Quotes on storywriting
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1 Setting and Atmosphere
1.1 Descriptions
📖 The importance and techniques of creating a unique, immersive, and well-described setting.
“You’re only a writer when you write your heart, and a storyteller when you write for others.”
— R.L. Stine, Books are Magic (2019)
Writing should come from the heart and aim to connect with others.
“Setting is often used as a literary device to establish mood or atmosphere, or as a means to develop the plot.”
— James E. Porter, The Writer’s Digest (2023)
Setting can contribute to the plot, mood, and atmosphere of a narrative.
“Description isn’t telling the reader things… It’s showing them through vivid sensory details.”
— Helen Hamlin, The Writer: A Weekly Magazine for Literary Workers, Vol. 20 (1908)
Effective description allows readers to visualize and experience the setting through sensory details.
“When you describe something, you’re not just listing its features. You’re creating an image in the reader’s mind.”
— Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (2000)
Description should invoke mental imagery and create a vivid picture for the reader.
“A story is a journey, and the setting is the landscape through which the characters travel.”
— Jodi Picoult, The Book of Two Ways (2020)
The setting serves as a backdrop for the character’s journey and development.
“Atmosphere is as important as plot and characterization. It is the very air that the reader breathes.”
— Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1891)
Atmosphere significantly contributes to the reader’s immersion in the story.
“Language is the blood-life of a story. It is the teeming and flowing stream that runs through it, giving it body and meaning.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien, On Fairy-Stories (1939)
Language is crucial for conveying the setting, atmosphere, and emotions of a story.
“There are three things that make a story work: a great setting, a compelling plot, and interesting characters.”
— Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game (1985)
Essential elements for a successful story include a captivating setting, a gripping plot, and well-developed characters.
“The setting is the world that your characters inhabit, and it should be as real and believable as possible.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses (2011)
Creating a believable and detailed setting enhances the reader’s connection to the story and characters.
“The city was a monster, a colossus of concrete and steel that spread out endlessly in all directions.”
— William Gibson, Neuromancer (1984)
A setting can be described to emphasize its grandeur or imposing nature.
“A well-painted setting can transport the reader to another world.”
— George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons (2011)
Effective description can create a vivid setting that immerses the reader.
“Setting is a character. It is an active force that shapes who the characters are and what they do.”
— David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas (2004)
The setting can play a significant role in shaping the characters and their actions.
“Landscape is a character in a story. It’s not just something that’s there in the background. It can be just as important as any of the people in the story.”
— Willa Cather, O Pioneers! (1913)
Settings can be as crucial as the characters in a story.
“The reader does not walk through the painted woods. He is the wind that ripples through the trees.”
— Robert Frost, The Mending Wall (1914)
Effective writing can make readers feel like they are part of the described setting.
“The most important thing about a story is the setting. If you’ve got a great setting, you can put any kind of story in it and it will work.”
— Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (2000)
A captivating setting can carry a story and make any plot work.
“I try to reach through the words and touch the reader. I want them to feel the story.”
— Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood (1987)
The aim of vivid descriptions is to evoke emotions and sensations in the readers.
“The world is full of textures, colors, sounds, smells, and tastes. When you write, you want to recreate those sensations for your reader.”
— James Patterson, Master Class (2013)
Incorporating sensory details into descriptions enriches the reader’s experience.
“Setting is everything. It’s like the air you breathe. It’s the very essence of a story.”
— Adriana Trigiani, The Shoemaker’s Wife (2002)
The setting significantly influences the story’s atmosphere and the characters’ actions.
“Every great story has a sense of place. It’s a world that the reader can step into and explore.”
— Neil Gaiman, American Gods (2001)
Creating a unique and immersive setting invites readers to engage with the story on a deeper level.
1.2 Atmosphere and Mood
📖 How to create the mood, emotion, and overall atmosphere of your story.
“Atmosphere is what makes a story memorable. It’s the setting, the characters, and the way they interact with each other.”
— James Scott Bell, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure (2008)
Atmosphere is the combination of setting, characters, and their interactions that makes a story memorable.
“The atmosphere of a story is like the weather. It can be sunny and bright, or it can be dark and stormy. It can be calm and peaceful, or it can be chaotic and turbulent.”
— Donald Maass, The Breakout Novelist: Craft Your Story, Build Your Platform, and Find Your Audience (2012)
Atmosphere is like the weather of a story, and it can be used to create a variety of moods and emotions.
