Are you a writer or creative looking for unique story setting ideas? Click to see a long list of setting ideas, organized into types of settings.

Summer holidays are a great time to emphasis on children creative writing and enhance their writing skills.

How to outline your novel in 15 easy steps. Part of the How To Write A Novel blog series. Learn how to outline your novel and other great tips.

copyright 2008 by Gary L. Pullman The four primary elements of fiction are plot, character, setting, and theme. Associated with most of these is a cluster of related components: plot is divisible into exposition, inciting moment, rising action, turning point, falling action, moment of final suspense, and (depending upon whether the narrative is a comedy or a tragedy) resolution or catastrophe. Of course, all plots are also derived from, and developed upon, conflict. Likewise, setting is not merely a matter of a specific time and place, but it also entails the particular cultural milieu that exists in this particular time and place. Victorian London, for example, is quite different than nineteenth-century Tombstone, Arizona. Similarly, character involves motivation, various personality traits, and, usually, interrelationships among several fictional persons. Only theme is simple, rather than complex, having no subordinate constituents. Since any of these four elements is a potential starting point for a story, a writer may generate an idea for a story by considering plot, character, setting, or theme. Some writers, among them both C. S. Lewis and Stephen King, have been inspired by mental images of characters in specific situations or settings. C. S. Lewis specified the image of a fawn, or satyr, carrying an armload of parcels, as the mental picture that launched The Chronicles of Narnia, and Storm of the Century, King says, began with his imagining a strange man incarcerated in a jail cell. The placement of a character in a particular situation or setting is not a story, of course, but it is (possibly) the beginning of a story that could start by considering an interesting character. It is the starting point from which a series of questions can begin to be asked. The choice of a protagonist or an antagonist can also suggest, or even determine, the story’s counterpart as well. Once William Peter Blatty decided upon a demon—maybe Satan himself—as his story’s antagonist, an exorcist became the most logical choice of a protagonist. (Although The Exorcist is said to be based upon a true story, Blatty, as an author of fiction was free to select a character other than a priest as his protagonist, had he wished to do so; fact does not determine fiction, even when the latter is based upon the former.) Dean Koontz says he begins many of his stories by involving a character in a bizarre situation that compels him or her to react to the incidents that ensue therefrom. Many of Jesus’ parables begin as answers to his disciples’ questions concerning the meaning of the law or of right conduct in regard to particular situations. They are stories told, in other words, to impart wisdom. Their purpose is not primarily to entertain, but to instruct. Therefore, they originate as a means for expressing, in concrete terms, abstract ideas or values. They are theme-driven. The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the meaning of forgiveness. The Parable of the Good Samaritan shows the meaning of loving one’s neighbor. The Parable of the Mustard Seed shows the meaning of faith. Horror stories, as cautionary tales, also often drive home a theme. Beowulf teaches the destructive and deadly effects of intertribal vengeance. The Shining shows the terrible consequences of self-absorption, self-indulgence, and child and spousal abuse. Cujo is not only about a rabid dog, but also about the devastating effects of adultery upon one’s marriage and family. Sometimes, a setting will suggest a story. It is no accident that many horror stories take place in isolated environments, total institutions, or confining spaces. What other monster but the strange troglodytes could have inhabited the cavern into which, as if into Satan’s maw, the female spelunkers enter in The Descent? What better foe could beachgoers encounter in the finny deep than the gargantuan white shark with which Peter Benchley confronts his readers in Jaws? Likewise, the rain forest in which Special Forces soldiers first encounter the camouflaged extraterrestrial in Predator fairly cries out for such a monster as its antagonist. Edgar Allan Poe’s essay, "The Philosophy of Composition," is the quintessential document, perhaps, alongside Aristotle’s Poetics, for the point of view that it is the plot that matters more than other elements (a point not always conceded by other authorities). Poe argued that a writer should commence not at the beginning of his or her story but, on the contrary, with its end, working backward in determining the sequence of actions and other details that will best lead, inevitably, toward the narrative’s climactic finale, using his own narrative poem The Raven as an example of the process. Many writers share Aristotle’s and Poe’s respect for plotting, so much so that they find themselves at a loss to put pen to paper (or, more commonly, finger to keyboard) until they have plotted the whole tale, from “A” to “Z.” (Others, such as Mark Twain, write the same way that the Who’s “Pinball Wizard” plays his game, blindly, as it were, purely “by inspiration.”) The fact that a writer can generate a story from any of the four primary elements of fiction quadruples his or her opportunities for inspiration. It does more than this, however: it also provides the writer with a way of considering, and deciding, which element he or she wants to emphasize. The author must consider whether the story highlights an individual’s actions in the face of fate (plot); personal limitations, abilities, and will (character); the effects of time, place, and culture on the understanding and development of character and the limitations imposed upon one by his or her environment (setting); or the lesson that the main character learns as a result of his or her experience, as recounted in the story (theme). The choice that the writer makes at this initial point will affect the story as a whole and how the reader understands the tale. In this sense, four possible stories confront the writer, and he or she must choose which of the four to tell. For horror story writers, Poe suggests a solution to this dilemma: pick the element that will best sustain and heighten fear and trembling. After all, that’s what horror is all about.

A great setting can offer much more to a story than just a place where characters move around and talk to each other. A great setting that’s used in the right way can add to the tone and mood you want to create in your story. In this blog post, I’ve compiled 12 questions to help you develop your st

I asked my Instagram followers,“What are some signs of amateurish writing, in your opinion?” Here are the results!

So, you want to write a vivid setting for your story? Here's the ultimate guide to planning, researching, and describing a story setting readers will love!

Posts for fiction writers on novel writing, managing your writing life, author platform basics, and the writing mindset.

Let's talk about the elements of story. What specific elements do succesful stories have in common? And, what elements do you want in your story?

What is story conflict? Read examples from novels that show how to use different conflicts in a story to heighten tension and suspense.

Ah yes, torturing readers, your favourite hobby!

Describing places is an important part of making your settings come to life. Use these writing tips and exercises to hone your descriptive skills.

Realistic settings immerse readers in the story, as well as contributing to the story's overall atmosphere and mood. These hacks help you to make your settings more immersive.

6 story structures, complete with story structure charts to help you create an original plot and outline your next novel.

Describing places is an important part of making your settings come to life. Use these writing tips and exercises to hone your descriptive skills.

Describing places is an important part of making your settings come to life. Use these writing tips and exercises to hone your descriptive skills.

Step-by-step guide on how to write a fantasy novel, along with expert tips. From outlining your story to starting your fantasy novel.

The setting of a story performs the vital task of transporting the reader into the story. Download this worksheet (PDF) Story Settings The questions in this 2-page story setting worksheet can help you hone in on the details of your character’s environment. Does the scene take place indoors or out? Is the space light or…

As much as I love royals, witches, rebels and assassins, there are other jobs out there for your fantasy heroes!

Your students will have so much fun writing with these Roll-a-Story boards. Their creativity will be flowing after discovering which super fun character, problem and setting their story will be about. This resource is perfect in helping students write creative and interesting stories while taking the ‘stress’ out of thinking of what to write about. To use the boards, students simply choose a board and roll a die three times to discover which character, problem and setting their story will be based on. There are 9 different boards, which means there are almost 2000 different story possibilities! Includes both a USA and AUS/UK version. A version is also included where the problem and setting begins with a lowercase letter. You may also like: Roll an Activity - Literacy Centers ♥♥♥ Follow me to be the first to hear about FREEBIES and updates ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ Earn TPT Credits when you leave feedback ♥♥♥ I welcome and appreciate any feedback, comments or suggestions. You may also contact me on [email protected]

TweetPin2EmailShare Anyone who has ever started writing a story knows that the beginning is the hardest part. Whether it’s the first page, first paragraph, or even just the first line,... Read more »

I asked my audience which things would make them quit a novel.

A plot hole is a gap, contradiction or inconsistency in a storyline that goes against the internal logic of the story. It's the kind of slip-up that makes switched-on readers say, "Wait, hang on a second!"

Beginning a story the right way is one of the most important storytelling skills. Read these writing tips to start your novel properly.

How do writers create characters readers love to hate? How can you create your own Dolores Umbridge or Ramsey Bolton?

Detailed prompts for your next fantasy project.

To give your characters some texture and make them feel more realistic, consider balancing their virtues with a sprinkle of toxicity.

Learn about the setting of a story, what it is, and how to write it effectively. Get inspired by some great examples from literature!

Building tension in your book scene can be a challenge. Look to see how master storyteller Stephen King sets up tension in The Stand.

Celestial symbolism in writing refers to the use of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars as symbols to convey deeper meanings in a literary work. Celestial symbolism has been used in literature for centuries. It can add depth and meaning to your work by conveying abstract ideas and emotions through concrete images. Symbolism helps to create a mood or atmosphere, and to reinforce themes and motifs throughout a text. The same symbol can represent a variety of things in literature depending on the context and the author's intent, which is why some examples may have more than one association.

Learn how to use the Three-Act structure to create riveting stories, and see expert examples of the Three-Act structure in use!

Understanding whether you are more naturally a writer or a storyteller can help you optimize your strengths and holistically address your weaknesses.

WHEN a story takes place is crucial. Learn 3 ways to handle time: interior time sense, setting and transitions.

50+ storytelling ideas for kids. You'll find story starters, activities, tips, and more!

Beginning a story the right way is one of the most important storytelling skills. Read these writing tips to start your novel properly.

This guide aims to teach you how to write quotable dialogue in your novels and scripts.