Settings: The Power of using Images to bring Words to Life by Nanine Case, writer of Historical Action Adventure and Biographical Fiction!

​Writing my novels, In Search of the Cannibal King and Cannibal King, required more than just my knowledge of the stories; it also required the use of imagery to bring the stories boldly to life. My love for photography and the immense library of photographs I’ve created over six decades was the perfect tool to personalize the varied scenes and accurately describe the cast of characters.

A wonderful thing happened during my storytelling. In the process of describing the scenes, which I hoped would continuously draw the reader into the pages and cause them to feel as if they were living the experience, I actually found myself reliving all that I experienced during my search for the Cannibal King stories. Through the power of imagery, the unsurpassed beauty of the Marquesas Islands came alive, as did the faces of the people, who were as colorful in real life as they appeared in the pages of the stories.

One of the most compelling aspects of setting in storytelling is its ability to transport readers to another time and place. For me, the Marquesas Islands were not just a backdrop but a living, breathing character in the narrative. Each photograph I took was a fragment of a larger mosaic, capturing moments that would later become integral parts of my novels. Whether it was the rugged cliffs, the lush greenery, or the vibrant markets, each scene was meticulously crafted to evoke the essence of the islands.

The Marquesas Islands, with their raw and untouched beauty, became more than just a setting for my stories; they were a source of inspiration. Every corner of these islands told a story, every face I encountered had a tale to tell. The challenge was not just to describe these scenes but to make them resonate with the reader, to make them feel the heat of the sun, hear the rustle of the palm trees, and see the vivid colors of the landscape. This immersive experience is what I aimed to achieve, and my photographs were the bridge between reality and fiction.

In my writing process, I found that settings do more than just provide a backdrop for the action; they shape the narrative and influence the characters. The environment in which a story takes place can dictate the mood, pace, and direction of the plot. For instance, the isolation of the Marquesas Islands created a sense of mystery and adventure, a perfect setting for tales of exploration and discovery. The remote villages, the traditional tattoos, and the ancient customs all added layers of authenticity and depth to the story.

Reliving my experiences through writing was a deeply personal journey. Each description of a scene was a reflection of my memories and emotions. I could vividly recall the sensation of standing on a cliff, overlooking the vast ocean, feeling the wind on my face, and the thrill of the unknown ahead. This personal connection to the setting infused my writing with a sense of realism and intimacy that I hope resonates with my readers.

Moreover, the use of photographs in my storytelling served as a visual aid, helping me to capture and convey the intricate details that words alone might miss. A picture, as they say, is worth a thousand words. My photographs allowed me to paint a more vivid and accurate picture of the scenes, ensuring that the readers could see what I saw and feel what I felt. The power of visual storytelling cannot be overstated; it adds a layer of richness and texture to the narrative that enhances the reader's experience.

As you delve into the pages of In Search of the Cannibal King and Cannibal King, you will find descriptions of these photographs interwoven within the text. The stories are not just tales of adventure and exploration; they are a journey through the landscapes and cultures of the Marquesas Islands, brought to life through the lens of my camera.

​In conclusion, the setting is a vital component of storytelling. It grounds the narrative in a specific time and place, provides context for the characters' actions, and enriches the overall reading experience. For me, the Marquesas Islands were more than just a setting; they were a source of inspiration, a character in their own right, and a gateway to a world of adventure. Through the power of imagery and personal experience, I endeavored to bring this world to life for my readers, inviting them to join me on a journey of discovery and wonder.

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START YOUR ADVENTURE NOW!

If you want to explore with me, start with In Search of the Cannibal King, which my publisher is offering FREE for a limited time.

​If you want to dive right into the fast-action historical adventure of John Rumell, head right to the Cannibal King!

Nanine's quest to uncover the truth behind a fantastical article led her to the Marquesas Islands, revealing her ancestor's life among cannibals and tribal warriors. READ MORE!

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Based on real events, Cannibal King follows John Rumell's survival and love in a cannibal tribe, blending adventure and historical events for a thrilling read.

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