – you can use as much or as little of it as you like and there are some very handy videos and tips on using it. I’ve found it’s the best thing for writing blog posts, short stories, novels, scripts, you name it. It can’t hurt to give it a go.

I agree, Chris. Scrivener is amazing. I use it for fiction and poetry, and it’s made the writing process so much smoother. I highly recommend it to all writers. Plus, it’s reasonably priced.

I’m loving reading all these, but I don’t really have a process … I sit at the keyboard and hope something comes out of my fingertips … and if it doesn’t I let myself get distracted by shiny things like Twitter.

(Okay, I never said it was a PRODUCTIVE method.)

Really? I would have guessed that you use outlines at least some of the time. I definitely have to use outlines for longer works of nonfiction, and I always outline website copy when I’m writing for clients. It’s such a good (and productive) way to organize your thoughts, but for fiction and poetry (and many blog posts) I often let it flow freely, and it turns out that method is productive too 😉

Hello Melissa, My name is Kylee and I’m 15. Being naturally gifted in journalism, its a dream or fantasy of mine to become an author. For me to get into my ‘zone’ I have to be in a completely serene enviroment for hours. I’ve written short stories and essays but would like to complete the ultimate thrill of Mine: a novel. Its frustrating really, the difficulties of finding my creative writing process. I have difficulties in making a plot complex enough, and character development. I know they are major issues but I’m having trouble perfecting my writing. If you could help me in any way, I’d gladly appreciate it. Thank you.

You’re getting an early start. The best advice I have for you is to read a lot. If you want to be a novelist, then read as many novels as you can. Try keeping a reading journal where you can write down your thoughts and observations about how other authors handle plot and character development. You’ll find that you start to read differently. Instead of reading for enjoyment or entertainment, it also becomes a fun study in your craft. You can visit my Writing Resources section or Books page to check out my recommendations for books on the craft of writing. Good luck to you!

Mine’s pretty simple:

1. Do background research. Mostly stuff for the setting like common plants and animals, names of places, photographs. I’ll also read books to familiarize myself with whatever topic of the book in involved.

2. Start writing.

3. Do spot research as I’m writing. Search for the name of something, looking at pictures of something to help me describe it; etc.

4. Move around the scenes as I write, which is sort of like shaking out the wrinkles in a sheet. I add new things that occur to me, correct typos, etc.

That’s excellent, Linda. It sounds like you’ve nailed your process!

I have no writing process, actually. I’m the type of person who thinks while I’m writing, or I think of an image and the story comes out suddenly. I also think before I write, and imagine how the scenes will turn out. I’m a very visual person when it comes to writing. In addition, I found out that when I do plan, my stories never get drafted at all, or they do but I don’t like it. Planning never really works for me. I need to let all my ideas be out of my mind, and not from pre-writing.

All that matters is that you’ve found the process that works for you, and it sounds like you have!

Here’s a trick (procedure, technique, system, gimmick) I use when I’m writing a novel. I don’t write linearly. Some parts of the story are more appealing to me than others so depending on my mood (perhaps that should be muse) I jump around. Admittedly, connecting the scenes may take a bit of of revision since I never know where the story will eventually take me, and on occasion I’ve had to trash a significant amount. That’s okay, since my goal is to enjoy myself every time I sit down to write – and I do.

This method works well for a lot of writers. I mostly try to write my own drafts linearly, but I skip around if I’m struck with inspiration.

Every writer experiences different levels of enjoyment during the process. In my experience, most writers encounter a lot of frustration at certain points in the process. So I have come to view writing as rewarding rather than enjoyable. A lot of the work is fun, but a lot of it is difficult, tedious, even maddening. But at the end, it’s all worth it if you can push through the hard parts.

Book suggestion: The Writer’s Process, Getting Your Brain in Gear by Anne H. Janzer.

This book explains the actual psychology behind the creative process and then suggests how to apply it to your work. Some good insights.

Thanks for the recommendation, Rod. I’m always looking for books on the craft of writing to add to my collection.

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Unlock Your Creativity: Setting Up A Consistent Writing Routine

Unlocking your creativity and establishing a consistent writing routine can be the key to unleashing your full potential as a writer. By setting specific goals, creating a distraction-free environment, and establishing a consistent schedule, you can cultivate a dedicated and disciplined approach to your craft.

