Your novel’s setting is more than just a backdrop — it’s a character in itself. As NaNoWriMo approaches, taking time to develop your story locations can mean the difference between a flat manuscript and a vivid world that readers can’t wait to explore.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps to map out and enrich your novel’s settings, from creating basic geography to weaving in sensory details that bring each location to life.
Whether you’re writing fantasy, contemporary fiction, or anything in between, these techniques will help you build a foundation for your 50,000-word journey.
Every great story needs a strong sense of place. Think about your favorite novels—chances are you can picture their settings clearly in your mind, from the misty moors of Wuthering Heights to the bustling streets of Diagon Alley.
When you nail your story locations, you:
Even if you’re not an artist, sketching out your story’s geography helps you maintain consistency and spot potential plot opportunities.
Don’t worry about making it perfect—this map is for your reference. A simple sketch showing how locations relate to each other will help you avoid plot holes and inspire new story directions.
Every key location in your novel deserves its own profile. Think of it as creating a character sheet, but for places instead of people.
Location Name:
Primary Function:
Physical Description:
Weather/Climate:
History:
Regular Activities:
Key Features:
Sensory Details:
Plot Significance:
This is where your locations truly come alive. For each major setting, create a detailed sensory profile.
Consider:
Document:
Include:
Think about:
Consider:
Now it’s time to create detailed profiles for your main story locations. Here’s a practical example:
Visual:
– Towering oak shelves with worn edges
– Dust motes dancing in slanted sunlight
– Faded Persian rugs on creaking floors
– Golden-brown patina on brass fixtures
Sounds:
– Soft shuffling of browsing customers
– Creak of wooden floorboards
– Whispered conversations
– Pages turning
– Bell above door chiming
Smells:
– Old paper and leather bindings
– Hint of coffee from owner’s cup
– Dust and wood polish
– Trace of lavender from owner’s sachets
Touch:
– Smooth, cool book spines
– Warm patches of sunlight
– Slightly humid air
– Rough wooden shelves
Taste/Air Quality:
– Slightly dusty air
– Hint of coffee
Avoid these pitfalls as you develop your story locations:
Before NaNoWriMo begins, try these exercises to strengthen your location writing:
As NaNoWriMo approaches, make sure you have:
Here are a few popular resources to help you plan out your NaNoWriMo story:
You’re now equipped with the tools to create rich, memorable story locations for your NaNoWriMo novel.
Remember, the time you spend developing your story locations now will pay off in November when you’re racing to meet your daily word count. Your well-developed settings will provide natural prompts for scenes, conflicts, and character development.
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As you work on your NanoWriMo project, remember: Stories are meant to be shared!
