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Writing Active Setting #1
Characterization and Sensory Detail
Have you tried to take your writing skills to the next level but don’t know where to begin?
Do you dread the thought of writing narrative description because as a reader you skip over it when you read novels?
Or are you a writer who ignores Setting description totally in your novel writing—but know your story needs it? You just don’t know where.
Active Setting, explained in comprehensible bites with clear examples from a variety of published authors can help YOU breakthrough with your writing skills.
Readers usually remember the plot and characters of a story, but setting is every bit as important in creating a memorable world. Novel writing can be enjoyable once you’ve mastered a few of the writing skills necessary to bring a story to life.
If you’re tired of your Setting descriptions being ho-hum and are ready to create a compelling story world, regardless of what you write, or your current level of writing skills, keep reading.
In WRITING ACTIVE SETTING Book 1: Characterization and Sensory Detail you
Discover the difference between Ordinary Setting that bogs down your story, and Active Setting that empowers your story.
See how to spin boring descriptions into engaging prose.
Learn to deepen the reader's experience of your story world through sensory details.
Notice how changing characters’ POV can change your setting.
Explore ways to maximize the setting possibilities in your story.
This book goes straight to the point, putting theory in plain language, adding examples from authors in a variety of genres, and finishes each section with exercises designed to help you work with your Setting in a way that will excite you. . .and your readers!
Do you dread the thought of writing narrative description because as a reader you skip over it when you read novels?
Or are you a writer who ignores Setting description totally in your novel writing—but know your story needs it? You just don’t know where.
Active Setting, explained in comprehensible bites with clear examples from a variety of published authors can help YOU breakthrough with your writing skills.
Readers usually remember the plot and characters of a story, but setting is every bit as important in creating a memorable world. Novel writing can be enjoyable once you’ve mastered a few of the writing skills necessary to bring a story to life.
If you’re tired of your Setting descriptions being ho-hum and are ready to create a compelling story world, regardless of what you write, or your current level of writing skills, keep reading.
In WRITING ACTIVE SETTING Book 1: Characterization and Sensory Detail you
Discover the difference between Ordinary Setting that bogs down your story, and Active Setting that empowers your story.
See how to spin boring descriptions into engaging prose.
Learn to deepen the reader's experience of your story world through sensory details.
Notice how changing characters’ POV can change your setting.
Explore ways to maximize the setting possibilities in your story.
This book goes straight to the point, putting theory in plain language, adding examples from authors in a variety of genres, and finishes each section with exercises designed to help you work with your Setting in a way that will excite you. . .and your readers!
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2012
94 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Mary Buckham
29 books179 followersUSA Today bestselling author Mary Buckham credits her years of international travel and curiosity about different cultures that resulted in creating high-concept urban fantasy and romantic suspense stories. Her newest Invisible Recruit series has been touted for the unique voice, high action and rich emotion. A prolific writer, Mary also co-authors the young adult sci-fi/fantasy Red Moon series with NYT bestseller Dianna Love. Mary lives in Washington State with her husband and, when not crafting a new adventure, she travels the country researching settings and teaching other writers. Don’t miss her latest reference book Writing Active Setting.
Currently she is neck-deep into writing an Urban Fantasy series centered around five women drafted to combat preternatural beings agitating for world domination. The INVISIBLE RECRUIT series combines a fantasy/paranormal element with high stakes and the pace of action adventure stories. Mary loves creating thrills, spills and spells as she follows the ups and downs of fascinating characters starting with Alex Noziak, the heroine of INVISIBLE MAGIC, INVISIBLE FATE and INVISIBLE POWER.
Currently she is neck-deep into writing an Urban Fantasy series centered around five women drafted to combat preternatural beings agitating for world domination. The INVISIBLE RECRUIT series combines a fantasy/paranormal element with high stakes and the pace of action adventure stories. Mary loves creating thrills, spills and spells as she follows the ups and downs of fascinating characters starting with Alex Noziak, the heroine of INVISIBLE MAGIC, INVISIBLE FATE and INVISIBLE POWER.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 26, 2015
Excellent. Loved the exercises at the end of the chapters. They were practical and helped put the chapter concepts into practice. Recommended.
