Exploring Real Locations: Tips and Tricks For Research

One of the aspects of writing I enjoy the most, is the fact that I get to transport readers to real, tangible locations. Of course, many writers decide to write about fictional locations. I prefer to root my fiction in reality. Setting the right scene can be crucial to captivating your audience and making your story more immersive and believable. Here’s how I dive into researching real places for my novels.

1. Virtual Reconnaissance

When I'm getting to know a new place for my writing, I usually start with tools like Google Earth, Google Maps Street View, or take virtual tours if available. They're super helpful for getting a feel of the area. It's kind of like taking a virtual walk through the streets, checking out the buildings, hanging out in public spaces, and soaking up the local atmosphere. This really helps me get the setting of my story just right.

2. Dive Into the Past

I love learning about the history and culture of the places I write about. It makes the story so much richer. I dig into local history, check out important landmarks, and learn about big events that happened there. Libraries, online archives, and documentaries are my go-to sources. This not only spices up my setting but sometimes gives me cool ideas for my plot too.

3. Bring the Place to Life Through Senses

To make a place feel real in my writing, I think a lot about what it would be like to actually be there. What does it smell like? What sounds would you hear? What would you see around you? Things like what kind of food people eat, what the weather's like, and the kinds of plants and animals around can really paint a picture. I watch documentaries, or research online for testimonials of the location I'm writing about.

4. The People and Their Stories

Getting the vibe of the people who live in the places I write about is super important. I read up on how they live, their traditions, and the way they talk. I sometimes join online groups or forums about the place to get the inside scoop. The most interesting parts of a place are often the little stories and experiences of the people who live there.

5. On-Site Visits, If Possible

There's nothing like actually visiting a place to get the feel of it. If I can, I'll go there myself. However, I am a student and I can barely afford to go out of my front door. So I will settle for talking to people who have visited, or reading different blogs/vlogs from those who have visited the area.

6. Balance Factual Accuracy with Creative License

When I'm writing about real places, I try to get the details right, but I remember I'm telling a story, not writing a travel guide. I give myself the freedom to change things up a bit to fit my story better. It's all about creating a place that feels real, even if it's not exactly like the real thing. This is especially important to make some details of the story work in a thriller/crime novel. For example, I might adjust the landscape of a body dump location to make it more dramatic and impactful.

In the end, getting to know real places for my writing is so much more than just nailing the facts. It's about capturing the heart and soul of each spot and weaving it into my story. I want my readers to feel like they're right there in the middle of the action, living out the scenes with my characters. I have worked on my WIP for a while now, and I've realized that the more I dig into my settings, the more they start to feel like characters themselves. They sort of take on a life of their own. It's a really cool part of the writing process for me - and I can't wait to visit those places for real one day!