When writing anything that tries to tug at a reader’s emotions, writers employ various techniques to successfully reach out. One of my favorites is localizing the issue and bringing it closer to readers’ hearts by giving them a sense of the surroundings that the piece takes place in.
Why The Place
Some pieces, whether they’re essays or short stories, simply work better when the reader has a good sense of the place it’s happening in. Whether the environment ties in directly with the meat of the story or if it simply helps lay a strong foundation, there’s no denying the value it can bring to the table.
Creating It
- Provide accurate details. If you’re talking about a street corner in New York, get your facts straight and describe it accurately. While some writers prefer to try and get away with liberally bending the truth, it’s not the most ideal way to practice your craft. The more authentic you can make it sound, the deeper it can draw readers.
- Allow the place to grow as your piece unfolds, adding in details at various points.
- Never forego an opportunity to describe a place if it ties in directly with the piece.
- Capture the mood of a place and set it down to paper. They create a deeper, more tangible image in the mind of the reader. Regardless of how badly it gets skewed by their own preconceptions, the image is what speaks to them and it will reflect in their appreciation of the piece.
Getting Names Right
Make sure you get names of streets, cities and establishments right. Some of the best English writing software have these information in their database and include them in their checks. For those facts you are unsure of, always check online to verify correctness.
