Where do you like books to be set?Do you prefer books set in a fantasy world, on other planets, or in cities you know?
Some of this will be determined by the genre you're reading, but I'm curious, how much do you notice where the story takes place? Do you like being immersed in the character's world, or would you rather the author content themselves with glossing over the fine details?
I'm not big on setting (as anyone who's read my books will tell you). Just enough information to tell me whatever is important to the scene is all I want - too much description (and sometimes even a paragraph is too much), and I'll just skim over it until I get back to the action/dialogue.
ReplyDeleteBut that's just my personal preference. I want the story for the story - the setting does matter, but only insomuch as it affects the actual action for me.
I don't want to be constantly bogged down with small details or lengthy descriptions, but I do prefer things set in a fantasy/scifi world rather than this one. I want a total escape when I read. Having said that, I want the stories to be more character driven than focussed on the world they're in.
ReplyDeleteI just want the setting to feel real, I don't care where it is. I love all kinds of genres: urban fantasy, space opera, historical, the normal kind of fantasy. If the world feels rich and real, I'm in.
ReplyDeleteEven when my stories are on Earth, it tends to be an alternative version. But unless the setting has an immediate effect on the scene, I'll only sketch in a few details. It's more about atmosphere than setting for me.
ReplyDeleteI have some trouble getting into some sci-fi settings. Its the whole having to learn an entire world/galaxy/universe.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually have as many issues with fantasy worlds, because most fantasy is based around things we already know. Personally, I prefer these kinds of settings. If you've ever read Robin McKinley's Sunshine, this is exactly what I'm talking about. The way she does it is almost perfect. It's a fantasy setting with a slightly alternate history based on if people had already known that demons (a catch all term), vampires, and whatnot had existed further back in time. I recommend reading it if you haven't.
I'm fine with things that take place in the everyday world, but I assume then that more focus should take place on other elements of the story. Divergent takes place in a dystopian world (specifically Chicago). I prefer something like this as opposed to everyday Chicago. I live everyday life, I don't feel much need to read about it.
I don't like to wade/skim through a paragraph of setting, but I do like a little setting flavor sprinkled here and there.
ReplyDeleteSince I live in the real world, I'd rather spend my entertainment time elsewhere. Historicals are fine because they're not the now that I'm in.
If in a fantasy land and if that land is really beautiful or really different, I want the details. I want the smells and sounds along with any visuals as well.
ReplyDeleteIf the setting is in a place that I know, i.e, Disney World, Sea World or Tallahassee, then I'm okay with just the mention of landmarks. Anything more would become very boring.