Setting the Scene


Avon River, Stratford, Ontario


A lot of writing a novel has to do with setting a scene so that you bring your reader into the place where your characters are so that it feels real. I love doing that, it's my favourite part. You get to tap into the sounds, the sights, the impressions of the place where the event is happening. I love to use all of the senses to create beautiful pictures with language. And I go one step further, I try to invoke the spiritual aspect of the scene as well in some of my settings so that there is a deeper feel to the scene. The last Tuesday excerpt is my attempt at that.

When I started writing I decided that I wanted to tell a story, about some characters that I had imagined, a love story, but also a life story, and I wanted it to be beautiful. I wanted it to feel like poetry with hidden themes and colours and mystery. It's coming out that way and I'm becoming very excited about how it looks.

It won't appeal to everyone, it's very earthy and romantic in a lot of ways, and many people prefer dark and dismal. There are, dark and dismal moments, but it's not the overshadowing impression. I think a good book evokes emotion. There are few books that have ever made me laugh out loud, but one did. Angela's Ashes by the late Frank McCourt. It's dark, dismal and sad in it's themes but hilarious. I think it's the contrast between the depths of despair and the typically Irish way of taking the darkest themes and laughing at them as a way of coping. Newfoundlander's do this quite well too.

I'm trying to evoke a different set of emotions and it's the set of emotions I try to bring to myself, my family, my home, my life. The sense of love and peace that allows for the greatest human growth and development. I set the scene by starting the day off with enjoyment and pleasure, welcoming the kids to the new day with hope and promise and love and setting the stage for a great day! I end the day on the same note, with love and cuddles and expressions of joy and thankfulness that we have warm beds to lay in, plenty of food, and live in a peaceful country. I think it shows in the happy optimism the kids show. They're generally happy. The best emotion!

I think you can set the tenor of your life with your attitude just as you can set the scene in a novel.

I'm close to 60,000 words now, should reach that milestone today! I know I've let the blog slip, so I hope you forgive me for that. I will continue to post little excerpts so that you have an idea of what is to come. Meanwhile thank you for following along and commenting. This is a long process but I am completely engaged in it and enjoying it fully. Thank you for coming along for the ride!

Oh, and I almost forgot! Anyone who comments on any blog post of mine from now until the date my poetry book Wind Rhymes is released will be entered into a draw to win a copy when it's released! Become a follower if you aren't already will also qualify you! Good luck! Oh and no limit, every comment will be a chance to win!




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Comments

Shadow said…
you are good in setting the scene, if your previous exert is anything to go by... and you've got a passion for this book, which is great to read about. lots and lots of luck!!!
Rosanna Sutherby said…
I love the 9/30 photo. What a gorgeous place . Of course, I want to be there. This is the first time I read your blog. I clicked on it from MDC. I'm glad I did. It was a beautiful way to start the day. Thank you for the inspiration to start and end the day with love and kindness. I have always believed that, just not always demonstrated it. I will return to this blog.

...now about that poetry book...
Anonymous said…
The way you describe your work is very similar to mine. Best of luck as you transcribe your soul.