This article will guide you through the process of warming up with writing prompts, maintaining discipline, and tracking your progress, empowering you to tap into your imagination and achieve the freedom you desire in your writing.

Setting Specific Writing Goals

Setting specific writing goals is an essential step in developing a productive and focused writing routine. By setting clear goals, writers can establish a sense of direction and purpose, which in turn can provide the necessary motivation and inspiration to overcome writer's block.

These goals can range from word count targets to completing specific chapters or sections within a given timeframe. The act of setting goals not only helps writers stay organized and disciplined, but it also allows for a sense of accomplishment and progress as goals are met.

Moreover, setting specific goals can help writers break down larger writing projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, making the overall process less overwhelming. In this way, goal-setting serves as a powerful tool in overcoming obstacles, boosting productivity, and ultimately unlocking one's creative potential.

Creating a Distraction-Free Writing Environment

How can writers create a writing environment that is free from distractions and conducive to their creative process? Creating an inspiring workspace and minimizing interruptions are key factors in achieving this. Here are five tips to help you enjoy a distraction-free writing environment:

Designate a specific area: Set aside a dedicated space where you can focus solely on your writing. This could be a home office, a corner of a room, or even a cozy cafe.

Eliminate digital distractions: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, and consider using website blockers to prevent access to social media or other distracting websites.

Establish a routine: Set regular writing times and stick to them, creating a structured routine that trains your brain to be in writing mode.

Declutter your surroundings: A clean and organized workspace can promote a clearer mind and enhance your creativity.

Use noise-cancelling headphones: If you find external noises distracting, invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones to create a quiet and serene writing environment.

Establishing a Consistent Writing Schedule

To ensure a consistent writing routine, writers should designate specific time slots for their writing sessions and prioritize them accordingly. By establishing a consistent writing schedule, writers can create a dedicated and disciplined practice that allows for the freedom of imagination to flourish.

Finding inspiration can sometimes be a challenge, but having a set time for writing can help stimulate creativity. It provides a structured space for ideas to flow and for the writer to dive into their imagination.

Additionally, a consistent writing schedule can help overcome writer's block. Knowing that there is a designated time for writing can alleviate the pressure of feeling stuck, as writers can trust that their scheduled sessions will provide opportunities to break through any creative barriers.

Warming up With Writing Prompts

Why is it important to warm up with writing prompts before diving into your creative work?

Warming up with writing prompts is essential to get your creative juices flowing and to stimulate your imagination. It helps you overcome any mental blocks and prepares your mind for the task at hand.

Here are five reasons why incorporating writing prompts into your routine can be beneficial:

Daily Inspirations: Writing prompts provide a daily dose of inspiration, giving you new ideas and topics to explore.

Effective Brainstorming: By engaging with writing prompts, you practice effective brainstorming techniques, allowing you to generate a variety of ideas quickly.

Flexibility and Freedom: Writing prompts offer a sense of freedom, enabling you to experiment with different writing styles and genres.

Building Writing Habits: Regularly using writing prompts helps develop a consistent writing routine and builds discipline.

Enhancing Creativity: Writing prompts challenge your creative thinking and expand your imagination, leading to more innovative and unique writing pieces.

Maintaining Discipline and Tracking Progress

Maintaining discipline is crucial, so it is important to track your progress consistently.

Tracking habits and progress not only keeps you accountable but also allows you to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Make a habit of recording your daily word count or the time you spend writing. Create a tracking system that works for you, whether it's a simple spreadsheet or a journal dedicated to your writing progress.

This will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Additionally, tracking your progress can help you overcome writer's block.

By reviewing your past achievements, you can remind yourself of your capabilities and the progress you have made. It serves as a reminder that you have the power to push through any creative obstacles that may come your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i deal with writer's block when setting specific writing goals.

Dealing with writer's block and overcoming creative barriers when setting specific writing goals requires dedication, discipline, and imagination. By understanding the challenges that arise and implementing strategies to overcome them, writers can unlock their creativity and achieve their desired freedom.

What Are Some Tips for Creating a Distraction-Free Writing Environment While Traveling?

To maintain focus and stay productive while on the move, it is essential to create a distraction-free writing environment. Some tips include finding a quiet space, minimizing digital distractions, and using tools like noise-canceling headphones or a writing app.

