🌾 Locations are Important in Books
When you write do you build a new world or set stories in the one you know?
In previous newsletters, I have talked about my love for Dungeness, a place so desolate that even nature forgot it. It would make a brilliant setting for a dystopian novel.Â
Another love I have is for a British author called Elly Griffiths. She writes cosy detective novels, and what a read they are too. She also runs a podcast where she talks to other authors about aspects of writing to help those who want to start.Â
The Plot Thickens is a brilliant way to spend an hour learning about the writing craft. Last week I was catching up on episodes and came across one with writer William Shaw, who I found out, has written crime novels based in Dungeness.Â
As you can imagine, the first thing I did was buy the first in the series. First, I have to say they are a brilliant read; they are very engaging with relatable characters. I say this as I mean no disrespect to the author; he is very talented.Â
But, there is a problem with reading books about areas you have lived in for forty years; you see mistakes other people would not. For example, there was one moment when the lead character was having a drink in a local pub, and she received a phone call.Â
The first thought out of my head was, oh no, she didn't; you don't get a signal in that pub. It is such a small thing that no author should feel bad about getting wrong. However, this got me thinking, and I have a question for you all.
Is writing books from fictional locations better so this problem doesn't happen?Â
This isn't the first time this has happened to me. I can't remember the book, but in one of they caught a ferry from Folkestone
to France; ferries stopped running from Folkestone years ago. This one mistake ruined the whole book for me.Â
So please tell me what you think. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using actual locations?
If you enjoy this email, please share it so more readers can find it.Â
Until next week stay safe
Sam 😊
Quote of the week
Courage is the management of and the triumph over fear. - Ryan Holiday
Photo of the week
Articles this week
How to Write a True Crime Story That Readers Love
Are you bored with writing the same type of article? Most writers, at some point, have the moment when they feel they would like to try to write under a different niche. This happened to me three years ago, and I started looking into writing true crime.
Subscribe now to view the locked post below and receive my latest true crime book as a FREE download.
Sam, I use real places in my novels. Places I've been. Like Memphis near the Mississippi. Like Ouray, Colorado. Like The Ant Street Inn in Brenham, TX.
I've also used places I haven't been, but only after extensive research.
When you told me about Dungeness, I found information online so I can possibly use it, along with a first sentence I've been wanting to use for decades.
Anyone who doesn't research a setting is asking for trouble.