Finishing the first draft of your first novel is a big deal. Savour this. Lap it all up. Bask in excess optimism, and tuck some away for later. You’re going to need it. Because, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, your journey to success has only just started.

Your setting is so much more than set dressing. It can reveal character, set the mood, and help express theme. Done well, it’s a powerful tool in every writer’s toolbox. Here’s how to use it to the max.