How Can I Establish a Consistent Writing Schedule When My Schedule Is Constantly Changing?

Establishing a consistent writing schedule when faced with a constantly changing schedule can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. By adapting to a flexible routine and finding pockets of time for writing, one can still pursue their creative endeavors.

Are There Any Specific Writing Prompts That Are Recommended for Warming up Before Starting a Writing Session?

Writing prompt ideas and warm up exercises have numerous benefits for writers, such as sparking creativity, overcoming writer's block, and improving focus. Incorporating these practices into a writing routine can enhance productivity and unlock the full potential of one's imagination.

What Are Some Effective Strategies for Maintaining Discipline and Tracking Progress When Writing a Long-Term Project?

Effective strategies for maintaining discipline and tracking progress in a long-term writing project include setting specific goals, creating a schedule, utilizing productivity tools, seeking accountability, and regularly evaluating and adjusting your approach.

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What is Creative Writing? (Definition + Tips for Getting Started)

by Ivy Shelden

on Sep 18, 2023

So, you want to know what is creative writing, huh?

You’re not alone.

Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a high school student, or just someone looking to enhance your creative writing skills, this post is your golden ticket.

But what exactly does it entail?

Is it just stringing words together, or is there more to it?

Spoiler alert: It’s a craft that takes time and skill, but don’t worry, we have some tips and actionable strategies to help you get started.

From exploring different genres to mastering narrative art, you’re about to unlock a universe of possibilities.

Ready to become a creative writer?

Let’s begin!

What is Creative Writing? (& What it Isn’t )

At its heart, creative writing is all about storytelling and expression. It’s where imagination meets ink, and the human experience takes center stage. 

Through writing fiction, poetry, drama, and even creative non-fiction, writers have the freedom to explore and express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that are uniquely their own. 

In creative writing, the sky’s the limit — you could dive into the psyche of a Martian, sketch a dystopian future, or chronicle the life of a pebble. 

The main objective? 

To engage, to provoke thought, to entertain, and to evoke an emotional response in the reader.

Contrast this with technical writing or academic writing . 

These forms of writing have a different purpose and follow a different set of rules. 

For example, consider technical writing .

It’s used in fields like engineering or computer science to explain complex systems or processes in clear, straightforward language. 

Think user manuals, reports, or scientific articles. They’re about precision, consistency, and clarity rather than evoking emotions or telling stories.

Similarly, academic writing — the kind you’ll find in textbooks or scholarly articles — is typically analytical or persuasive, aiming to build a sound argument based on evidence and reasoning. 

Academic writing sticks to strict structures and formats, with the primary goal of informing or persuading rather than entertaining. 

If academic and technical writing is about precision, evidence, and clear communication, then creative writing is about exploration, expression, and emotional resonance. 

Exploring the Wide World of Creative Writing (Types & Genres)

So what are the different types of creative writing? Well, there are a lot — after all, human creativity is boundless. 

But here are the most common genres …

Fiction is all about imagining and crafting narratives that aren’t necessarily rooted in reality. 

Consider fiction writing in the form of a short story, novella, or novel. 

From the fantastical realms in Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to the dystopian future of Orwell’s “1984”, fiction lets you construct alternate realities or tweak the real one just a bit to explore the ‘what ifs’.

Poetry is the art of condensing emotions and ideas into the fewest possible words, while still stirring deep feelings in readers. 

Whether it’s a Shakespearean sonnet or a free verse poem like Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”, poetry uses rhythm, rhyme, and imagery to create a visceral experience. 

Poetry can be a wonderful way to explore complex emotions, ideas, or to just play with language.

Non-fiction

Creative non-fiction is about spinning engaging tales from the fabric of real life. 

Examples of creative non-fiction are Frank McCourt’s “Angela’s Ashes” or thought-provoking essays like Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own”. 

Non-fiction allows writers to explore the truth with a creative twist. 

It’s all about turning the lens of your unique perspective on the real world and sharing your insights in an engaging, artistic way.

Drama/Playwriting

Ever been moved by a performance on stage? 

Playwriting is the craft of creating stories meant to be performed. 

From the tragic elegance of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” to the modern powerhouse of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton”, playwriting combines dialogue, action, and stage direction to bring stories to life in a very physical and immediate way.

Screenwriting

This is the art of writing scripts for film or television. 

