Details - Part 2

Continuing our discussion on details let’s now consider how we can incorporate our location details into our character development.  This would apply for science fiction as much as it would for romance novels.  Any novel that readers will be interesting in reading requires detail.  Reading books is an escape for people, they want their escape to be realistic.
Consider the environment someone grew up in, this is formative in that  it can shape their lives and their personality.  Growing up in a small town could make our character very aware that all eyes are scrutinizing them, self-conscious.  Or if they grew up in the big city maybe they are more carefree, oblivious to other's judgments.  Now if we take that background and put these characters in unfamiliar surroundings we can add flare and possible drama to our novel.  And if it's a romance novel you are looking for, having two different backgrounds will add spice to the story.
Take the time to create a story board for each character.  Write details of their likes and dislikes, how they were raised, personality quirks or things in their past that shape who they are today.  All these details help your reader get to know why your character reacts the way he does.  If you want a hard-headed male character, then imagine he had a difficult childhood that left scars in his personality.  How does he deal with others as he grows up?
Also take the time to add pictures to your story board.  These pictures can be referred to throughout your novel writing process.  If they keep going to a certain cafe or park, refer to the pictures so that you can add certain details without making mistakes.  You can re-use a setting and the reader will become comfortable with it.  This helps the reader see clearly where you are taking them.
As you write, the time of day will be changing for your characters - not all the action will happen at the same hour each day.  To help scenes play out, give some details for the specific time of that exchange.  For example, writing that the sun was about to set can transition your reader from the events of the day to acknowledge it will soon be night.  This can help your reader prepare for an upcoming event that was written about earlier.  Possibly the characters would be attending an event in the evening and so stating the sun is setting will help your readers prepare for the event to happen.
With the details on your story board think about the climate your characters will be in.  Will they endure a harsh winter? Will the heat from the sun be comforting or are they working in it?  From there we can begin to think again about our character and his background - how does that affect the characters mood?  Think about the details needed to walk in deep snow, the exertion of each step, the deep breathing in of cold air.
All these details can portray our characters traits.  Think about how they were influenced by these details.  Write these down on your character story board.  These details are important for development of character.  They will add interest to your reader.
Literature is hard work, you can't just sit down and write the way you talk.  Good novels require planning, research, and thought.  But at the end of it, you might just have a story worth reading!