Using Real Places in Fiction: A Guide for Writers

by | Worldbuilding & Settings

Incorporating real places into your fiction can add authenticity, depth, and a sense of grounding to your story. Whether you’re setting your thriller in the bustling streets of New York City or a romance in the charming villages of Tuscany, using actual locations brings a layer of realism that can draw readers deeper into your […]

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Illustration of a writer at a desk surrounded by maps and travel books, with real-world locations blending into the fictional world they’re creating on the page.

Incorporating real places into your fiction can add authenticity, depth, and a sense of grounding to your story. Whether you’re setting your thriller in the bustling streets of New York City or a romance in the charming villages of Tuscany, using actual locations brings a layer of realism that can draw readers deeper into your world. However, using real places comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Here’s how to effectively and responsibly use real places in your fiction.

The Benefits of Using Real Places

Adds Authenticity and Relatability

When you set your story in a real location, it instantly adds a layer of authenticity. Readers who have visited or are familiar with the place can easily connect with your story. Even those who haven’t been there may appreciate the realistic details that make the setting feel genuine.

Example: In The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, the use of real locations like the Louvre Museum and the streets of Paris enhances the story’s intrigue and makes the mystery more immersive.

Provides a Rich Source of Inspiration

Real places are filled with history, culture, and unique characteristics that can inspire your plot, characters, and themes. The architecture, climate, local customs, and even the local cuisine can provide vivid details that enrich your narrative.

Tip: Use the sensory details of a place—like the smell of a Parisian bakery or the sound of waves crashing on a Malibu beach—to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere in your writing.

Researching Real Locations

Dive Deep into the Details

Thorough research is crucial when using a real place in your fiction. Readers will notice inaccuracies, and even small errors can pull them out of the story. Research the geography, climate, culture, and even the local slang or dialects to ensure your portrayal is accurate.

Tools for Research:

Google Earth and Street View: Virtually explore the streets and landmarks of your chosen location.

Travel Guides and Blogs: Read up on personal experiences and insights from travelers and locals.

Books and Documentaries: Explore the history, culture, and notable events that have shaped the place.

Visit the Location If Possible

If you have the opportunity, visiting the location can provide invaluable firsthand experience. You can capture the atmosphere, observe details you might not find in books or online, and gain a deeper understanding of the place. If a visit isn’t possible, immerse yourself in as much multimedia content (photos, videos, podcasts) as you can to get a sense of being there.

Tip: When visiting, take notes on the small details—how the air smells, the colors of the buildings, the way people interact. These details can make your setting come alive in your writing.

Balancing Fact with Fiction

Mix Real Locations with Fictional Elements

You don’t have to stick rigidly to reality. Many authors blend real places with fictional elements to suit their story. You might change the name of a street, create a fictional café, or invent a local legend. As long as the core essence of the place remains true, these fictional additions can enhance your narrative without detracting from its authenticity.

Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Maycomb is a fictional town inspired by the real town of Monroeville, Alabama. This blend allows Lee to create a setting that feels real while giving her creative freedom.

Consider the Impact of Changes

When altering real places, consider how those changes might affect the story and the reader’s perception. Moving landmarks or altering the geography too drastically can confuse readers familiar with the location. Be thoughtful about the changes you make, ensuring they serve the story without disrupting the setting’s believability.

Tip: Use a blend of real and fictional locations to give you flexibility. For example, you might set your story in a real city but invent a fictional neighborhood or building where key events take place.

Navigating Legal and Ethical Concerns

Be Mindful of Real Businesses and Landmarks

When mentioning real businesses or landmarks, be cautious. While using famous landmarks is generally safe, using real businesses or residential addresses can be tricky, especially if your portrayal is negative. To avoid legal issues, consider fictionalizing specific businesses or locations, even if the broader setting remains real.

Example: Instead of using a real café in your story, create a fictional one that captures the same vibe and characteristics of the real location.

Portrayal of Real People

Be extremely careful when using real people, especially private individuals, in your fiction. If your portrayal is negative or unflattering, it could lead to legal action. When including real figures, especially if they’re alive or recently deceased, ensure your depiction is respectful and factually accurate.

Tip: If you want to base a character on a real person, consider changing identifying details to create a fictional version. This allows you more creative freedom while protecting yourself legally.

Enhancing Your Story with Real Settings

Use the Setting to Influence the Plot

The setting should do more than just provide a backdrop for your story—it should influence the plot and characters. Consider how the location’s history, culture, or geography can create unique challenges or opportunities for your characters.

Example: A story set in Venice might involve plot points centered around the city’s canals, bridges, and floods, which wouldn’t be possible in a different location.

Create a Sense of Atmosphere

Real places come with built-in atmospheres that you can leverage to enhance your narrative. A story set in New Orleans, for example, might draw on the city’s vibrant, mysterious, and occasionally eerie vibe, especially during events like Mardi Gras or in the French Quarter.

Tip: Use descriptive language to evoke the atmosphere of your setting. The more you can make the reader feel like they’re there, the more immersive your story will be.

Respecting the Location and Its People

Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

When writing about a place that’s not your own, especially one with a different culture or history, it’s important to approach it with respect and sensitivity. Avoid stereotypes and clichés, and strive for an authentic representation that honors the people and culture of the location.

Tip: Consult with locals or people familiar with the culture to ensure accuracy and avoid unintentional misrepresentations.

Avoiding Exoticism

Exoticism is the portrayal of a place or culture as mysterious, strange, or overly romanticized, often from a colonial or outsider perspective. It’s crucial to avoid this when writing about real places, as it can lead to shallow, inaccurate, or even offensive representations.

Tip: Focus on the humanity of the characters and the reality of the setting, rather than treating the location as an exotic or alien backdrop.

Final Thoughts

Using real places in fiction can add a rich layer of realism and depth to your story, but it requires careful research, thoughtful balance, and cultural sensitivity. By doing your homework, respecting the location, and blending fact with fiction where needed, you can create a setting that not only grounds your narrative in reality but also enhances the overall storytelling experience. Whether you’re using the streets of London, the beaches of Bali, or a small town in the Midwest, real locations can provide a vivid, immersive backdrop that resonates with readers.