As a screenwriter, you’re responsible for creating the blueprint for visual storytelling. 

Picture the mind-bending twists of “Inception” or the heartwarming tale of “Finding Nemo”. 

Screenwriting involves crafting dialogue and visual directions that help bring the director’s vision to life.

Songwriting

From Bob Dylan to Taylor Swift, songwriting is a form of creative writing many of us engage with every day. 

Songs can tell stories, express emotions, or capture a moment in time, all set to a melody that often enhances the meaning and impact of the words.

Flash Fiction

This is a writing style of fictional literature characterized by its extremely short length. 

Flash fiction stories are usually under 1000 words, and they challenge the writer to tell a compelling story with a clear narrative in a very confined space.

Every genre of creative writing offers its unique challenges and rewards, and each one can help you grow and evolve as a writer. 

So go ahead, dip your toes into these different pools and see which one feels right for you. 

14 Creative Writing Tips to Unleash Your Inner Writer

Ready to let your creativity off the leash? Here are some tips to get you started on your creative writing journey.

1. Carve Out Dedicated Writing Time

A daily writing habit can help keep your creative writing skill sharp and your creative juices flowing. 

Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, consistency is key. 

This dedicated time can also act as a mental space where you allow yourself to create and explore ideas without the interruptions of everyday life.

2. Embrace Freewriting

Freewriting is like stretching before a workout — it warms up your creative muscles and helps you limber up. 

It’s about letting your thoughts flow freely, without judgement or restraint, and can lead to unexpected insights and story seeds. 

You may find that this practice also helps to reduce writing anxiety by shifting focus away from perfection and towards the process of creation.

3. Experiment with Different Genres

Trying out various genres of creative writing not only helps you discover your strengths and preferences, but also enhances your versatility as a writer. 

It can also lead to unexpected discoveries. 

Maybe you’ve always thought of yourself as a novelist, but find that you have a knack for poetry. 

Keeping an open mind and being willing to experiment can lead you to exciting new creative territories.

4. Master the Art of Observation

Great writers are great observers. 

Paying close attention to the world around provides a rich source of inspiration for your writing. 

Write down interesting conversations, striking scenery, or even unusual smells. 

These small details can lend authenticity and vibrancy to your stories. 

So, whether you’re on a crowded subway or strolling through a quiet forest, keep your senses alert and your notebook handy!

5. Practice Descriptive Writing

Creative writing is as much about showing as it is about telling. 

Practicing descriptive writing brings your characters, settings, and scenes to life. 

Try to engage all the reader’s senses — sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. 

This helps to create an immersive experience for your reader and make your writing more memorable.

6. Experiment with Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are a fantastic way to jumpstart your creativity, especially when you’re feeling stuck. 

They can take the form of a phrase, an image, or even a situation. 

Try writing a short piece based on a prompt and see where it takes you – it could lead you to a story idea you would never have thought of on your own.

7. Study Story Structure

Understanding the structure of a story — setup, confrontation, and resolution — is essential for crafting compelling narratives. 

Each part serves a specific function and propels the story forward. 

Read up on different narrative structures and consider how they could apply to your own writing. 

This foundational knowledge will serve you well no matter what genre you’re working in.

8. Create Complex Characters

Characters are the heart of any story. 

To create characters that feel real to your readers, they need to be fully fleshed out with their own desires, flaws, and contradictions. 

Invest time in character development, imagining your characters’ backgrounds, motivations, and fears. 

Remember, the most engaging characters are often the ones that readers can empathize with, even if they’re flawed.

9. Read Widely

The more you read, the more you’ll understand about different writing styles , narrative structures, and character development strategies . 

But don’t just stick to your favorite genres. 

Read widely — across different genres, cultures, and time periods. It will help broaden your perspectives, spark fresh ideas, and enrich your own writing.

10. Start a Writing Journal

A writing journal can serve as a treasure chest for ideas, sketches, character descriptions, or just musings about the world. 

Over time, these entries can become a gold mine of inspiration for future writing projects. 

It’s also a great tool for tracking your writing progress and reflecting on your journey as a writer.

11. Seek Feedback and Support

Writing doesn’t always have to be a solitary pursuit. 

By engaging with writing communities, you can benefit from others’ experiences, receive constructive criticism, and also learn by critiquing others’ work. 

This shared camaraderie can be a significant source of motivation and growth.

