Writing Setting And Sense of Place

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Are you struggling to bring your story setting to life?

Are you finding it difficult to transport your readers to the world you've created, whether that's fiction, memoir, or narrative non-fiction?

Do you find yourself writing a lot of dialogue but not quite nailing where it's taking place?

If yes, this course will help you take your writing craft to the next level.

Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or a seasoned writer seeking new ways to bring your settings to life, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques you need to create memorable and engaging settings.

You'll learn how to use sensory details, character perspective, as well as metaphor, symbolism, and theme to create a setting that is both believable and captivating. You'll explore how to research settings, how to use setting to drive plot, plus, explore aspects of worldbuilding, as well as learn editing tips and ways to use setting in your book marketing.

There are optional writing exercises you can do throughout, and questions to consider with each lesson.

By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to create a setting that is not just a backdrop, but an integral part of your story. You'll have the skills to transport your readers to your world and keep them there, turning the pages with anticipation.


Your Instructor


Joanna Penn
Joanna Penn

Joanna Penn is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and crime under J.F.Penn. She also writes bestselling non-fiction for authors, podcasts weekly at The Creative Penn and she’s an award-winning creative entrepreneur.


"Joanna has achieved the near impossible with this course and turned a plotting snob into a wannabe pantser. My writing life has been a bit of a slog for the last couple of years but I'm now excited to get out there and do some setting research, with the aim of finding plot points in the places I visit. I found all the lessons useful, but lesson 4 on using setting to drive plot was a real inspiration." — Christine F

Course Curriculum


  Welcome and introduction
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  Writing Setting
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  Your next steps
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts as soon as you purchase it and you can finish it in your own time. It is a completely self-paced online mini course. You decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course - across any and all devices you own – for as long as the course is available. This will be for at least a year after purchase. You can also download all the materials so you can keep a copy.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
I would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, please contact me in the first 30 days and I will give you a full refund. Email: [email protected]
Do I get a discount if I am enrolled in your other courses or if I am a Patreon supporter?
Yes, you get a discount if you are enrolled in any of my other courses, or if you support my podcast on Patreon. You will find the discount codes within the course you are registered for or on your Patreon welcome email. Or please email me to find out: [email protected]
How long will the course take to go through?
You can play all the videos or listen to the audio in around 2.5 hours, but you might also want to work through the questions and writing exercises in more detail.
What if I have more questions around the course?
Please email me: [email protected] and I'll get back to you.
Do you have courses on other things that might help me?
Yes :) I have other courses available. Just click All Courses on the top right of this page, or go to www.TheCreativePenn.com/learn to see them all.
Why is there sales tax added to the price?
Each country has different legally-required digital sales tax applied to courses. Teachable manage these taxes so they need to add the respective sales tax per region onto the course. Your final price will be determined by the digital sales tax of the country you reside in, but you will see this before you authorize the purchase.
Will you read my writing from the exercises?
No. The exercises and questions are just for your own development. If you want feedback on your writing, I recommend working with an editor. I have a list here: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/editors

Get started now!