Fao Schwartz
Setting as a character
"Everything happens somewhere"
– Peter Haag
Where does your book take place?
Of course, at one level, it takes place in the hearts, minds and imagination of your characters. On another level, it can take place in Omaha. Or Venus.
Once set Nicolson Baker a whole novel (I think) on an office escalator. All the action in one of Don DeLillo's novel takes place in the back seat of a limousine going cross-town New York, a journey that (As I know from personal experience) may seem a lifetime. A writer like Robert Ludlum can take you to twenty locations in eighteen pages.
Institution, of course, the physical universe in which your story is set. But I would suggest that it is much more than that. It is a reflection of the characters. It works on the characters. It offers an almost inexhaustible source of data that can help you tell your story more vivid or give you a whole new set of ideas. In a sense it is a sign in itself. And, more generally, books in which the institution is professionally presented because of the better books.
Some writers are indelibly associated with certain institutions. Larry McMurtry's West is a vast and open country in which some characters to make small, closed minds. Raymond Chandler's Los Angeles is sunny and warm on the surface and corrupt underneath. This dark depths of the natural habitats of his characters.
You've probably read novels in which the institutions are nothing but brand names: Riding uptown in the Lincoln Town Car, Prada and Tiffany and Dolores over the magic of the toy emporium FAO Schwarz. Modest interesting, I think, but it would be a lot more interesting if it had anything to do with Dolores.
Suppose we read instead, riding uptown to Lincoln Town Car, Dolores was the smooth leather of the chair to calm her. She looked at her nails as they passed the glittering art deco spire of the Chrysler building, but moved forward as Tiffany, Prada and FAO Schwartz slipped by.
Okay, now we have done three things: we have seen a bit of New York, we learned a little about Dolores, and we still have all those brand names. In the first example, the setting was passive, it was just scenery. In the second, it was active, it was not just New York, it was Dolores's New York.
If you want your book to finish, you will need your institution know as well if you know your characters. Believe me, the setting can bail you out if you get stuck. It may be a new course of action. It is the word picture you need for a fresh approach to a scene or a chapter menu. It can capture the reader's imagination.
So I suggest exploring your institution in the same way If you discover your basic idea and your characters.
I hope that your institution has the following characteristics.
It is a place that interests you. You're going to spend much time there.
It's a place where you know a good deal on, or can find a good deal about.
It is a place of interest to the readers, or one that you can make interesting for the readers.
If it is an imaginary environment – Venus, for example, or Tolkien's Middle Earth, it's a place you've done a lot of thinking about. You knows its geographical location, its inhabitants, and the rules (moral and, if necessary, physically).
I love and am fascinated by both Los Angeles and Bangkok. I have spent considerable amount of time exploring them both. I was probably a pretty poor city guide or write to both of them. That makes it fun for me to write about, and there are moments while writing a novel and fun, the only guests are available.
You can also feel at home, creatively speaking, with Wine, Ohio, or 18th-century Paris or twentieth-century skyscrapers, or the inside of a maximum-security prison. What your institution can be, I hope you work towards active rather than passive. It will be presented from your characters' perspectives, when appropriate. It will play a role in the story. It will affect your characters. In some ways, reflect.
It may help to think about the theater when considering the setting. Dramatists taking institution very seriously. It may be a bare stage that directly into our minds be one of the characters or sets an extravaganza of extensive social, intellectual and emotional context for the story offers. What is never, at least not in a good production, is a series of pretty pictures in front of which the actors pose and recite.
You need your body to use for all its worth. Otherwise it's dead weight.
© 2007 Timothy Hallinan
About the Author
Timothy Hallinan is the author of A Nail Through the Heart: A Novel (Published by William Morrow/An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers; July 2007; $24.95US/$31.50CAN; ISBN: 978-0-06-125580-9). Hallinan divides his time between Los Angeles and Southeast Asia, primarily Thailand, where he has lived off and on for more than twenty years. As a principal in one of America’s top television consulting firms, he represented many Fortune 500 companies and pioneered new methods of making television programming accessible to teachers. He has also taught writing for many years. A Nail Through the Heart is his seventh novel.
For more information, please visit www.timothyhallinan.com
Unique places to go in New York?
I live on Long Island and turning 16 in November and instead of a big party I wanted to do something fun with a few friends that we dress up and go somewhere nice but i cannot seem to find anywhere to go. Ive been to the Bronx Zoo, Central Park, FAO Schwartz, wax museum, and Time Square in New York. I want to do something unique and fun within one hours drive
Well happy birthday in November, I am a November birthday too! You can try the Aquarium Riverhead, Ripley's Believe it or not, Jekyl and Hyde is a nice restaurant and as Mars in 2112.
