setting the setting

One underrated element of The Hunger Games' success is its variety of settings. Think of the contrasting visuals between the Capitol and District 12. If you're up for a challenge, take a moment to count as many contrasts as you can.

Here are a few I came up with:

• city vs. rural
• colorful vs. bleak
• rich vs. poor
• lavish vs. simple
• painted vs. unpainted faces
• comfort and ease  vs. backbreaking work
• abundance vs. scarcity
• shallowness vs. depth

With so many striking juxtapositions playing before our minds' eyes, it's no wonder readers delighted in Suzanne Collins' fantastical tale; and it's no wonder the book's transition to the big screen fared so well.

How can you add more visual variety to your stories? Carefully set your settings. Your readers will thank you!