“Atmosphere is created by the details of the setting, the actions of the characters, and the language used to describe them.”
— Orson Scott Card, How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy (1990)
Atmosphere can be created by using descriptive details about the setting, characters, and language.
“The atmosphere of a story is like the air we breathe. It’s something we often don’t notice, but it’s essential for life.”
— Stephen King, On Writing (2000)
Atmosphere is an essential element of a story, even if it goes unnoticed.
“The mood of a story is the emotional tone that the author creates for the reader.”
— Lajla Salami, Emotional Craft: How to Write Stories That Connect with Readers (2022)
Mood is the emotional tone of a story.
“Mood is created by the author’s choice of words, imagery, and setting.”
— Ray Bradbury, Zen in the Art of Writing (1990)
Mood is created by the author’s use of words, imagery, and setting.
“The atmosphere of a story should be like a spider’s web: delicate and beautiful, but strong enough to hold the reader captive.”
— Neil Gaiman, The View from the Cheap Seats (2016)
Atmosphere should be delicate and beautiful, but strong enough to capture the reader’s attention.
“The mood of a story should be like a melody: it should linger in the reader’s mind long after they’ve finished reading.”
— Ursula K. Le Guin, Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story (2015)
Mood should linger in the reader’s mind long after they’ve finished reading.
“Atmosphere and mood are two of the most important elements of any story. They can make or break a reader’s experience.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance (2014)
Atmosphere and mood are two of the most important elements of any story.
“The best way to create atmosphere and mood is to use vivid imagery and sensory details.”
— Margaret Atwood, Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing (2002)
Atmosphere and mood can be created by using vivid imagery and sensory details.
“Atmosphere and mood are like the spices in a dish. They add flavor and depth to the story.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
Atmosphere and mood add flavor and depth to the story.
“Atmosphere and mood are what make a story come alive. They’re what make the reader feel like they’re actually there, in the story.”
— George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons (2011)
Atmosphere and mood make the reader feel like they’re actually in the story.
“Don’t just tell the reader what the atmosphere or mood is. Show them. Use your words to paint a picture in their minds.”
— Robin Hobb, Assassin’s Apprentice (1995)
Don’t tell the reader what the atmosphere or mood is. Show them.
“The atmosphere and mood of a story are like the music in a movie. They set the tone and help to create the overall experience.”
— Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper (2004)
Atmosphere and mood are like the music in a movie.
“The atmosphere and mood of a story are like the weather. They can change quickly and dramatically.”
— Dean Koontz, The Taking (1988)
Atmosphere and mood can change quickly and dramatically.
“The atmosphere and mood of a story are like a magnet. They draw the reader in and keep them turning the pages.”
— John Grisham, The Street Lawyer (1998)
Atmosphere and mood draw the reader in and keep them reading.
“Atmosphere and mood are like a mirror. They reflect the emotions and experiences of the characters.”
— Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore (2002)
Atmosphere and mood reflect the emotions and experiences of the characters.
“Atmosphere and mood are like a puzzle. The reader has to put the pieces together to figure out what’s really going on.”
— Ruth Ware, In a Dark, Dark Wood (2015)
Atmosphere and mood are like a puzzle that the reader has to solve.
“Atmosphere and mood are like a journey. They take the reader on an adventure that they’ll never forget.”
— Neil Gaiman, The Sandman (1989)
Atmosphere and mood take the reader on an unforgettable journey.
1.3 Symbolism and Themes
📖 Creating settings that support the themes of your story and feature symbolic elements.
“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
— Seneca the Younger, Letters from a Stoic (65)
Material wealth doesn’t always bring happiness; it’s the contentment with what one has that matters.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, The Republic (380 BCE)
True wealth lies in contentment and simplicity, not in material possessions.
“No man is free who is not master of himself.”
— Epictetus, Enchiridion (100)
Freedom comes from inner control and self-mastery, not from external circumstances.
“Happiness is the highest good.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (350 BCE)
Happiness, not wealth or power, is the ultimate goal and purpose of human life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A life without self-reflection and critical thinking is meaningless and unfulfilling.
“Know thyself.”
— Socrates, Phaedrus (370 BCE)
Self-awareness is the foundation of wisdom and personal growth.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge and the vastness of what remains unknown.
