Kate Forsyth - Author Interview: Setting

Pick one of your favourites among the settings from your published fiction stories or a setting which is an interesting example from your published fiction. What makes this setting one of your favourites or an interesting example from your fiction?

My latest novel ‘Bitter Greens’ is set in 16th century Venice & 17th century France, two absolutely fascinating historical periods.

What is a setting from a published fiction story by another author you would compare this setting to and why are they similar?

‘In the Company of the Courtesan’ by Sarah Dunant is set in the same period in venice, and both out books actually feature the artist Tiziano Veceilli (Tiian).

How would you describe the way you introduced this setting to readers of your story?

I hope 16th century Venice is brought vividly to life – its sights and sounds and smells and culture.

How would you describe the integration of characters and setting in this story?

One of my major characters is a courtesan who both loves and hates Venice.

How would you describe the interaction of story and setting in this story?

I don’t think I could have written this story set in any other place – Venice is utterly integral to that portion of the book, not only because of its location but because of its political and social mores.

How much research did you do for the setting of this story, and what did that involve?

I did a huge amount of research, through books and the internet, and by travelling to France and Italy.

To what extent would you describe the setting of this story typical or atypical of the settings in your fiction stories?

I have never before set a book in either France of Italy. However, setting is always very important to my fiction.

How do you usually decide on or develop a setting for your fiction stories?

The story usually predetermines the setting. For example, Bitter Greens is a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale. The first known version of Rapunzel was written by a 16th century Italian writer who worked for the Venetian Republic as a soldier.

To what extent do the settings of novels you read have an impact on why you read them, and why?

I love books set in various times and places – Scotland, England, France & Italy re my favourites, and I’ll often choose to read a book simply because of where its set.

Author website: http://www.kateforsyth.com.au