1. Narrative Writing Project Where do I begin?

2. Why should I take the time to write a strong setting? The setting is the first thing your audience will read. The setting is the first thing your audience will read. The setting paints a picture in the reader’s mind. The setting paints a picture in the reader’s mind. A strong setting makes the reader keep reading. A strong setting makes the reader keep reading.

3. How do I write a strong setting? You need to include three elements.

4. Place Where does my story take place? Where does my story take place? Small town? Small town? Large city? Large city? What country? What country? Playground? Playground? Near the ocean? Near the ocean?

5. Time Does my story take place in the past? Does my story take place in the past? How long ago? How long ago? What was it like then? What was it like then? Does my story take place now in the present? Does my story take place now in the present? Does my story take place in the future? Does my story take place in the future? How far in the future? How far in the future? What is it like then? What is it like then?

6. Environment The environment in your setting often symbolizes the mood of your story. The environment in your setting often symbolizes the mood of your story. Is it sunny and happy? Is it sunny and happy? Foggy and mysterious? Foggy and mysterious? Dark and dreary? Dark and dreary?

7. Listen to the following examples of strong settings. Do they create a picture in your mind? Do they create a picture in your mind? Do you appeal to any of your senses? Do you appeal to any of your senses? Do they make you want to hear more? Do they make you want to hear more?