How Discovering a Unique Setting Can Inspire a Novel
A novel idea usually evolves in one of three ways. A writer may have a certain plot in mind or start with an interesting character. The third, maybe the least common way to start a story, is by coming across a setting that sparks the imagination.
Sometimes a perfect setting appears when you are least thinking about it, and it becomes the focus point for a new novel. You don't necessarily have to travel to find inspiration for a setting because it might be close by, but in many instances my sister and I have found settings that inspired novels through travel. For example, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana are favorite destinations for summer outings, and touring historic homes a favorite pastime of ours.
One summer, after seeing several beautiful Victorian homes in the Colorado and Georgetown area, we became fascinated with the concept of the “painted lady” house. These lovely homes, popular in the late 1800s get their name from being painted in colorful, multiple layers. You will find such a house, and the secrets that go with it, in our newest mystery/romance, The Vanished Lady.
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Two Painted Lady Houses with Colorful Detailing
When starting with a setting instead of a plot idea or character, a writer must ask themselves--what may have happened here? An interest in the setting leads to reading about the history of a place and imagining the characters that lived in the town or area.
Whether or not a writer begins with setting, it is vital to every novel to establish a sense of place. Being inspired by the setting adds authenticity to a story and gives it a sense of reality.
Vickie Britton and Loretta Jackson are sisters and co-authors of over 40 novels, and the ebook Fiction:From Writing to Publication. Visit http://vbritton.blogspot.com/ to read more about painted lady houses and find out more about their other books.
Location, location, location - the battle cry in real estate as well as novel writing. :) Thanks for sharing the "ladies". Some day, maybe I'll be a princess and live in such a lovely house. (Or maybe I'll just have to read one of your books with that fabulous setting.) :)
ReplyDeleteFor me, sometimes the character is so important to the setting and the two just come together.
ReplyDeleteThose "painted ladies" are fascinating. I've always kind of wanted to live in one, though I imagine the heating bill would be outrageous. But I can definitely see how they can merge into the story creation process.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. These houses are fascinating and inspiring. But I agree--I wouldn't want to pay the heating bill.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to set a book in a Victorian House. There is so much that could have happened in one. A historical romance, a murder, maybe even a paranormal happening. I think you can me a whole bunch of ideas!! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI love those old houses. There are number of great ones in Cape May (a shore town in NJ), and some in the small town where I live in PA. Not only do they inspire fine stories, they make great covers.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! When I "discovered" Wales, I developed a lifetime of stories whirling through my head. One of my most recent contemporary romances is set in a small Victorian, appropriately painted, in San Francisco.
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