12. Set Achievable Goals

Setting tangible, achievable goals are like stepping stones on your writing journey. 

These could range from small, daily targets like writing a certain number of words, to larger aspirations such as completing a manuscript or getting published. 

Celebrating these milestones, no matter how small, will boost your confidence and drive to keep going.

13. Edit and Revise

Your first draft is just the beginning. 

Revisiting your work, reworking sections, and fine-tuning language are all part of the writing process. 

This is your chance to sharpen your narrative, enhance your characters, and ensure that your story is as compelling as possible. 

Remember, every great writer is also a great editor.

14. Embrace Failure and Persevere

Every writer, from Stephen King to J.K. Rowling has faced rejection and failure. 

Writing can be a journey of highs and lows, but every stumble is an opportunity to learn and grow. 

The most successful writers are those who persevere, who pick themselves up after rejections and setbacks, and who stay committed to refining their craft. 

Every word, every sentence, and every story you write is a step forward on your creative journey.

Follow the Ultimate Creative Writing Commandment

There’s one tip that is absolutely crucial to your creative writing journey…

The tip: Start writing . 

Like, today. 

Know that your writing doesn’t have to be perfect — but it does need to exist. 

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to be creative. Your voice is uniquely yours, and the world needs to hear it.

So go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and let your creative work entertain and inspire. 

Happy writing!

Ivy Shelden

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Time Management for Writers: Balancing Productivity and Creativity

📚 Writing is a beautiful journey that combines imagination and words, crafting stories that captivate readers. Yet, every writer knows that this journey also requires effective time management to strike a harmonious balance between productivity and creativity. In this article, we'll explore the key strategies to help writers make the most of their time while nurturing their creative spirit.

The Dichotomy of Time and Creativity ⏰🎨

Time and creativity often seem to be at odds – the constraints of deadlines and schedules can appear to stifle the free-flowing nature of artistic expression. However, when managed skillfully, time can become a writer's ally, enhancing creativity rather than hindering it.

The Science Behind Creativity and Productivity 🧠📊

Recent research has shown that a structured approach to time management can actually boost creative thinking. When you allocate specific time slots for writing, your brain becomes accustomed to switching into a creative mode during those periods. By training your mind to associate certain times with creative output, you can tap into your imaginative faculties more readily.

Setting Realistic Goals and Priorities 📝🎯

Effective time management begins with setting realistic goals and priorities. Divide your writing tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Create a to-do list for each day or week, highlighting the most important tasks. This not only keeps you on track but also prevents overwhelm, allowing your creativity to flourish without the weight of a massive to-do list.

Embracing the Creative Rhythm 🎶✍️

Every writer has a unique creative rhythm – times of the day when the creative juices flow more naturally. Discovering and embracing your creative rhythm is key to managing your time effectively.

The Power of Deep Work 🚀🔍

Author Cal Newport introduced the concept of "deep work," where you dedicate focused, uninterrupted blocks of time to your writing. During these periods, turn off distractions, disconnect from social media, and immerse yourself in your work. Deep work allows you to delve deeper into your creative reservoir and produce high-quality content more efficiently.

Utilizing Time Blocking ⏳🔒

Time blocking involves scheduling specific time slots for different writing tasks. Allocate time for research, outlining, drafting, and editing. By compartmentalizing your writing process, you prevent the common pitfall of spending excessive time on one phase, neglecting others.

Managing Writer's Block and Burnout 🧘‍♀️🔥

Writer's block and burnout are common challenges that can derail your time management efforts. Handling these hurdles is crucial to maintaining a productive and creative writing routine.

Embracing Breaks and Rest 🌴🛋️

Regular breaks are essential to prevent burnout and recharge your creative energy. Engage in activities that relax and inspire you, whether it's a walk in nature, reading a book, or listening to music. These breaks can rejuvenate your mind and lead to fresh, innovative ideas.

Overcoming Writer's Block 🧱🚫

Writer's block can strike even the most seasoned writers. When it does, don't force the words – instead, engage in freewriting exercises, switch to a different project temporarily, or explore writing prompts. Changing your focus can often unlock the door to creativity.

Cultivating Consistency and Flexibility 🌱🤹‍♂️

Striking a balance between consistency and flexibility is the cornerstone of effective time management for writers. While routines provide structure, embracing flexibility allows for spontaneity and the ebb and flow of creativity.

