Scoring a Well-Rounded Manuscript: Setting, Backstory, and Hooks

For the last few posts, we've been talking about elements that make up a well-rounded story (check out previous posts on voice, and characters and plot). In the game of bowling, the goal of each frame is to bowl a strike - and each pin knocked down contributes to that goal. The same concept applies to story writing. Hitting and knocking down each pin (or touching on each important element of a story) will get you that strike, aka your well-rounded story.

So today we're onto the next row of pins. Three aspects of a story that can really help round it out if done right.

Setting

There's no question, setting varies depending on story. Some include very little setting description and others say setting is another character. Either way, using setting appropriately can add to a story.

Tips on Setting

*Make talk about setting proportionate to what stories of that genre require or typically demonstrate
*Use it to appeal to a certain type of reader if it suits your genre. Therefore, allow your setting to enhance mood or tone
*Keep it real. If your setting is a real place, make sure your facts are correct, and whether the location is real or not, make the setting relatable to your reader (if they enjoy small town stories, write about a small town, or similarly with a big city)
*Use small details. Setting isn't relegated to town or country, but sometimes specific places like a home or location outdoors. Utilize items and objects around the characters (like furniture, nature, etc.) to give the reader a better sense of setting

Backstory

This one can be a challenge, and I think most of us have struggled with it at some point in our writing journey. However, most of us will agree that backstory in some form or another is necessary, therefore important to get right.

Tips on Backstory

*Rule of thumb, don't use backstory much or in large chunks within the first fifty pages (though I've noticed this also hinges on publisher and genre, particularly in category fiction)
*Sneaking in backstory here or there, like a line to entice readers, can get them to keep reading
--for example: Jerry settled his glasses on his nose, watching the girl dip her feet into the fountain when she thought no one was looking. A gesture of confidence, of childlike delight. So much like his daughter before the accident.
Jerry swallowed and flicked his glasses into position again. Not now. He didn't have time for reminiscing. He had a job to do.
*Adding short visits to the past, whether spurned by feelings or sights, etc. can be used to interest the reader and make them want to know more

Hooks

Hooks can be simple but an undeniable asset to a story if done right.

Tips on Hooks

*You can use these for more than just opening a novel. Use hooks to open/end a scene, or to end a chapter
*Make the goal of your hook to encourage the reader to flip pages
*Sometimes less is more. Inundating your reader with details and backstory isn't always the way to go. Sometimes giving them the bare minimum is just enough to entice a reader, to hook them into reading on, and to contribute to pacing (which we'll talk about in the next post)

What kind of tips or tricks do you use concerning these elements of a story? Do you think using setting, backstory, and hooks well can help round out a story?