Writing Vivid Settings: Writer's Craft

This book was really helpful! Definitely worth a read. I appreciated the hands-on applications and the homework assignments that she included. It is a good writing resource and a quick read, too!

Easy to follow and doesn't read like a boring old textbook. A lot of good tips and tricks I was made aware of. Ones that I can actually apply and use in my own way. It made me aware of my own novice mistakes. A good source of helpful teachings and reference book for writers at any level.

This by far is one of the best books I’ve read about creating a story. This will definitely one of my go to books when I need help with any kind of setting.It only took me reading a few pages to realize that I needed to own this book for good.This was so helpful on explaining different parts of a setting and when you should use them. I also love that there were examples. It really helps me when someone explains why you do something and give an example of it.Im excited to read the other books in this series.

Describing environments is tricky. Many authors either provide too much description, listing everything a character sees or hears, or two little, putting said character in the literary equivalent of white space. How can you get your description just right?In Writing Vivid Settings, Rayne gives examples and advice that will help bring your worlds to life while remaining true to your own style. Specific chapters titles include "Smells for Realism," "Weather for Intensity," "Detail for Realism," "Symbols for the Literary Touch," and others. You'll learn where in a scene to bring up which senses, how to make your characters more believable, your descriptions relevant to the story setting, and much more. You'll also learn why all this works.Chapters include examples, and each has an assignment at the end so you can practice what you just learned. Apply the advice to a story or novel in progress, or write new scenes using her tips. Rayne also recommends keeping a Settings Description Bank, a book or computer file in which you note specific things about places you visit, so you can use them later.Personally, I'm going to use Writing Vivid Settings and other books in the series as guides for when I get to the third draft of my current novel, Bodacious Creed. I recommend doing the same with your own works in progress to make your good books great.

I’ve always struggled with writing settings. This book provides practical tips and examples of what to do and what not to do in describing backgrounds. I’m very excited to implement this in my writing soon. Clear and straightforward advice. Will check out the other books in this writing series.

Prior to reading this book, I struggled with description. I neglected the senses other than the visual and used common nouns and vague adjectives. Everything was beautiful and… boring.Now, my senses are in a heightened state of awareness. Like a detective, I notice scents upon arrival and find fascinating features. I listen for noises, but not only in the background. Like a photographer, I study light and shadow, observing effects of the hour and weather. Like a poet, I search for symbolism in my surroundings.But, there’s much more to learn from Writing Vivid Settings. For example:• How description affects pacing and how much to include.• How details show the passage of time.• Which details enhance, or spoil, scenes.• How perspective determines the details seen.I highly recommend Writing Vivid Settings by Rayne Hall. This handy guide will lead you to the multi-dimensional setting your story deserves.

I just finished reading Writing Vivid Settings and found it so useful! I’m in the process of revising a fantasy novel and I think my next round of revision will so much better because of the techniques I picked up this book.The chapters I found most useful were on smells, sound, light, detail for realism and the active verbs. I also picked up some helpful tips for my opening scene and climax scenes. I’m looking forward to reading more of the writing craft books in this series.

Solid advice I haven’t written a review in a while, but I felt a strong need to write this one. I have many problems that I have with my writing. One is poor eyesight, but I have beta readers who help me with my revision, another is writing description. This book has cut that problem out for me. I have plenty of writing books, and some of the authors do a decent job of explaining, but I can think of only one other author that goes into details about how to describe something with such clarity. The author makes it so simple that even a child could follow her direction. She tells you exactly when to use the description to spice up your writing, and how to use it. Plus, she gives examples. I love that. I wish she’d write a book that show how to describe people. I’d love it if she’d write a book about themes. There are plenty of craft books on dialogues, characters, and outline, but I can’t find too much information on Themes and how to use them.

This book was recommended by the writer Claudia Lemes. It's a great study book and it's helping me a lot. Now all you have to do is do the exercises.

Very informative on how to create better descriptions for settings, transporting readers immediately into your scenes

Very useful information. Love it. Thank you so much.

This book does an excellent job of explaining scene. It defines show don't tell and how to write scenes that paint a clear picture in the minds eye. I love all the books in her writing series.

haven't finished reading it yet, but so far, it's good