The Adaptive Writing Routine 🔄📅

Create a flexible writing routine that adapts to your changing needs and circumstances. Some days may call for longer writing sessions, while others may require shorter bursts. The key is to establish a routine that accommodates both your productivity and creative inclinations.

Reflecting and Refining ⏳🔨

Regularly assess your time management strategies. What's working well? What needs adjustment? Reflect on your accomplishments and challenges, and be willing to refine your approach. Adapting your methods ensures that you continue to strike the right balance between productivity and creativity.

Conclusion 📝🌈

🎉 Balancing productivity and creativity as a writer is a dynamic and rewarding journey. With the right time management strategies, you can harness the power of time to fuel your imagination, produce exceptional work, and embark on a fulfilling writing career.

Want to adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open practices.

Setting Requirements

Setting is the place and time that a story occurs. It’s the backdrop of the story. Without it, the character(s) are speaking and acting without a sense of living anywhere. So, how is a setting built?

Writers may have their character(s) live in a place that exists in real life, a place in the world or universe that is familiar to the writer or that can be researched by the writer. Also, writers may build a new place and time, an imaginary place in an imaginary world. The location may be rural, a city, or outer space, but it can also be smaller in size like a neighborhood, street, or house.

Part of the location is the geography of the land. It can include coastal areas, mountains, trees, rivers, lakes, plants, meadows, farms, deserts, etc. Wherever the location is, it is connected to the rest of the world or universe; it is not in isolation from other places.

Part of the location is the climate. It can include rain, snow, winds, sun, etc. The temperature may be frigid cold, scorching hot, or somewhere in between. The climate may create harsh conditions for characters, or it may make life easier.

Time has two focal points: the time of year and the time of day. The time of year includes seasons, holidays, or special dates and anniversaries for the characters.

The time of day references morning, afternoon, or evening. Time also shifts over the course of the story. The story may happen in an hour like in “The Story of an Hour” or an afternoon like in “Miss Brill.” It can also happen over a longer period of time like a summer in “The White Heron.”

Historical Significance

Past events may have had an impact on the place.  Wars, famines, prosperity, population, etc. impact communities. Histories of past ancestors (people) or leaders also leave their influences in religion, foods, family values, etc. So although a writer might write in a modern day time period, knowing the background of the history of the setting and people is essential.

As stated previously in Lesson 3, setting can function as a main force that the characters encounter, such as a tornado or flood, or a setting can play a minor role like setting the mood. Often times, the setting can reveal something about the main character as he/she functions in that place and time period.

Introduction to Creative Writing by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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• Illustrated London News Includes a full run of the illustrated newspaper, 1842-2003, including specials and presentation pieces.
• Los Angeles Times Historical Newspaper This link opens in a new window Full text of the back issues of the Los Angeles TImes from 1881 to 1990.
• New York Times Historical Newspaper This link opens in a new window Full text of the back issues of the New York Times from 1851 to 2010.
• Eight Centuries This link opens in a new window A collection of periodical indexes created in the nineteenth century. Includes: Index to the New York Times (1863-1905); Index to Harper's Magazine (1880-1905); Poole's Index to Periodical Literature (1802-1906); Stead's Index to Periodical Literature (the "British Poole's") (1890-1902); Index to the New York Daily Tribune 1875-1906; Descriptive catalog of the government publications of the U. S. (1774-1881).
• Readers' Guide Retrospective This link opens in a new window Provides indexing to older popular magazines published in the United States and Canada.
• Springfield Republican Historical Newspaper This link opens in a new window Back issues of the Springfield Republican from 1844 to 1946.
• Sunday Times (London) This link opens in a new window Full text of the back issues of the Sunday Times (London) from 1822 to 2006.
• Times of India (Historical Archive) This link opens in a new window Full text of back issues of The Times of India from 1838-2005
• Times London (The Times London) This link opens in a new window Full text of the back issues of The Times (London) from 1785 to 2010.
• Washington Post Historical This link opens in a new window Full text of the back issues of The Washington Post from 1877 to 1997.
• Mount Holyoke College Student Newspaper Collection (1891 - April 2017) The title of the student paper has changed over time from The Mount Holyoke to The Mount Holyoke News to Choragos to The Mount Holyoke News. Tip: This digital collection is still a work in progress. Currently you can only search by keyword, not by date. However, it is possible to sort by date issued and browse in chronological order.