Jamming On FAO Schwarz Piano
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Madame Alexander I Love Lucy Doll Complete Set 79551 FAO Schwartz MINT RARE LTD $569.99 |
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Bob Makie Lady Liberty Barbie F-A-O Schwartz Limited Edition 2000 $429.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE GENE PRICELESS DOLL FAO SCHWARTZ $299.00 |
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MADAME ALEXANDER 4 DOLLS MIB HONEYMOONERS FAO SCHWARTZ EXCLUSIVE MINT NEW $299.00 |
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ASHTON DRAKE GENE PRICELESS DOLL FAO SCHWARTZ $239.00 |
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Jeweled Splendor Barbie Doll FAO Schwartz Exclusive $199.00 |
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Jeweled Splendor Barbie Doll FAO Schwartz Exclusive $199.00 |
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Silkstone Ravishing in Rouge Barbie Doll FAO Schwartz Exclusive NRFB $175.00 |
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1999 Le Papillion Bob Mackie Fao Schwartz MInt,NRFB w/ Shipper Box $169.00 |
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GENE”NOBLE INVITATION”FAO SCHWARTZ EXCLUSIVE~LE 472 / 1500~MIB $155.95 |
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FAO SCHWARTZ STATUE OF LIBERTY BARBIE – JUST GORGEOUS $159.99 |
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NIB BARBIE DOLL 1996 ANTIQUE ROSE FAO SCHWARTZ $134.99 |
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Silkstone Fashion Editor Barbie! Fao Schwartz Exclusive! NRFB MINT LE! $108.95 |
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Jeweled Splendor Barbie FAO Schwartz Exclusive W/Shipper $99.00 |
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1989 Golden Greeting Barbie FAO Schwartz 1st Exclusive $99.99 |
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Madame Alexander Wendy in FAO Schwartz Case with vintage clothes 8″: HP, BKW $99.00 |
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Mattel BARBIE 12″ FAO SCHWARTZ MADISON AVENUE Doll MIB! $84.99 |
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Rare Madame Alexander FAO Schwartz SAILOR mint condition 1991 w/box $95.00 |
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Silver Screen FAO Schwartz Barbie Doll Brand New in The Box WOW $95.00 |
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1989 Golden Greeting Barbie FAO Schwartz 1st Exclusive $99.99 |
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NRFB Stunning! Tonner LE ROXIE from CHICAGO, FAO Schwartz EXCLUSIVE, w/ COA $79.00 |
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Gorgeous “Golden Greeting Barbie” for FAO Schwartz NFRB 1989 $75.00 |
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Silver Screen FAO Schwartz Barbie Doll Special Edition NRFB VHTF $89.99 |
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FAO SCHWARTZ 1994 CIRCUS STAR BARBIE NRFB!!! MINT!!!! $74.99 |
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1994 FAO Schwartz~ Circus Star Barbie ~ NRFB RARE $74.99 |
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NRFB FAO SCHWARTZ EXCLUSIV GEORGE WASHINGTON AMERICAN BEAUTIES BARBIE DOLL 17557 $69.99 |
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BARBIE FAO Schwartz GEORGE Washington Limited Edition NIB NRFB MINT designer $49.99 |
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1992 New in Box Rockettes Barbie FAO Schwartz Special Limited Edition $62.99 |
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SALE! TONNER”S 21″ Design Studio” Lori” Doll & Accs FAO SCHWARTZ EXCL NIB w/shp $49.00 |
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FAO SCHWARTZ SIGNATURE COLLECTION JEWELED SPLENDOR BARB $49.00 |
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Barbie George Washington from FAO Schwartz – NIB – LE $56.00 |
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Mint 1998 MGM Golden Hollywood Barbie FAO Schwartz-NRFB $45.00 |
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Tonner Tyler Wentworth FAO Schwartz Tyler – NEW! $40.99 |
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FAO Schwartz Silver Screen Barbie $50.00 |
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Madame Alexander 14″ Brooke FAO Schwartz exclusive $49.99 |
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NIB BARBIE DOLL 1995 JEWELED SPLENDOR FAO SCHWARTZ $39.59 |
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1997 Fao Schwartz Satue of Liberty Barbie Doll-NRFB $39.00 |
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GOLDEN HOLLYWOOD BARBIE DOLL NRFB FAO SCHWARTZ $36.95 |
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Mdm. Alex.14″ Beddy-Bye Brooke Doll- FAO Schwartz $40.00 |
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1994 FAO Schwartz Circus Star Barbie-NRFB $34.00 |
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1994 F-A-O Schwartz Special Barbie Doll NIB MIB Charitable LTD. Collectable $32.45 |
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Tonner Sydney Chase FAO Schwartz Exclusive- Panache $29.99 |
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NIB BARBIE DOLL 1992 JOINS THE WORLD-FAMOUS ROCKETTES FAO SCHWARTZ $30.00 |
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BARBIE AT FAO SCHWARTZ MIB FREE SHIPPING $37.00 |
