How can an author effectively describe settings in a novel to engage readers?
Authors can effectively describe settings by creating a contrast. Maybe the outside of a building looks beautiful and grand, but once the character enters, it's dark and dingy inside. Another way is to use the setting as a symbol. A withered garden could symbolize the decay of a character's soul. By making the setting multi - layered like this, readers are more likely to be engaged.
An author can engage readers by appealing to the senses. Describe the smell of a bakery in the setting, the sound of the wind whistling through the trees, the feel of the cold stone floor under the character's feet. Also, show how the setting affects the characters. If a character is in a crowded marketplace, they might feel claustrophobic. This connection between the character and the setting makes it more engaging.