November 23, 2020
I already knew most of what this book taught, and the poor formatting and constant use of "he or she" got on my nerves, but otherwise it was okay.
November 8, 2012
I’ve received stellar advice during my writing education over the past five years. Bits and pieces hover and wave at each other in my brain, but had not collected into a solid tapestry of writing craft. Learning a while back that the first draft does not necessarily measure my writing skill but only provides a framework for revision, has comforted me. But I hoped Mary Buckham’s latest book “Writing Active Setting Book 1 Characterization and Sensory Detail” would help.
While reading her book, I felt my brain ring out “Ka-ching!” The understanding of the relationship between setting, deep character development and pulling the reader into the story¬—falling into place at last.
Proof? A local writers group requested we read aloud the first page of our manuscripts. Prior to the meeting, I blocked out 4 hours and rewrote the first page applying the principles of Mary Buckham’s book¬¬—yes, 4 hours¬— making every word count. Something interesting happened while I deleted, added, and changed the words. My right brain kicked in and imagination soared. This was huge for me.
A friend and valid judge read my first page last week at ECWC and said, ‘Whine, whine whine!” She heard the revised page at the meeting last evening, and her response was “Wow!” So thank you, Mary Buckham for this gentle easy read, power packed with some of the best writing teaching ever! I’m stoked
While reading her book, I felt my brain ring out “Ka-ching!” The understanding of the relationship between setting, deep character development and pulling the reader into the story¬—falling into place at last.
Proof? A local writers group requested we read aloud the first page of our manuscripts. Prior to the meeting, I blocked out 4 hours and rewrote the first page applying the principles of Mary Buckham’s book¬¬—yes, 4 hours¬— making every word count. Something interesting happened while I deleted, added, and changed the words. My right brain kicked in and imagination soared. This was huge for me.
A friend and valid judge read my first page last week at ECWC and said, ‘Whine, whine whine!” She heard the revised page at the meeting last evening, and her response was “Wow!” So thank you, Mary Buckham for this gentle easy read, power packed with some of the best writing teaching ever! I’m stoked
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August 9, 2024Great examples of how to make your setting really work for you, and a quick, easy read at that. Buckham also includes exercises to guide you through draft stages to take basic sentences and improve them at the revision stage. I really liked the variety of examples, too--there's something there for everyone. Can't wait for the next one!
July 2, 2014
I have written a couple of short fan fiction stories..
I was pleased to learn from this book, that I did a few things right, but probably not consistently or as effectively as I could have. I enjoyed reading this and noting tips for improving my stories. I don't plan to become a writer for general publication. but this was still helpful.
I was pleased to learn from this book, that I did a few things right, but probably not consistently or as effectively as I could have. I enjoyed reading this and noting tips for improving my stories. I don't plan to become a writer for general publication. but this was still helpful.
November 4, 2012
Up to the point and very helpful, Mary Buckham handles setting as an important part of characterization and as a way to give texture to your stories.
Helpful both to the novice and to the seasoned writer, everyone will find a piece of information that will be a great treasure for them.
Looking forward to more of Mary's books!
Helpful both to the novice and to the seasoned writer, everyone will find a piece of information that will be a great treasure for them.
Looking forward to more of Mary's books!
July 11, 2013
Setting can be a tricky thing for new writers. Even experienced writers can get it wrong. This guide is hugely helpful in ensuring setting is an important character in your book - serving to enrich writing, draw the reader more deeply into the story and to make the novel more memorable using techniques that are not too difficult to master with Mary's tips and exercises. Well worth a read.
December 9, 2016
Very good!
Straight forward and to the point. I especially liked the examples between what blah writing looks like and what a great anchoring sentence is like. Lots of useful and easy to understand explanations.
Straight forward and to the point. I especially liked the examples between what blah writing looks like and what a great anchoring sentence is like. Lots of useful and easy to understand explanations.
November 20, 2019
A must-read for writers who want to improve their handling of setting
Description, and description of setting, in particular, is a part of writing that does not come out natural to me. As a consequence, I always struggled between the temptation to skip descriptive passages and the tendency to over-react, introducing chunks of description that slow down the pace of the story. Thanks to this book, I learned a new way to think of the setting as a functional component of the novel. I highly recommend it, and I am looking forward to reading parts 2 and 3.
