|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:05 pm
Okay, so my NaNo novel isn't going quite so well. I have a hugely wonderful idea in my head, and for a few days I was having problems connecting my plot ideas, but I've finally found a way to bridge the gap and I'm was quite relieved. Now, though, I'm having an issue with one of my settings.
The story is a fantasy one, with many "worlds," most of which are purely fictional so I've had no problem creating them. The world of my MC, though, is based off the one we all know and love. It's set in an undetermined amount of years in the future (but in no way enough to be considered SF - just maybe 10 or 15), where there is much political turmoil. The whole political thing is a HUGE theme of the entire novel, so I want readers to identify with it. I'm basing it off the system of the United States, and when I write I'm pretty sure it's quite obvious. Since it's kinda obvious, I was just going to use existing places/cities/states, but I only know my area and I didn't want to set it here, just because the weather isn't suitable and I don't want to be lame. sweatdrop
So, here's my question: Should I set it in the near-future United States, and use real places and names or should I just let the reader pick up on the clear reference and make up country/city/state/place names?
Please offer any advice you have! If you need me to clarify anything, just ask. I'm stuck on this, and it's making it hard to proceed, even though there is so much I can write that isn't in this setting. My brain is just being so insanely stubborn, and I need this resolved so I can proceed with the story!
heart Thanks
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 2:34 pm
Hm. I don't think it would really make that much of a difference. Political themes -- even if it's obviously about the US -- are always going to be timeless and placeless. So whether you make up names or use already existing place names, that's not going to change. Although, if you do use already existing places, that might strengthen the relation to the US. It's really completely up to you; I can't see either one making a huge difference.
And if you do decide to use existing places, it seems like most of us in this guild are from the US, so you could just ask for places near anyone who lives in the US.
Oh! Here's something. You could always just base the names on existing places -- take a real name and tweak it a little bit. The reference to the US is still obvious, but not down-right blatant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 5:39 pm
I agree with Pandora. Though the problem with writing about specific places in the States is that there's a good chance someone from that place will read it, and if it's not accurate, they'll not be pleased. Now, if you were to write about the area you're from, that would work well, since you know the ropes, so to speak.
Tweaking the names is a great way to make a new place out of a place that already exsists. Then, if it's not totally accurate, the reader won't be quite so put out, because it's not really the same place.
Or you could just avoid using names of places entirely. That's worked for me in the past, though, admittedly, it's never made me happy, and I'm still trying to decide where in the States its taking place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:44 am
I'm all for avoiding specifics if possible. I think it goes with that "show don't tell" thing we writers have probably had beaten into our brains a million times already. If a reader wants to think you're writing about their state than fantastic, but I wouldn't specify if it were me. Then again I'm notorious for making things up as I go along and not necessarily worrying about the little details, so I never pick a specific place.
Currently in my novel it's cold... that's the only hint we have as to where my character lives. Heck, I don't even know where he lives! *L*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006 9:12 pm
Thanks! The overwhelming response seems to also be the one that's easiest on me - making it up! It just felt sorta cheap to me, but in the same hand, I agree with Varsheena, If I use a real place, I'd want it to be quite accurate, and I don't have the patience to do the research.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
