Hey, I get to begin the chain this round.
Power! POWER!!!
Imagine this: when you're gone, readers will remember your writing most for just one of these things: your characters, your plots, your settings, or your style. Which one (only one!) would you prefer over the rest? Why?
Me? Settings.
I remember my favorite books not because I identified with a character, or thought the story was original, or reveled in the language (though some offered those things, too). I remember them because I got lost in them. Could smell the smoke or taste the bread. Hear the cartwheels or feel the moss underfoot. See the massive wall of ice keeping the monsters at bay.
That's what I want to give my readers. If I manage the other things too, cool, but I want my readers to fall into worlds that engage every sense. And I want those readers to have a little trouble finding their way back.
In fact, I kinda want them to throw away the map.
Be sure to visit Kate tomorrow to find out what her preferred legacy would be.
14 ate pie:
Interesting topic, Shannon! I agree that description and settings do bring a world to life.
Legacy. Woh, this is a deep question. I like it.
Definitely characters for me. The books I remember most are the ones where I was (and still am) convinced those characters were real. I carry all of those people with me. That is what I would want to leave behind.
Great question. I gave you a little flack on my post, but don't take it personal. I was really having fun answering :)
Ooh, what a question! Creating a rich, vibrant world is definitely a wonderful talent to have--bravo! :D
Great question: Settings can stick with a reader more than anything.
Throw away the map.,...love that! And yes, sense memory is own of the strongest things we have!
Sandra - it's a challenge for me because I'm spare with words. Working on it, though.
Kate - Hope it sparks some interesting discussion!
Julie - Based on posts so far, you're in good company!
Eric - LOL no problem :)
Laura - thanks!
Michelle - I love it when they do.
Christine - sense memory is amazing.
I'm so jealous. Crafting a setting that comes to life is something that intimidates me to this day.
Cole - I didn't say I was great at it! LOL But creating atmosphere with words is something I like to do.
I love this topic. I'm sorely behind on the chain though. Setting is so difficult for me and I envy your love of it. I hate to admit that it was the part of those fantasy tomes that I usually skipped. But when done right, it's transportive.
My word verification is "ratorat." It sounds like a Japanese game show.
Shaun - I think there are ways to make a setting real and "felt" without overwhelming or boring the reader with description. That's my goal, anyway - not to hand readers long, limp sections they want to skip. :)
I can already picture RATORAT and its host. He has crazy eyes.
P.S. How about the setting as a character? That's how I felt about Barcelona in THE SHADOW OF THE WIND and THE ANGEL'S GAME, both by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. If you have not read this, stop whatever you are doing and go get them immediately. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks, Julie! I've added SHADOW to my GoodReads queue.
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