Description, and description of setting, in particular, is a part of writing that does not come out natural to me. As a consequence, I always struggled between the temptation to skip descriptive passages and the tendency to over-react, introducing chunks of description that slow down the pace of the story. Thanks to this book, I learned a new way to think of the setting as a functional component of the novel. I highly recommend it, and I am looking forward to reading parts 2 and 3.
July 11, 2017
There were a plethora of examples which may be annoying to some but for me I need many examples in order for the lesson to sink through. I thought the author did a stellar job of showing what she meant when writing active setting and sharing different ways to accomplish that goal.
August 5, 2021
Excellent book on writing active setting.
I had no idea about many of these things. I’m prone to describing things like the rectangular and then give the dimensions of the door.
This book is great. It’s going to be extremely helpful.
So glad I got it.
I had no idea about many of these things. I’m prone to describing things like the rectangular and then give the dimensions of the door.
This book is great. It’s going to be extremely helpful.
So glad I got it.
July 26, 2017
Short with clear direction. Just what I want from a how to book.
February 4, 2019
Well organized. Generally good advice for the author. Some what redundant in a few places but worth a read. She does make you think abut your setting.
September 20, 2020
Gives great tips on perfectioning the setting descriptions.
January 19, 2022
Good stuff. Practical and informative information you can adopt to your practice immediately. The book is short, but that's a bonus, because it is very focused and doesn't have a lot of fluff.
July 4, 2013
A very useful and practical guide. I was writing notes all throughout reading it. In fact, I had to stop reading it on my Android phone at work because I kept having to switch back and forth between the Kindle app and my note-taking app. I just waited until I got home so I could type notes directly into the Scrivener document for my writing process.
As I was reading, I kept thinking that I knew most of the concepts but I just hadn’t put conscious effort into implementing them yet. Thankfully, I was able to quiet the voice in my head that kept saying, “I know this stuff”, and really pay attention. The fact is, I knew these concepts intuitively, but I had not brought them into my higher level of awareness. I had plans to study short stories and novels for sentence level skills. I’m glad this book gave me a better sense of direction and what to look for before I got started.
Buckham provides useful study and practice exercises. It was so helpful to have the excerpts of well executed description and have Buckham show us line by line the techniques the author used. In doing so, she shows us precisely how we can design our own study exercises to examine description in other works. This means that the value of this book isn’t just as a source of knowledge; Buckham gives us a learning tool to use for further study. In using this tool, our perceptions will advance as we begin to consciously recognize things in fiction that were previously limited to our unconscious observations. I love expanding my mind in this way.
I would recommend this book as essential for most untrained writers. It teaches a lot of the prose skills that take a long time to pick up on, since we mostly do it intuitively and often don’t know what we’re intuiting if it’s never been pointed out to us. Having them pointed out will allow you to learn these skills more quickly. For those who have attended an official writing program or have had an experienced mentor, you may have been introduced to the concepts in this book already. Still, I felt this book was more concise and practical than re-reading the chapter on setting in my old copy of Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway from my bachelor’s program. Those who have not received formal training in fiction writing and are not planning to any time soon can benefit from this book. From my observations reading reviews on GoodReads and Amazon, great prose can be so engrossing as to help—maybe trick?—readers into overlooking weaknesses in plot. While I hold myself to a higher standard than taking advantage of this observation, the important thing to note is the power of prose. Study up.
As I was reading, I kept thinking that I knew most of the concepts but I just hadn’t put conscious effort into implementing them yet. Thankfully, I was able to quiet the voice in my head that kept saying, “I know this stuff”, and really pay attention. The fact is, I knew these concepts intuitively, but I had not brought them into my higher level of awareness. I had plans to study short stories and novels for sentence level skills. I’m glad this book gave me a better sense of direction and what to look for before I got started.
Buckham provides useful study and practice exercises. It was so helpful to have the excerpts of well executed description and have Buckham show us line by line the techniques the author used. In doing so, she shows us precisely how we can design our own study exercises to examine description in other works. This means that the value of this book isn’t just as a source of knowledge; Buckham gives us a learning tool to use for further study. In using this tool, our perceptions will advance as we begin to consciously recognize things in fiction that were previously limited to our unconscious observations. I love expanding my mind in this way.