Contemporary

• Academic Search Premier This link opens in a new window Indexes popular as well as academic magazines and journals.
• Boston Globe (1980-present) This link opens in a new window Recent issues of the Boston Globe.
• Chicago Tribune (1985-present) This link opens in a new window Recent issues of the Chicago Tribune
• Los Angeles Times (1985-present) This link opens in a new window Recent Issues of the Los Angeles Times.
• New York Times - All Years (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window Access to the New York Times for all available years via ProQuest.
• Massachusetts Newspapers This link opens in a new window Full text of recent issues of Western Massachusetts newspapers including the Springfield Republican and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
• The Mount Holyoke News Online edition of The Mount Holyoke News
• National Newspapers - U.S. Newsstream This link opens in a new window Recent issues of leading US newspapers, as well as archives which stretch back into the 1980s featuring newspapers, newswires, blogs, and news sites in active full-text format.
• Washington Post (The Washington Post) - All Years This link opens in a new window Access to a combined database of all available years of the Washington Post. Coverage: Approximately 1877-present.

Find even more on our News Sources guide!

Book-length works on a time period (historical era or even the more recent past) are a good way to get a more substantial grasp of that period. They may also suggest additional resources to check - make the author's research work for you! To find history books, search Discover . Enter the terms describing the event or period or even  historic figure in which you're interested in the first search box, then use the next search box (selecting "Subject Terms") to enter the term "history."

• Wikipedia Particularly good for current popular culture.
• AP Newsroom This link opens in a new window AP Newsroom contains breaking news, feature stories, photographs, graphics and audio clips produced by the AP’s network of award-winning journalists, who operate in more than 250 locations worldwide. Includes 170 years of news stories, 12 million historical and contemporary images and an extensive collection of audio clips.
• Google Image Search Search images online, use advance search to specify size, color, type, and license restrictions.

JSTOR is a digital library of academic journals, books, still images, moving images, audio, and primary sources. It now includes the contents of ArtStor.

• Oxford Art Online This link opens in a new window Oxford Art Online offers access to online art reference sources including Grove Art Online, Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms, Encyclopedia of Aesthetics, and Oxford Companion to Western Art.
• Museum web sites are also a good source of images, not just for the images themselves but also because they're good about providing information about the image, too.

Search the library catalog only (enter search terms and then limit) or dozens of databases together. A great place to start your research on almost any topic.

• Google Video Searches other web video sources like YouTube and Vimeo, too.
• IMDB (Internet Movie Database) This free database is good for identifying useful films (you can even search by plot - see Advanced search for more search options) as well as getting additional information (director, producer, cast, release date, etc.) that may help you buy or borrow a copy.

Includes over 70,000 video titles spanning the widest range of subject areas including anthropology, business, counseling, film, health, history, music, and more; curated for the educational experience.

Docuseek streams essential independent, social-issue, and environmental films to colleges and universities, providing exclusive access to content from renowned leaders in documentary film distribution. All 2000+ films are immediately available, and come with performance rights for campus viewings.

• Kanopy Streaming Video This link opens in a new window Kanopy Streaming provides full access to online video from PBS, HBO, the Criterion Collection, and much more. NOTE: MHC provides limited access to films on Kanopy; many public libraries offer broader access

Audio recordings

• Classical Music Library Classical music for streaming from the Middle Ages to the present. Audio recording, often with album liner notes for additional information.
• Naxos Music Library This link opens in a new window The Naxos Music Library is an online collection of classical music, historical recordings, jazz, world, folk and Chinese music for streaming. All members of the MHC community have access and are invited to listen the great albums there, whether for academic work or just for fun. 10 users at a time can browse and listen online without logging in, or you can create an individual account on the website to make playlists, tag favorites, and access music on your phone via the Android or iPhone app.
• YouTube YouTube is another good source of music. Search on artist or song name.
• 10 Sites to Check Songs Lyrics for Free Tip: Many of these sites contain user-submitted lyrics and not everyone hears the same words! For maxium accuracy, check more than one sites to make sure the results corroborate each other.
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• Last Updated: Aug 7, 2024 8:10 PM
• URL: https://guides.mtholyoke.edu/creativewriting