by Chandra Perkins
Hey there! This week, I've been diving deep into the world of setting for my latest project. You know, the thing about setting is that I don't always have a clear picture of it when I first start writing a scene. I might have an idea, but the details aren't always fleshed out from the get-go.
I usually have the key landmarks, scenery, and building placements sketched out in my mind. But it's only when I start writing that I truly let myself stand in the scene and imagine being there.
When I start building my world, I have a good sense of where everything is. I know where all the colonies are and their distances from each other. Each one has its own unique feature—like a bell tower or a lighthouse—that sets it apart. But it’s not until I'm sitting at my keyboard that I begin to visualize the interior details. You can't predict every little thing a character might interact with or notice to make the scene come alive.
This week, my focus has been on the Queen's Castle. I'm pouring my heart into all the figures and decorations to give it a Steampunk Goth aesthetic. I want the innermost chambers, like the throne room and great hall, to be adorned with Baroque and Rococo styles. The exterior needs to have a slightly intimidating vibe because, well, it's a castle!
My vision for the castle has evolved a lot. It started as just a golden castle, but now it's transformed into a mechanical marvel. The design, fortification, the Queen's quarters, and even how the castle stays aloft—all these details emerged from hours of research. It's fascinating how it went from a basic concept to the steampunk dream I initially envisioned.
That's how setting works for me. I have to write the scene, and sometimes I just push forward with a vague idea in mind, using it as a placeholder until the full picture clicks later on. Sometimes, it doesn't hit me until Chapter 16, during the fifth edit, even if the detail is in the second chapter. Occasionally, I'll see something in real life and realize it's perfect for a scene. Or a later chapter will make me understand that certain elements needed to be introduced earlier.
In the end, it all comes together. Even if the story feels like an unsolvable puzzle at times, it eventually fits, piece by piece. I can't wait for my book to hit online bookshelves next year, and I hope you'll join me on this adventure!
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