I would recommend this book as essential for most untrained writers. It teaches a lot of the prose skills that take a long time to pick up on, since we mostly do it intuitively and often don’t know what we’re intuiting if it’s never been pointed out to us. Having them pointed out will allow you to learn these skills more quickly. For those who have attended an official writing program or have had an experienced mentor, you may have been introduced to the concepts in this book already. Still, I felt this book was more concise and practical than re-reading the chapter on setting in my old copy of Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway from my bachelor’s program. Those who have not received formal training in fiction writing and are not planning to any time soon can benefit from this book. From my observations reading reviews on GoodReads and Amazon, great prose can be so engrossing as to help—maybe trick?—readers into overlooking weaknesses in plot. While I hold myself to a higher standard than taking advantage of this observation, the important thing to note is the power of prose. Study up.
December 30, 2016
Characterization and Sensory Detail by Mary Buckham is a book for help writers improve their skills, focusing on... you guessed it, characterization and sensory detail.
The bad stuff - I found there were a lot of examples in the book, and some I did not find to be great examples of what the author was trying to convey. I think this book would have been a better read with fewer examples. I do understand however, that different people may relate to different things and therefore may find multiple examples help them to better pick up on the techniques used.
The good stuff - I picked up a couple of things from this book which have made it a worth while read to me. How much each individual gains will depend on their skill level and experience as a writer. If you are a new writer, this book will give you some good advice.
Overall, for me, this is not a bad book, but the benefits will be relative to the readers experience. I'm giving it 3 out of 5 Golden book marks.
The bad stuff - I found there were a lot of examples in the book, and some I did not find to be great examples of what the author was trying to convey. I think this book would have been a better read with fewer examples. I do understand however, that different people may relate to different things and therefore may find multiple examples help them to better pick up on the techniques used.
The good stuff - I picked up a couple of things from this book which have made it a worth while read to me. How much each individual gains will depend on their skill level and experience as a writer. If you are a new writer, this book will give you some good advice.
Overall, for me, this is not a bad book, but the benefits will be relative to the readers experience. I'm giving it 3 out of 5 Golden book marks.
January 29, 2017
When you have not long ago finished Jordan's novel, Make a Scene, you can't really expect to find a book with as much detail on almost anything.
Mary Buckham has written a lovely novel on writing Characterization and Sensory Detail by using Active Settings. The novel stretches across a few topics within its pages, it touches on anchoring the reader, using subtext in setting, pacing, revealing character through setting, POV, and Sensory details.
Mary throws “assignments” at you so you can practice the techniques shown and get used to the ways in which they can be used. So not only do these books tell you how to do things, it helps those learn by DOING rather than SEEING. Although each of these novels did not have much I could take from them, they still helped me rethink a couple of things about writing.
Mary Buckham has written a lovely novel on writing Characterization and Sensory Detail by using Active Settings. The novel stretches across a few topics within its pages, it touches on anchoring the reader, using subtext in setting, pacing, revealing character through setting, POV, and Sensory details.
Mary throws “assignments” at you so you can practice the techniques shown and get used to the ways in which they can be used. So not only do these books tell you how to do things, it helps those learn by DOING rather than SEEING. Although each of these novels did not have much I could take from them, they still helped me rethink a couple of things about writing.
October 28, 2012
I have long been a proponent for using specific details in writing setting. My initial plotting process relies on researching where my story occurs. Once I have that, I can move forward. After reading Writing Active Setting, I learned the reasons why these specifics are so important to draw a reader into a story—how characterization is deepened, subtext added, and point of view enhanced. The line-by-line analyses of published works are easy to follow and provided great explanations for what the author hoped to achieve. The assignments proved helpful in demonstrating the craft techniques of how a writer can flesh out the setting details to go from skimpy first draft to layered final draft. This book is a must read for writers wishing to hone their craft on creating rich settings.
