Saturday, October 10, 2009

Muzzling The Still Prevalent Decorator in this Author’s Head


Writing the setting is more than a little problematic for me and that is due to the decorator in me wanting to detail the history of each room from the English Renaissance to the Late Neoclassic period. The decorator in me wants to regale the reader with elements from master architects and early interior designers to fill their heads with imagery of from the works of Hepplewhite, Chippendale and Jones.



I don’t fight the urge, instead I write it all down and then in the way of a good decorator, I return to my storyboard and customize the space for the people inhabiting it. In the end, I have yards of Indian silks, storerooms of Chinese vases, and French knick-knacks left over because they don't fit the character's space.



Often, I simply choose a piece I feel relates to a particular character and that’s all that’s really mentioned of the space. I did that for my second novel, Leeds, where my hero has an antique Italian campaign daybed in his little office.







I give the basic layout of the fireplace relative to the placement of desk, chairs and windows but the main focus of the room is the daybed in the corner. He rekindles his love for our heroine on that daybed. I'm decadant in a lush space using colour and light to fill the rooms while opting for brief descriptives for meagerly dressed rooms. It works brilliantly. Just imagine a room with a small worn armoir, thick dusty curtains and an unyielding, serviceable bed. Enough said, yes.

All my very best,

Simone

12 comments:

  1. Simone I have that problem too myself. Who the artist behind the setting photos included in this blog?

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  2. I love rich detail--in small doses. Great post.

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  3. I can hardly wait until you are published and you will be if your writing is anything like your blog, well done lady.

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  4. Molly, Tara and Sarah each of you have on this day contributed greatly to my happiness, thank you all.
    Simone

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  5. Oh and Molly the first painting is Eduard Hau and the other two are Kapiton Zelentsov's.

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  6. Lovely paintings and settings. I don';t like people's writings when they name drop items without describing them.

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  7. Really enjoyed discovering your blog, Simone! A great mixture of reading pleasure and visual delights! Also love your lists of music and films - "Babette's feast" is one of my absolutely favorite films! Will read more thoroughly when I find a peaceful undisturbed moment. Thanks a lot for leaving a comment on my blog, too!

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  8. Very very nice. I lurked after your comment in one of my blogs. A Campaigning ww1 game. Good luck with the novels.

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  9. Thanks guys i like each of your blog and will continue to visit.

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  10. Hello Simone,

    This is a good insight into your new novel- I enjoyed it. I wish you the best of luck!
    I left a message for you on my blog regarding your latest comment; please have a look, I am curious to get your answer ;)

    Christine

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  11. Impressive blog that of yours, really nice settings and writs, hope you find a good agent soon, I'd buy!

    Shall visit you often as want to read all!!

    Thanks for passing by mine, that compared at yours is so simple ...

    :o)

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  12. Christine and Puça thank you both for coming by and offering your support. I love both your blogs and will of course continue to visit.
    Sincerely,
    Simone

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