I’ve never been to Sweet Home, Texas,
the setting of my small town romance series, but the world my
characters live in is as rich and real as any place I’ve visited in
real life. That’s the goal that all writers strive to achieve –
to add just enough realism to their fiction to draw readers in and
create a deep connection.
Sci-Fi writers are experts at this. Not
only have their readers never been to the futuristic realms of which
they describe, but there is sometimes very little point of reference.
It takes masterful skill to bring those worlds to life in a way
readers can fully connect and visualize.
One way writers can do this is through
virtual traveling. The internet is full of videos and pictures of
places around the world and around the corner. A good place to start
is Google
or Yahoo
with a search for a town or area similar to the setting in your
story. At the time I was doing research for my series, I was looking
for a Texas town with a funny name at DribbleGlass
and stumbled upon Sweet Home, Texas. Not exactly funny, but something
drew me to it. Another search and I was immediately lost in pictures
and history of the town and surrounding area. I pictured my
characters there and everything started coming together.
Never underestimate the power of your
senses. It may be fiction, but the more real it is to you the more
real it will be to your readers. I read about many writers who create
soundtracks for each story to set the mood while they write. Also,
I’ve heard of writers eating certain foods or lighting a candle of
a certain scent. Or wearing costumes or wrapping up in a special
blanket. They need to hear and smell and feel and taste their
creative worlds. Virtual traveling adds a visual layer to the mix,
and one I think readers will appreciate. It’s all in the details.
Go forth (on your computer) and explore
this beautiful world God created. Just remember to let Him lead you
in your travels.
“Even there your hand shall lead me
and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139
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