Even a fictitious story about ‘life growing out of splinters of wood in a far off galaxy’ has to keep to the facts in the author’s imagination. These points of ‘truth’ found only in that galaxy need to be constant, proven, and make logical sense. Fail to do that, you just lost the reader. Book closed.
Writing a fictitious novel that takes place in Olney, in 2009? There will have to be points of reference (facts) that are constant, proven, and make logical sense. Failure to do so is disrespectful and cause for your reader to. . . close the book.
Information is at your finger tips. I researched all I could about the rise of smart phones (about 2009), positive and negative aspects of its growth on teens and the family. Then I went onto the physical layout of the Olney neighborhood, crime reports, stores, street names, high school news reports, and the history of its formation and growth. Graduates in 2009? Easily found and allowed me to mix and match for wonderful character names.
I then went for a drive. I took pictures of street intersections, types of houses, store fronts…and the alleys. Alleys are an interesting aspect of this neighborhood. I knew by looking at them that I wanted to include alleys in my novel. As I drove past the high school, a fight broke out between two groups of kids. No adults were around, yet the fight was just outside the front doors of the school. Why weren’t teachers, administration or security showing up? My gut told me to get the hell out of there, my story told me to stay and watch.
I’m always in conflict.
With google maps, you may be wondering if you really need to drive around your story setting. Yes, you do. Use google maps as a backup to help keep your facts straight, but drive through the area to get a feel for your story details. Immerse yourself in the setting. Google maps can only do so much. You and your story are so much more than AI.
As your story takes shape, jot down different words or images to research later on. Keep a list. I found that the details I added later were the points readers loved the most. Why? They’re interesting. If you are wondering about something, someone else probably is, too. By writing it down as a detail in your book, you just piqued your reader’s interest, added depth, and proved yourself an expert in the area. Don’t pretend. Show the reader your respect.
Playing ‘devil’s advocate’ is a great way to get perspective and cross check for bias. I’ve seen critical thinking skills diminish in school over the past 20 years. Curriculum has taken over so it’s not taught in the depth that it should be. It’s difficult for people to listen, compare, and come up with a better defense, or God forbid, a different opinion. Have the confidence and integrity to look deeper, think big picture, and speak up through your writing. Yes, even in a novel.
What a novel idea! Research to gain more information, better perspective, global awareness all tied up beautifully in a creative work of art.
You got this! And remember…
If you found something unsettling that you want to write about…
Shine a light on it.
Nice reflection. Very insightful.