I love creating settings. I'm sure that passion is a holdover from my theatrical design days. When I write, I can build a world without slamming my finger under a misplaced hammer stroke.
In fact, my one hoarding tendency is the files and files I keep of old scenic calendar pages, amazing images I've come across on the Internet, and the endless pictures I take myself.
I keep a setting diary full of sketches or bullet pointed details when I encounter delicious visuals. Later I can draw from this resource to combine elements from completely different places into a new reality.
I get a rush when I come across a funky or unique locale to add to my diary. On the road between LA and Las Vegas there is such a goldmine.
Alien Fresh Jerky in Baker, CA. Now hang on all you alien activists - it's not jerky made from aliens. It's beef jerky in dozens of flavors from traditional to habanero to whiskey. All delish, and yes, quite fresh.
The alien themed decor is trippy and plays homage to the Area 51 mythology.
Can you imagine a character in your story encountering this mecca on a road trip?
What fun!
Do you have a system for crafting settings? Any cool roadside stops we should add to our "must visit" list?
BONUS NEWS: From Wed. 8-29 to Friday 8-31, the e-version of Journeys of Wonder, Volume 1 (see sidebar) is free-free-free.
Click HERE to go grab it.
BONUS NEWS: From Wed. 8-29 to Friday 8-31, the e-version of Journeys of Wonder, Volume 1 (see sidebar) is free-free-free.
Click HERE to go grab it.
Now I am about to start novel length writing, I guess I need to get me a "settings" folder!
ReplyDeleteWow alien beef jerky. Sounds awesome. ;)
ReplyDeleteSetting is very important to me. I just can't understand it when some people say it doesn't matter...
Fun places to visit! How could you not be inspired by all that alien goodness? :)
ReplyDeleteI was in Baker a couple of weeks ago, but we only stopped to et some gas. I love the alien stuff though!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like such a fun spot, Leslie, guaranteed to keep the creative juices flowing (and other juices as well)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome place! I'd love to visit - looks like a ton of fun! :) I've never used a real place in any of my stories yet - so far everything's just floating around in my head... scary place :)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you love settings due to your theater background and I have to consciously include them due to mine. I guess I see everything in my head and concentrate on the "actors," forgetting that the backdrop in my mind has to be painted for the audience.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this reminder and the good idea. I'm starting a new folder for my WIP now!
Hope the wrist is better!
I'm a visual person so I love settings. I collect pictures from magazines and the internet, I make collages of settings, but the ones I draw on mainly are the ones from my childhood of the mountains I explored in the summer, the rivers, everything to do with nature. I can stick anything in there, aliens, faeries, vampires, two normal kids. That's my favorite setting. Of course if I ever write anything that gets published, I'll have to find a new setting *grins*
ReplyDeleteHeather
Love these pictures! What fun and they can definitely get the creative juices flowing. I like to draw in order to help me picture a setting. I also like to look at pictures, but usually once I draw something I can see it even better in my mind.
ReplyDelete~Jess
Alien jerkey!! How is it I've never seen this before? I usually use settings I'm familiar with. Nothing cool with aliens tho
ReplyDeleteCool pictures. I look through Tumblr and Google Images for pictures of settings, but I like your filing system.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool place to visit. You know I'd be loving it. :D
ReplyDeleteI've been through Baker dozens of times in my life. How did I miss that place? Do they clarify the ingredients of their jerky once you walk inside?
ReplyDeleteI tend to hoard papers and pages of old calendars. If I think something is beautiful, it's hard to let it go.
ReplyDeleteLook at all the alien stuff. Fun pictures!
The only time I've tried to develop a location is for my superhero book, because a lot of superheroes are defined by the cities they protect.
ReplyDeleteBut I may try it again, because it's a fun idea, as you've just pointed out.
I'm not so great at setting - but I ADORE this alien jerky place! I would love to read about a MC who ends up here!
ReplyDelete"...it's not jerky made from aliens." LOLOLOL!! That really made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteOkay so settings. If I'm not familiar with the place I google a lot of pics and then go on from that. :)
Setting in a story is what holds a readers attention by visualizing it. And your alien spot sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteLove the quirky spots you find, especially on road trips. This one was fantastic and so alien!
ReplyDeleteI've already got my copy of Journey of Wonders and I've reviewed it, too. Some great Halloween-season tales in there.