Presenters: David Baker, Chanelle Benz, B. H. Fairchild, Lillian Li
Moderator:  Pat Hoffman

We often hear the term “sense of place” batted about in reference to books that are so accurately descriptive that the setting is easily felt and envisioned by the reader. While building the setting in such a way can make for good writing, books often become even more interesting when the setting is personified and takes on an identity as established as that of any of the characters. The place—be it a geographic region, a building, or something as expansive as the natural world—can, just as easily as any of the humans walking through these stories, influence the plot, have a unique voice, and become a living and breathing entity.