Writing about settings you've never visited can be a daunting task. Trust me. Whether you're crafting a story set in a tropical jungle, an ancient civilization, or a bustling city on the other side of the world, capturing the essence of the place you've never physically been to requires a lot of skillful imagination and meticulous research. While it may seem challenging to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of a place you've only read about or seen in pictures, with the right tips, you can transport your readers to the heart of any location, no matter how unfamiliar. This article will explore some essential tips and techniques to help you write settings you've never visited, allowing your readers to immerse themselves fully in your world.
Research
Researching settings you've never visited is crucial to guarantee that you write with accuracy, authenticity, and depth. Your imagination can only take you so far, especially when you are describing settings you've never experienced. Which is why you need to research! When writing about settings you've never visited, you can't just rely on your own perceived understanding of the place. This is because you may not represent the setting accurately. But by delving into various sources such as books, articles, photographs, maps, and even virtual tours, you can gain insight into the setting you're writing about. Having this attention to detail and knowledge will ensure that your story is an immersive experience for your readers, making them feel as if they're right there in your setting alongside your characters. But remember you can't just rely on Google Earth or movies, rather make sure you read books, articles, and blogs about your setting. Ultimately, thorough research is essential in helping you craft settings that feel vivid, authentic, and believable. Listed below are specific things you should research when writing a setting you've never visited.
Culture
Language
Slang
Customs
Food
Art/Music
Geography
Demographics
Speak to Locals
Speaking to locals when writing about settings you've never visited is a great way to learn even more about the location. You could speak to locals via email, a blog, or social media. Locals will have firsthand knowledge and experiences about your setting that won't be captured in guidebooks or online resources. Their perspectives will offer new nuances, and insider details that are sure to enrich your description of the setting, making your story more authentic and immersive for your readers. Engaging with locals allows you to understand the customs, traditions, and dialects that shape your understanding of the place. Your interaction will not only improve the accuracy of your writing but it will also demonstrate your respect for the community and the residents. Overall, by chatting with locals and including their depictions in your writing, you can create a more vivid and compelling portrayal of the setting.
Think About the Small Details
Considering the small details of your setting may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's also very important. When writing about settings you've never visited, referencing small details will make you seem more educated and detailed about the setting. These details will not only enrich the writing but they will also help to capture the true essence of the place. For example, upon a quick Google search you might believe California to only have pristine beaches, Hollywood glamour, and sunny weather, but diving deeper will reveal nuances that encompass the state. Mentioning the scent of eucalyptus trees wafting through the air in the Bay Area or the distinctive fog rolling in over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco adds layers to the setting. These small details paint a more accurate picture, creating a sense of place that isn't clichéd or stereotypical. All in all by incorporating small specific details about a setting you create a more immersive story.
Avoid Stereotypes
Avoiding stereotypes when writing about settings you've never visited is essential because relying on stereotypes can create misinformation and reinforce harmful ideas. Stereotypes oversimplify and generalize the complexities of different cultures, regions, and communities, which often leads to inaccurate portrayals that lack depth. But by avoiding stereotypes, you can approach your unfamiliar setting with curiosity, conducting thorough research and striving to depict the nuances and diversity in your setting.
Show Don't Tell
When writing about settings you've never visited, showing rather than telling is crucial for engaging the senses of your readers. While telling might convey basic information, showing really allows you and your readers to explore more deeply the setting's atmosphere, mood, and details, making it more tangible and believable. By using descriptive language that relates to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, you can transport your readers to an unfamiliar setting. Overall through showing, you can evoke a sense of authenticity and depth, even in settings you've only encountered through research. Click on the button below for tips on showing instead of telling.
Writing about an unknown place is hard, but with the tips listed above it is not impossible. If you research, speak to locals, think about the small details, avoid stereotypes, and show don't tell, you are on your way to writing a fantastic, but realistic setting. Good luck!
Comments