April 26, 2014
All of the books in this series are quite short, this one logging in at 68 pages. I think I got it on sale for .99, which isn't bad, but if you pay the regular $2.99 price, be aware that you'll finish this book in an afternoon. Aside from that this book does a better than average job of explaining exactly what is meant by "active setting". Good solid examples are given in the form of excerpts from widely read works, not just classics that may not reflect today's tastes. All genres are represented too, so you won't come away from the experience thinking that the advice given only applies to mysteries or historical romances. Having read the first three books I can honestly say I feel my time spent with them was worth it, and my recent work is better for it.
April 20, 2013
This book, and its companion WRITING ACTIVE SETTING: BOOK 2, are both excellent. They're concise, yet packed with useful, practical advice on how to use setting to make your story sing.
I recommend them highly and I've added them to my Favorite Writing Books page.
I also wrote a longer blog entry specifically about these books, Setting the Stage on my website.
Kudos to Mary Buckham!!
I recommend them highly and I've added them to my Favorite Writing Books page.
I also wrote a longer blog entry specifically about these books, Setting the Stage on my website.
Kudos to Mary Buckham!!
January 16, 2016
One would think that a book on how to write would be well written... at least from a grammatical stand point. Unfortunately, this is NOT one of those books.
What is with the wanton use of capitalizing words that have ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS being capitalized. Capitalization is for proper nouns and to start a sentence. That is all. Nothing else. Every single time the word setting appears in the book, or character, or the phrase active setting, the author felt the need to capitalize them. WTF. You're an author. At least pretend you have even a basic grasp of grade 1 grammar.
What is with the wanton use of capitalizing words that have ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS being capitalized. Capitalization is for proper nouns and to start a sentence. That is all. Nothing else. Every single time the word setting appears in the book, or character, or the phrase active setting, the author felt the need to capitalize them. WTF. You're an author. At least pretend you have even a basic grasp of grade 1 grammar.
December 14, 2019
Someone recommended this book to me, but I believe is not what I need. This book is great for those who struggle to write description (and to those I highly recommend it), but not for those like me who write too much description. Yet, I cannot say I didn't learn a thing or two from this book, but it didn't help me the way it might help someone else.
In conclusion, this is a good book for those who struggle to write description, who never know what and how much to include, those who are afraid describing something would slow their pace.
In conclusion, this is a good book for those who struggle to write description, who never know what and how much to include, those who are afraid describing something would slow their pace.
September 11, 2013
As always, Ms. Buckham gives the writer a chance to strengthen and improve writing by offering a plethora of examples and writing exercises. Her teachings have left the classroom and are now available in print format. Regardless of genre, anchoring the reader to Setting will only improve the writer's ability to "wow" his/her fans. Don't skip this book; you'll be glad you bought it!
May 5, 2014
A great addition to your writing tool set
If you’re a writer or aspire to be one, this is a must have book. Ms. Buckham delivers some great advice in an easy to understand manner. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone as a worthwhile investment in learning how it’s done right. Worth many times the price.
If you’re a writer or aspire to be one, this is a must have book. Ms. Buckham delivers some great advice in an easy to understand manner. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone as a worthwhile investment in learning how it’s done right. Worth many times the price.
November 7, 2014
I especially enjoyed Mary's information on including sensory details in description. I always forget the other senses, or use "it smelled good". It was a good reminder on how to include all five senses to their full extent. I look forward to the revision of my current novel. I'll be looking at active setting more closely then.
July 21, 2018
A quick read with plenty of examples which she breaks down. Exercises you can use on a WIP or just for practice. Overall, she showed me how to figure out what my PoV characters will notice in a setting. When they notice one thing over another when the same thing feels different, and how to use the different senses without going into multiple page descriptions.
January 19, 2014
Mary gives great insight into how you can create more in-depth characters and emotions through setting. this book can benefit both new writers and seasoned vets. the detailed breakdowns of using setting for mood and tension are excellent.
May 30, 2014
Very helpful
I learned a lot from this book. Mary's examples and explanations made her points very, so much so that I used the techniques in my current whip making it a far better book.
I learned a lot from this book. Mary's examples and explanations made her points very, so much so that I used the techniques in my current whip making it a far better book.
February 3, 2015
The exercises are helpful and focused, but I didn't connect with the author as much as I have with other craft writers. Still, I took tons of notes, and I think I learned about writing short descriptions in a way that will help with characterization.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews