Writing Exercise - Settings As Characters

Hey everyone, and welcome back!  Today I'm going to use an exercise from a website I told you about last week, Writing Forward, and try one of my favorite tools I use when I write.

I'm a huge fan of using setting as a character, whether a main or side character.  I feel that helping any reader become attached to the surroundings helps lift the story and allow the reader to use their imagination and flesh out the story.  A lot of famous movies use the setting as a character.  The site mentioned Pandora from Avatar and the U.S.S. Enterprise from Star Trek, but also think of the house in The Grudge (Ju-On), the Moulin Rouge theater in Moulin Rouge, and even the Death Star in Star Wars.  You know the ins and outs of most of these places because the creator/director/producer/writer wanted you to know these settings, feel them, and give them a life of their own.

  Here I will do a few different types of settings for various stories.  I'll try not to bog you all down with very wordy descriptions, but I have to admit sometimes I get carried away.

#1 - Abandoned Classroom

The walls were a mustard yellow, fading into a sickly grey with age.  The simple wood desks stood in orderly rows, a few collapsed from rot and termites.  A thick layer of dust covering every inch of the space and gave the space a solemn silence.  The blackboard, once a vibrant green, sagged in the silence as if resigned, faint chalk marks barely discernible in the dim light.  Windows were covered in graffiti.  Shadows filled the room like creatures waiting to spring at anyone who dare disturb their slumber.

#2 - Casino Floor

Stepping onto the floor, one could not help but feel an almost physical slap as blinking lights, shrieking sounds and cigarette smoke assaulted all the senses.  Drunk gamblers milled about, scouting tables for an easy win, while recently married couples clung to each other obliviously.  The burgundy carpet held grooves of  faint stains from the countless visitors who paced from slot machines to tables and back to the entrance.  Vintage chandeliers lent the space a classical aura to the bustling establishment.

#3 - Boat

Sitting in the harbor, the ship bobbed to the music emanating from its speakers.  Speckled with barnacles on the hull, the topside gleamed with pride.  The captain's controls were shaded by a tapestry of sun-bleached blue.  A small trapdoor led to the inky depths of the ship, a faint smell of fish permeated the outdated but well-cared-for upholstry.

#4 - A Cubicle

Enclosed by three foam partitions, a simple metal desk was cluttered with reports and coffee-stained scraps.  The computer hummed steadily, ready and waiting.  Through the thin walls were muffled conversations and barely perceptible typing.  All along the partitions were pictures of children and a woman, as well as a few certificates, all with creased corners from constant handling. A worn chair of faux leather was tucked in haphazardly.  Thick grooves wore away the carpet around the desk.


Okay, so there we have it.  I tried to leave them short and sweet for y'all.  As always, let me know what you think, and if you try this out for yourself, let me know how it turns out for you!  As always, thank you for your time, godspeed, and I will see you later this week!!!