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FAO SCHWARTZ SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION NIGHT SENSATION BARBIE 1991 NIB $25.99 |
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1995 STATUE OF LIBERTY BARBIE FAO SCHWARTZ LTD $25.00 |
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Barbie FAO Schwartz “Silver Screen” $24.99 |
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FAO Schwartz Rebecca 14″ Madame Alexander doll Tommy Hilfiger $18.99 |
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1993 FAO Schwartz Silver Screen Barbie Doll $20.00 |
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FAO Schwartz Barbie $19.99 |
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Barbie Ltd Ed George Washington FAO Schwartz Doll $19.00 |
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1996 BARBIE AS GEORGE WASHINGTON’ FAO SCHWARTZ LIMITED EDITION’ NRFB $29.00 |
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1996 limited Edition George Fao Schwartz Barbie-NRFB $19.99 |
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FAO SCHWARTZ GEORGE WASHINTON BARBIE 2001 $13.99 |
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FAO Schwartz – FAO Fun Barbie – 1999 – NIP $15.00 |
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BARBIE FAO SCHWARTZ FUN EXCLUSIVE PATRICK THE PUP FASHION DOLL NRFB DENIM HTF $15.99 |
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1996 AT F.A.O. SCHWARTZ BARBIE DOLL $14.50 |
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Tonner Design Studio / Magic Attic Dolls OUTFIT sold FAO Schwartz NIP (#4) $19.00 |
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Tonner Design Studio / Magic Attic Dolls OUTFIT sold FAO Schwartz NIP (#1) $19.00 |
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NIB BARBIE DOLL 1999 FAO SCHWARTZ FUN AA $13.49 |
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George Washington Barbie 1996 FAO Schwartz NRFB $12.99 |
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NIB BARBIE DOLL 1996 AT FAO SCHWARTZ FIFTH AVENUE $10.79 |
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Silver Screen Barbie FAO Schwartz LE Plate MIB $13.49 |
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Barbie Face Purse – F.A.O. Schwartz & Barbie – Blonde 1959 Design $5.00 |
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TONNER”S Design Studio 21″ Doll Wht Mary Jane Shoes sold by FAO SCHWARTZ NIP $3.99 |
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TONNER”S Design Studio 21″ Doll White Tie-up Shoes sold by FAO SCHWARTZ NIP $3.99 |
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TONNER”S Design Studio 21″ Doll Shoes sold by FAO SCHWARTZ NIP $3.99 |
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TONNER”S Design Studio 21″ Doll Red Tie-up Shoes sold by FAO SCHWARTZ NIP $3.99 |
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Barbie Collectible Fashion Card ” Golden Greetings Barbie, FAO Schwartz ” 1988 $2.99 |
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MADAME ALEXANDER 1989 FAO SCHWARTZ DAVID & DIANA +WAGON $195.00 |
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1992 ROCKETTES Barbie FAO SCHWARTZ – Rare – NRFB $159.99 |
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BARBIE Summer in San Francisco FAO SCHWARTZ 19363 MINT CITY SEASONS $144.00 |
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WINTER FANTASY BARBIE FAO SCHWARTZ EXC!~HTF!~MIB!~NRFB! $99.99 |
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JEWELED SPLENDOR BARBIE~1995 FAO SCHWARTZ~EXCELLENT CONDITION~WITH SHIPPER! $96.99 |
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FAO SCHWARTZ GEORGE WASHINGTON BARBIE~MINT IN BOX $75.00 |
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FAO Schwartz Wizard of Oz Collector Porcelain Dolls Set of 6 $74.99 |
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FAO SCHWARTZ LE ROCKETTES BARBIE DAZZLING DOLL NRFB $69.50 |
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1990 FAO Schwartz WINTER FANTASY BARBIE Doll Special Edition #5946 *NEW – NRFB* $51.95 |
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Winter Fantasy Barbie Doll-Special Ltd Edition for FAO Schwartz 1990-New In Box $49.99 |
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Jeweled Splendor Barbie(FAO Schwartz Signature Coll.) $49.00 |
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1991 Sp. Ed. FAO SCHWARTZ NIGHT SENSATION Barbie – NRFB $39.99 |
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Winter Fantasy Barbie Doll-Special Ltd Edition for FAO Schwartz 1990-New In Box $29.99 |
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FAO Schwartz Limited Edition George Barbie New in Box AMazinG $29.95 |
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FAO Schwartz Limited Edition Statue of Liberty Barbie New in Box Never Touched $29.95 |
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FAO Schwartz Doll Limited Edition Cowardly Lion 12″ $24.99 |
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Working ORIG. BOX VTG MADELINE Theme french doll trinket MUSIC BOX FAO Schwartz $19.99 |
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BARBIE DOLL 1996 LIMITED EDITION GEORGE FAO SCHWARTZ ANN DRISKILL NIB NRFB $18.99 |
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Statue of Liberty Barbie by FAO Schwartz $10.00 |
