A Sense of Place by Jon Foyt
Just as in any movie or play, the stage needs to be set in order for the story to
begin. Writing a novel is no different. The reader needs to see in words the sense of
the place where the story is to start. That way, when the characters enter, the reader
has a feeling for what they are seeing and experiencing as they react and bring the
reader along with them. Almost every location has a history, short or long, surface or depth. The characters will be aware of such background, even if the place information appears as brief as when a car or train passes by—for something is there and it is being passed by. Here is where the story line (and nascent plot) get underway, as the characters, existing in their environment, unfold.
For history references in America, local—that is specific to the stage setting— is best, but often the writer needs to paint a more historical picture, perhaps back to the Civil War, or even American independence. But only through the eyes and the mind of the main character in the process of setting the tone for his or her mood or mind set. How the character thinks of this bit of history—favorable or critical— becomes a trait of that character as he or she approaches the story line. For examples, I cite the openings of two of my novels, The Landscape of Time and Marcel Proust in Taos. But you may differ and want to argue with me, your opinions I would welcome.
About Jon Foyt
Striving for new heights on the literary landscape, along with his late wife Lois,
Jon Foyt began writing novels 20 years ago, following careers in radio, commercial
banking, and real estate. He holds a degree in journalism and an MBA from Stanford
and a second masters degree in historic preservation from the University of
Georgia. An octogenarian prostate cancer survivor, Jon, 81, is a marathon runner
(60 completed), hiker, and political columnist in a large active adult retirement
community near San Francisco. Jon Foyt is the successful author of 10 fiction books.
He currently resides in Walnut Creek, CAFor more information, visit jonfoyt.com
About Marcel Proust in Taos: In Search of Times Past
Jon Foyt’s new book Marcel Proust in Taos was released on June 19, 2013. In Marcel Proust in Taos, a Los Alamos physicist, Christopher, retires to Taos, New Mexico, with his cat Marcel Proust, to write a novel about nuclear terrorism. There he meets aspiring artist Marlene, from Germany, and the two fall in love. They open a microbrewery, using the brewing recipes passed down to Marlene from her brewmaster grandfather. However, together they find themselves confronting terrorism of a new sort with the matriarch of the Taos community, Agnes Havelock Powers, who strongly opposes having a brewery in town. Agnes is rich, powerful, and influential. She has the city authorities tucked in her purse next to her checkbook. Follow the exciting and charming love story of Marlene and Christopher in historical Taos, as they experience the challenges of confronting abusive power.Giveaway!
Intrigued by this book? Thanks to the publicist, I have 1 Kindle copy of Marcel Proust up for grabs for one you lucky folks. (Open International)
Thanks for bringing this book to my attention
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