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Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology

Starting

    Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing

    Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors

    The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary

    Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book


Planning

    Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright

    How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story

    How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book

    How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story

    How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book

    How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story

    How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book

    Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company

    How To Plan Your Story Using Flow

    Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type

    How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book

    How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book

    Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction

    How To Plan Where Your Story Begins

    How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book

    How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book

    How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story

    How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story

    How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books

    How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov

    Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices

    Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing

    Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action

    Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View

    How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story


Writing

    How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live

    How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live

    Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books

    The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft

    Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book

    How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book

    How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book

    Effective Techniques For Childrens Books


Registrations

    How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live

    How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section

    How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author

    How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide


Designing

    Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book

    Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book

    How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book

    How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book

    How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard

    How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience

    Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books

    Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book

    How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book

    Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow

    How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book

    How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book

    How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book

    How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book

    How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace

    How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace

    How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover

    How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book

    How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity

    How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard

    How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live

    Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design

    Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format

    Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book

    How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book


Editing

    How To Selfedit For Filler Words

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary

    Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme

    How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure

    How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue

    How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling

    How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book

    How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor

    How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator

    How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy

    Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication

    How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book

    How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript


Publishing

    Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book

    Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats

    Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution

    Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book

    Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book

    Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books

    Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books


Marketing

    Building An Author Brand And Online Presence

    Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books

    Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores

    Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books

    Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books

    Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books


Community

    Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators

    Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing

    Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support

    Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors


Business

    Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books

    Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books

    Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing

    Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing

    Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books

    Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing


How to Define the Time Setting for Your Story


Defining the time setting of your story shapes everything from the characters to the plot. Learn how to choose the past, present, future, or an ambiguous time to enhance your narrative.

How to Define the Time Setting for Your Story

The time in which your story takes place is a critical aspect of its setting. Whether your book unfolds in the past, present, future, or an ambiguous time, the time setting affects everything from your characters’ behavior to the plot's events. Defining the time setting clearly (or purposefully leaving it vague) can shape the tone, pacing, and overall feel of your book. Here’s how to think about time as part of your story’s world.

Past, Present, or Future?

The first step in defining your story’s time setting is deciding whether it takes place in the past, present, or future. Each choice brings its own set of rules and influences the story in different ways.

Past Setting

A story set in the past brings with it certain historical or cultural contexts that impact how characters think, speak, and act. If you choose a past setting:

  • Historical Accuracy: Depending on how far back you go, it’s important to think about the details of life in that era—technology, clothing, social customs, and language all play a part.
  • Sense of Nostalgia or Distance: A past setting can evoke nostalgia or a sense of distance from the present. It can also highlight how life and values were different in another time.
  • Historical Events: Major events of the time, like wars or social movements, might influence the plot or character motivations.

Present Setting

A story set in the present is the most familiar to readers, which makes it easier for them to connect with the characters and the world. If you choose a present-day setting:

  • Contemporary Relevance: The events, culture, and technology of today will play a role in how your characters live their lives.
  • Relatable Issues: Present settings can make it easier to address topics that feel timely and relevant to your readers, such as social issues, family dynamics, or personal growth.
  • Everyday Details: Think about the world as it exists now—smartphones, modern slang, social media—these are all elements that could appear in a story set in today’s time.

Future Setting

A future setting allows you to explore imagined worlds, technologies, and societies. If you choose to set your story in the future:

  • Speculative or Sci-Fi Elements: The future gives you freedom to create advanced technologies, futuristic landscapes, and new social structures.
  • Predictions or Fantasies: You can speculate about how current trends might evolve or explore completely fantastical future possibilities.
  • Hope or Warning: A future setting can inspire hope or serve as a cautionary tale, depending on how you portray it.

Ambiguous or Unknown Time

Sometimes, a story’s time period is left deliberately vague or ambiguous. This can add a sense of timelessness, allowing the story to feel universal and relatable regardless of when it takes place. If you opt for an ambiguous time setting:

  • Timeless Appeal: The story could feel like it exists outside of specific historical moments, giving it a broader or more allegorical resonance.
  • Focus on Characters and Themes: With time less defined, readers may focus more on the characters and themes rather than historical or contemporary details.
  • Flexibility: An ambiguous setting can allow your story to fit any context, appealing to a wide range of readers without feeling anchored to one period.

How Time Influences Characters and Plot

The time setting also influences your characters and plot. Consider:

  • How do characters interact with their time period? A character in a medieval village would have very different concerns from one in a high-tech future city. Think about how time affects their daily lives, challenges, and goals.
  • How does the plot unfold within this time? Time setting can affect pacing. A slow-paced pastoral story set in the past may have a different rhythm than a fast-paced, tech-driven future thriller.

Using Time to Enhance the Story’s Atmosphere

Time is not just about when the story happens, but also how the setting feels. A story set in the dead of winter, even in the present, might feel slow and somber. Meanwhile, a future story set during a time of rapid innovation might have a fast, energetic pace. Consider how the passage of time within your story contributes to its atmosphere:

  • Seasonal Changes: Does the story unfold over a single day, a month, or a year? How do changing seasons affect the mood?
  • Historical Shifts: Is the story set during a time of upheaval or calm? Consider how historical movements or changes in technology can heighten tension or bring new opportunities to your characters.

Last Updated: about 1 month

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