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As long as you tie in the emotional connection to the setting whether it be from the past or in the moment, then I can feel it come to life. We may not have all shared the same travel experiences and seen the same things, but well are all connected by our human emotions.
Well said, Sue. Descriptions always mean so much more when the character engages. Thanks!
I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii, so reading a book set in that state is perfect.
I like descriptions that engage all five senses, but are woven in so as to be a clear part of the story. I don’t enjoy books that go on for five or ten pages of just description, and the story (and reader) gets lost in the process. I love Hawaii! I’ve been there once and have always longed to go back. Beautiful setting to contrast with the life of a P.I. I was always a fan of Magnum, P..I., too.
Thanks, LInda, great observations And, yes indeed, Hawai‘i offers so many options for description.
Terry, the setting of Hawaii as a whole becomes a character in and of itself. What a fantastic setting to base your series. I’ve had my mystery series setting (FL panhandle) described as a “character” itself, but wow, Hawaii! I’ve been there one time — on my way as a young US Marine heading to the war in Vietnam. I’ve always wanted to return, possibly even to settle down. Alas, too many sunsets have passed for that to be really feasible. Live the dream, my man!
The title of your book reminds me of when we went to Hawaii. We were in Hilo Hattie’s at the time. I love both shows, Murder She Wrote and Magnum P.I.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
I was at a conference where one of the younger attendees told me Murder She Wrote was “too old” to use as a comparison…and then, a few hours later, I heard there was a MSW marathon on TV…so much for being too old. 🙂
Sounds, smells, and feels- cool breeze, rough textured etc.
the descriptions
I often get so into reading a book that I don’t see or hear anything else. I love it when a book can ‘take me there’ with nuances and descriptions, verbal and cerebral conversations.
When an author can provide a description of the locale by providing more than the visual… including the idea of the noises that would surround the scene, the smell, maybe even the taste. Something that is able to tap into my visceral reactions.
Great suggestions…and it reinforces the need for us to use all five senses, not just the visual. Thanks!
A nice description of the scene and the interactions of the characters in the scene
Will bring it alive
A Few lines describing the environment is all I need to stimulate my imagination
this would be a new series for me.
I’d love to try it out.
thanks.
I love when you can actually smell the flowers from the way an Author talks about them or hear the splash from the water . Thanks for the chance to win.
the scenery, the smells, the textures, impressions of the setting that make me feel like I’m right there
I love it, too, when characters interact and convey their feelings about something tangible in the scene. It’s kind of like seeing the tears on an actor’s cheeks when they pick up a cherished memento.
street lamps/lights and alleways
I like the setting to be very descriptive and cover the location, weather and flowers, etc. I like to feel like I can picture being there.
Mahalo, Dianne! I just realized McKenna has never gotten drenched…oh, I know the feeling. I’m gearing up for a couple of Christmas pieces…what a great place to handle that one!
Thanks for the continuing information and book goodies.
I just love your books as they are set in Hawaii and we are following up with a PI and the stories are just page turners they are so good!
I love description of the places, culture, and views. I have been to Hawaii so the description are keys things I play attention to.
Sounds awesome! Can’t wait to read this! Thanks for the chance!
When a story has a description of the land, things on the land like houses or trees, and the colors of things help me to see what a place is like.
Thanks Jackie, and Hawai‘i is so rich visually. There are so many things to describe.
Fingers crossed for a new book to read in bed!
Thanks for the opportunity.
sounds like a good read. would love to win it!
Murder She Wrote meets Magnum PI
I like clear descriptions of the setting…sights and smells. I can really imagine and bring the story to life in my mind.
The smells—oh, yes. And they can be so difficult to forget about when writing a scene. Maybe someday the movies will have that, too…then again, maybe not such a good idea.
Always love your contests – thanks for the opportunity to win!
The descriptions of the scenery and the location, the local food they’re eating, and the local customs. Thank you for this chance.
Good suggestion about food, Robyn. I haven’t done as much with food as I could.
Honolulu Hottie sounds like a great read!
Another McKenna – yay! The more descriptive the better for me: the clothes, the food, the weather, the landscape. Just don’t go too far with the local accents, sometimes that is overdone in books and is distracting.
Details and descriptions are improtant to making it come alive.
Thanks, Sally. I understand what you mean about the local accent. The best suggestion I ever hear (and this was recently) was to create the illusion of the accent. That way, it’s not hard for people to understand, but everyone gets the idea.