lastubbs - didn't you say this was a 'novel' idea, as in 'an idea for a novel?' In that case it would be quite normal to have it in one location. Or do you mean a novel idea as in 'a new idea'? or am I just getting the wrong end of the stick? and should I just get me coat? I must say I don't much see the point of films if they are in one static location. Might as well be a radio play.

The Shining (both film and book) is a good example of a single-location setting. John Fowles' The Collector is another. In both of these the location is fixed and static, but there's interior exposition that deals with the characters' past lives and involves other locations - so the single setting doesn't preclude sub-plots.

Elizabeth Bowen's The House in Paris is the best example that springs to mind of a writer basing the story in a single location (and a single day) while simultaneously allowing the story to encompass multiple other locations through the different characters' thought processes. A very sophisticated technique at work in that novel - worth a look.

I'd imagine this kind of approach works best when you want to produce a highly focused, almost claustrophobic cumulative effect - which is definitely the case in the examples mentioned above.

the single setting doesn't preclude sub-plots

I said there is a sub-plot, not that I thought a single setting precludes them ?

single location (and a single day) while simultaneously allowing the story to encompass multiple other locations through the different characters' thought processes.

I've said it will be slightly more expanded than a single location and, yes, I have thought of bringing in other locations (and times) through character's thoughts. However, I have just finished reading 'The Lovely Bones' and am very wary that my story could become fragmented and confusing (and, dare I say it, boring?) if I go too far down that route. (Did anyone else find 'The Lovely Bones' as remote and irritating as I did?)

At the moment, I have five characters, six 'sets' and five days. I'm finding the restrictions inspiring now that I'm further into the story development.

{quote}I'm finding the restrictions inspiring now that I'm further into the story development.{quote}

yay! It focuses the mind beautifully, doesn't it? And allows you to concentrate on the character/plot dynamic.
Susiex

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bother, I thought I'd made a quotation box (duh!)

bother, I thought I'd made a quotation box (duh!)

Suzie, copy and paste the part you want as a quote box and then highlight it. Once that is done click the "" box just above the text and you should have a highlighted box.
Ain't technology wunnerful???
Take care
Tracy

Ain't technology wunnerful???

Is it when you know how. And now I do!!! Many thanks, Tracy.

No problem, you do realize it's smilies next

Sorry lastubbs for hijacking your thread, but yes please Tracy,how do I do a smiley? 'Cos :} doesn't have the same pzazz.
Susiex

Susie,

a smilie is : followed by )
A winkie is ; followed by )
A saddo is : followed by (
A surprise is : followed by o
And a scream is ( then : then o then ) ()

Dee

Thanks Dee! :]
Susiex

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Aaaaaaargghhh!

LOL!