Lessons From Downton Abbey: Setting

DAY 51

Word Count: 33,187

Sentence of the Day: He focused on the remaining daylight pooling on the floor in the magistrate's office, preferring the cold wooden planks to the fire in Ford's eyes.

Is anyone here as hooked as I am on Downton Abbey? I know. Stupid question. Everyone's talking about it. From the gowns, to the despicable Thomas, to the will-he-or-won't-she's, this is one show that's got something for everyone. Downton Abbey nails stunning settings, memorable characters and pivotal plots.

So...what lessons can we glean from this blockbuster to boost our own writing skills?

Over the next few days, I'll examine setting, character and plot in light of Downton Abbey and list a trick or two we can apply to our own writing. Today's spotlight will shine on setting.

There's 2 simple words that describe the setting of Downton Abbey: eye candy. Who wouldn't want to live in that mansion? Or hang out with gals in gorgeous dresses and men who don't have their pants sagging to their knees so that you wonder how they can walk? And even below stairs, the servants are well put-together. Their quarters, while spare, are every bit as much intriguing.

I think the main thing Downton Abbey nails is detail, from the sculptures on the pedestals in the upper rooms, down to Matthew's pocket watch. When you watch an episode of the show, it's like a time warp. It pulls you from your couch and plops you into a different dimension. How can we, as authors, do that with our writing?

In each scene, make it a point to highlight an object, but tie it in directly to the action or emotion of the characters.

For example, Matthew's pocket watch. When he pulls it out and stares at it intently, you just know something's going to happen soon. The object is used as foreshadowing. This detail ups the tension in the scene.

Discretion is the better part of valor...choose with intent what your reader sees, but don't overdo it.

Of course there were piles of dirty dishes whenever Mrs. Patmore and Daisy finished preparing a meal, but did we ever see the disaster? Mostly we just saw a bit of flour on the table or a smudge on cook's face. Getting too bogged down with detail slows the action. You know what's coming, right? Yep. Balance, my friends. It's always about balance.

Use lighting to your advantage.

Think about it. It wouldn't have been nearly as creepy or desperate had Mr. Pamuk's body been toted off to his own bedroom in broad daylight.

Downton Abbey is simply a stage, just like your setting is the stage for your story. Treat it with as much care and respect as you would one of your characters...which is what I'll tackle tomorrow.