Both choices have benefits, and the decision depends on your story needs. Let’s explore the pros and cons so you can make the best choice for your novel.
Should I use actual cities or geographic locations my whether it’s a novel or a short story? And I think there are pros and cons to both. The pros is that people love it. They guess, “Oh, I know that place.That’s fun.”
In fact, it can become part and parcel of the story if you’re doing a series, for example. I’m thinking of Robert B. Parker and the Spencer and Spencer stories, which have Spencer’s Boston. Some books are largely set in Boston, and there’s a map at the beginning of the books that show not all about Boston, but they show Spencer’s Boston, the places he frequents. That’s fun and engaging, and I think it’s a great idea.
Now why wouldn’t I do it? Well, I didn’t do it. I invented Rocky Point, New Hampshire, and my Josie Prescott Antiques mysteries. And my disclaimer at the beginning of the book reads, “Yes, there is a seacoast region, but many geographic liberties have been taken.”
And that’s why I did it. If I have Josie going from town A to town B in 10 minutes and it’s actually 20 miles apart, I didn’t want people to be confused or annoyed. I thought that was the most sensible and gracious way to handle it. In other words, I don’t think it matters.
It’s what’s suitable for your stories. I know your decision’s going to be just right for your work, and I look forward to hearing what you come up with and how you decide to handle it. I do read all the comments, and I welcome yours.
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