Choose a Setting: The Ultimate Novel-Writing Hack
- Blue Pencil Writer
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Across the internet, you're bound to come across all types of claims about the best way to gain inspiration for a novel and how to start a novel. However, I'm here to tell you why choosing a setting before anything else is one of the best ways to begin. While there are many methods writers swear by, the setting serves as the backbone of your story, and will influence everything from the plot to the characters’ motivations. For both my two books, I started by simply choosing settings that intrigued me; in my case, this was a tropical rainforest and a rugged beach town. Knowing right away what I wanted my setting to be helped me structure my novel and effectively world-build. So, continue reading for five other reasons why choosing a setting first is the ultimate hack for starting a novel.
Narrows Down Your Focus
One of the most overwhelming aspects of starting a novel is the sheer number of possibilities. Our imaginations are so expansive that it can make it difficult to know what type of story to write. That's why choosing a setting first is so helpful. Once you've chosen a setting, you narrow your focus because you set boundaries on what is and isn’t possible within your story’s world. For example, if you decide you want your novel to take place in a dystopian underwater city, that immediately eliminates certain storylines (e.g., road trips across America) and introduces unique challenges. With these constraints in place, your mind naturally starts shaping a story that fits the world, making the brainstorming process more manageable!
Inspires the Plot
Relating to the previous point, the setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a driving force in your story. The environment of a place can create conflicts and plotlines that wouldn’t exist in another setting. For instance, if your book is set in a snowbound research station in Antarctica, the harsh conditions might make it difficult for characters to communicate with the outside world. On the other hand, a novel set in a futuristic floating city could explore themes of class division, technology dependence, or rebellion. Overall, the setting itself leads to possible storylines, making it easier to develop a compelling plot.
Sets the Mood
Every setting has a built-in atmosphere that affects the reader’s reading experience. That's why choosing your setting early ensures that your novel’s mood aligns with its themes and genre. A well-chosen setting allows you to control how your audience feels from page one. In general, each setting immediately establishes a different mood, further helping readers connect with the world and the emotions you want to evoke.
Guides the Symbolism
Choosing your setting right away can also help guide your symbolism. When chosen carefully, a setting can reinforce a story’s themes, making them more impactful. For example, a crumbling mansion could symbolize fading glory, a vast ocean could represent the unknown, and a bustling city could reflect chaos or ambition. Overall, by selecting your setting first, it'll b easier for you to weave in elements that enhance your story’s message. For more tips on how to write symbolism into your novel, click on the button below.
Helps You World-Build
Lastly, choosing a setting first can obviously help with your world-building. When you establish the you ensure consistency throughout your story. The way people speak, the food they eat, and the technology they use all stem from their environment. For example, a story set in a desert kingdom might revolve around not having enough water. In general, defining these elements early on allows for a stronger and more immersive world that actually feels real and lived-in.
Overall, by choosing your setting first, you establish a framework that makes it easier for you to come up with an idea for your story. After all, by choosing a setting right away, instead of starting with scattered ideas, everything else will naturally follow. Happy writing!
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