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
— Socrates, Meno (380 BCE)
Education should ignite a passion for learning and inquiry, not merely impart information.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance are more valuable than never experiencing setbacks.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
— Abraham Lincoln, Speech at Peoria, Illinois (1858)
Taking action and shaping the future is more effective than merely predicting it.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
— William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902)
We have the power to control our thoughts and emotions, even in stressful situations.
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
— Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness (1998)
Happiness is a result of our actions and choices, not something that is simply given to us.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance are more valuable than never experiencing setbacks.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
— Walt Disney, Speech at the American Management Association (1954)
Action is the key to achieving goals and making progress.
“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
— Winston Churchill, Speech at Harrow School (1941)
Our perspective and attitude can greatly influence our perception of challenges and opportunities.
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”
— Will Rogers, Speech at the National Press Club (1923)
Dwelling on the past can prevent us from living fully in the present and moving forward.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— Mahatma Gandhi, Speech at the All-India Congress (1940)
Selflessness and service to others can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance are more valuable than never experiencing setbacks.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
— Walt Disney, Speech at the American Management Association (1954)
Action is the key to achieving goals and making progress.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
— William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902)
We have the power to control our thoughts and emotions, even in stressful situations.
1.4 Research
📖 The significance of conducting research to ensure the setting of your story is accurate and believable.
“The writer’s responsibility is to report each detail correctly so that the reader is placed in the location and time period of the novel.”
— Sandra Scofield, Sandwriting: Tips for Writing Successfully in Sand (2013)
Writing accurately brings readers closer to the story.
“The setting should not be just a backdrop for the story, but an active character in its own right—a character that interacts with the other characters, influences their decisions, and affects the outcome of the story.”
— James N. Frey, How to Write a Damn Good Novel (2001)
Settings provide depth to stories by influencing characters and events.
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”
— Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937)
Research helps writers explore their curiosity and gain knowledge.
“One of the most important things a writer can do is to research their setting. This will help you to create a world that is believable and immersive for your readers.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Sanderson’s Writing Excuses Podcast (2016)
Research offers depth and credibility to stories.
“The difference between fiction and nonfiction is that fiction never has to be true… But the writer of fiction should know what is true, in order to make the story seem true.”
— Mark Twain, Mark Twain’s Letters (1917)
Fictional stories draw authenticity from the writer’s understanding of truth.
“Writing fiction is the act of weaving a tapestry of words that creates a believable and immersive world for the reader. In order to do this effectively, the writer must have a deep understanding of the setting in which the story takes place.”
— David Eddings, The Belgariad (1982)
Writers should thoroughly understand their made-up settings to offer authenticity.
“Setting is character. Setting is plot. Setting is theme. Research your setting as though it were a character in your story.”
— Janet Burroway, Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (1982)
Settings in stories are as significant as characters.
“You can’t write about what you don’t know. Do the research or don’t write the story.”
— Donald Maass, The Fire in Fiction (2006)
Writers should only write stories they’re knowledgeable about.
“You can make up facts, but you can’t make up the truth.”
— Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)
Truth, not made-up facts, creates reliable stories.
“I do a lot of research before I start writing a book. I want to make sure that my characters and settings are authentic and believable.”
— J.K. Rowling, The Casual Vacancy (2012)
Thorough research helps authors create convincing books.
“Research is important for writers because it helps them to create believable and authentic worlds for their characters to inhabit.”
— Libba Bray, The Diviners (2011)
Research produces believable worlds for books.
“I think it’s important to do your research, even if you’re writing a fantasy novel. The more you know about the world you’re creating, the more believable it will be to your readers.”
— Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind (2007)
Research helps writers make even fantasies feel real.
“Research is the foundation of good writing. It’s the difference between a story that’s believable and one that’s not.”
— Stephen King, On Writing (2000)
Research builds the foundation of good writing.
“Accuracy is the soul of good writing. Research is the only way to achieve accuracy.”
— John Gardner, The Art of Fiction (1983)
Accurate storytelling requires thorough research.
“Research is the key to unlocking the secrets of the past. It’s the way we learn about the people who came before us, the events that shaped their lives, and the lessons we can learn from them.”
— Ken Burns, The Civil War (1990)
Research offers lessons from the past.
“The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Curiosity opens up avenues for learning.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
— Albert Einstein, The World As I See It (1934)
Curiosity has intrinsic value.
“There are many things that we don’t know, but we can learn a lot by asking questions and seeking out information.”
— Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (2017)
Asking questions opens doors to learning.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
— Saint Augustine, The City of God (413-426)
Traveling expands our understanding of the world.
1.5 Consistency
📖 The significance of creating a setting that is consistent with the characters, plot, and themes.
“The only way to create a believable world for your characters to inhabit is to make sure that everything in it is consistent with itself.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses Season 11 Episode 15: Worldbuilding (2015)
Consistency is key to creating a believable setting for your characters.
“When you’re writing a story, it’s important to keep your world consistent. The characters, the setting, the plot, and the themes should all fit together seamlessly.”
— J.K. Rowling, Interview with The Guardian (2000)
The different elements of your story should all work together to create a cohesive whole.
“The setting of your story is a character in its own right. It should be vivid and believable, and it should contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story.”
— Neil Gaiman, Masterclass on Writing (2020)
Your setting should be more than just a backdrop; it should play an active role in your story.
“Consistency in storytelling is the key to creating a believable world for your readers. If the rules of your world change from one scene to the next, your readers will lose their trust in your story.”
— Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind (2007)
Consistency in your storytelling is essential for creating a believable world for your readers.
“The key to creating a memorable setting is to make it unique and distinctive. The more specific and detailed you can be, the more your readers will feel like they’re actually there.”
— George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons (2011)
Make your setting unique and distinctive to make it more memorable for your readers.
“The setting of your story should be more than just a backdrop; it should be an active participant in the story.”
— Stephen King, On Writing (2000)
Your setting should play an active role in your story, not just be a static backdrop.
“The setting of your story is one of the most important elements of your story. It can help to establish the tone, mood, and atmosphere of your story.”
— Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea (1952)
Your setting can help to establish the tone, mood, and atmosphere of your story.
“The setting of your story is a character in itself. It can be used to create atmosphere, foreshadow events, and reveal the character’s inner thoughts and feelings.”
— Jhumpa Lahiri, Interpreter of Maladies (1999)
Your setting can be used to create atmosphere, foreshadow events, and reveal the character’s inner thoughts and feelings.
“A good setting is one that is both vivid and believable. It should transport the reader to another place and time, and make them feel like they are actually there.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (1937)
A good setting is one that is both vivid and believable.
“The setting of your story is the foundation upon which you build your plot and characters. It is the backdrop for your story, and it should be as carefully crafted as any other element of your story.”
— James Patterson, The 5th Horseman (2012)
Your setting is the foundation upon which you build your plot and characters.
“The setting of your story is a powerful tool that can be used to create a memorable and immersive experience for your readers.”
— Neil Gaiman, The Sandman (1989)
Your setting can be used to create a memorable and immersive experience for your readers.
“The setting of your story is not just a backdrop; it is a living, breathing character that can shape the story in many ways.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Mistborn: The Final Empire (2006)
Your setting is not just a backdrop; it is a living, breathing character that can shape the story in many ways.
“The setting of your story is a canvas upon which you can paint a vivid and memorable picture for your readers.”
— George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones (1996)
Your setting is a canvas upon which you can paint a vivid and memorable picture for your readers.
“The setting of your story is a character in itself. It can be used to create atmosphere, foreshadow events, and reveal the character’s inner thoughts and feelings.”
— Stephen King, The Shining (1977)
Your setting can be used to create atmosphere, foreshadow events, and reveal the character’s inner thoughts and feelings.
“The setting of your story is a powerful tool that can be used to create a memorable and immersive experience for your readers.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997)
Your setting can be used to create a memorable and immersive experience for your readers.
“The setting of your story is a canvas upon which you can paint a vivid and memorable picture for your readers.”
— Neil Gaiman, American Gods (2001)
Your setting is a canvas upon which you can paint a vivid and memorable picture for your readers.
“The setting of your story is a character in itself. It can be used to create atmosphere, foreshadow events, and reveal the character’s inner thoughts and feelings.”
— Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings (2010)
Your setting can be used to create atmosphere, foreshadow events, and reveal the character’s inner thoughts and feelings.
“The setting of your story is a powerful tool that can be used to create a memorable and immersive experience for your readers.”
— George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons (2011)
Your setting can be used to create a memorable and immersive experience for your readers.
“The setting of your story is a canvas upon which you can paint a vivid and memorable picture for your readers.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
Your setting is a canvas upon which you can paint a vivid and memorable picture for your readers.