Use descriptive language that evokes the time and place. For time, you could say 'The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, signaling the start of a new day'. For place, 'The narrow, cobblestone streets wound their way through the ancient city, with the smell of fresh bread wafting from the bakeries on every corner'. You can also compare the time and place to something the reader might be familiar with to give them a better understanding.
One way is to use historical or cultural references. If the time is the 1960s, mention the music, fashion or events of that era. For the place, if it's Paris, talk about the Eiffel Tower, the cafes and the Seine river. Another way is to show how the characters interact with the time and place. For example, a character might be shivering in the cold time of the story or looking out at the beautiful view of the place.
One common way is through direct description. For example, 'The story took place in a small cottage by the sea in the early morning.' Another way is through the characters' actions and dialogue. If a character says, 'I can't wait for the winter festival next week,' it gives an indication of the time. Also, using sensory details can help describe the place. Like 'The smell of damp moss filled the ancient forest where the story was set.'
Use vivid adjectives. For the place, if it's a forest, you can say 'the dense, shadowy forest'. For time, if it's night, 'the inky black night'.
To effectively describe the setting environment and time, you can start with the big picture and then zoom in. For instance, when describing a city environment, first say it was a large, modern metropolis, then talk about the neon - lit streets and the tall skyscrapers. For time, you can mention historical events that are relevant. If it's the 1960s, you could talk about the cultural revolution going on at that time and how it affected the characters' lives. Also, use the five senses to bring the setting to life. Describe the taste of the salty sea air if the environment is a coastal town, or the feel of the chilly night wind if the time is night.
You can use the character's inner thoughts to convey sadness. Let the reader peek into the character's mind. For example, 'He thought about all the things he had lost, and a heavy feeling settled in his chest. It was like a dark cloud that wouldn't go away, and he felt so alone in this world.' This shows the depth of the character's sadness through their own thoughts.
Use the sense of touch. For instance, 'The darkness felt like cold, clammy fingers caressing her skin, making her shiver involuntarily.'
Her courage can be described. 'The girl showed great courage when facing the bully, standing up for what was right without a hint of fear.'
Using a different voice. For instance, if the main story is in third - person narration, the note could be in first - person, giving it a personal touch. This makes it distinct from the rest of the narrative.
One way is to look for specific historical events mentioned. If there's talk about a moon landing, it's probably set in the 1960s or later. Also, the clothing and technology described can be a clue. If people are using horse - drawn carriages, it's an earlier time. For the place, geographical features like mountains or rivers can be mentioned. And local customs or dialects can also give away the place.
One common way is through the use of vivid adjectives. For example, 'the vast, arid desert' gives a clear image. Another way is to describe the weather in the setting, like 'the cold, rainy city streets'. Also, details about the architecture can be used, such as 'the ancient, crumbling castle walls'.
You could also begin a story by introducing a unique or strange object. For example, 'In the middle of the table, there was a small, glowing box. No one knew where it came from or what it was for.' This object becomes a focal point and the reader will be interested in finding out more about it and how it relates to the rest of the story.