Writing books allows you to truly unlock your imagination and create beautiful places, whether you write contemporary or otherwise. However, with contemporary, there is a power in writing about towns or cities you are familiar with. It's something I explored very recently in my latest novel Re-Writing Christmas, which I set in my hometown of Dawlish in Devon (South West of England). Here's why writing where you know is a fantastic idea!
Draw from Personal Experiences: The beauty of setting your story in a familiar place lies in the personal experiences you can draw upon. Think about the sights, sounds, and emotions that are unique to your chosen location. It gives an extra layer of depth that your readers will FEEL, which is super important, plus it for sure increases sales from those within the local area.
Explore the Cultural Aspects: Every place has its own cultural aspects. Delve into the local customs and unique aspects that make your setting distinctive. By adding these insights into your story, you can provide readers with a window into a world they may not have seen before. As an example, my upcoming novel All Of You is going to be set in Exeter (and linked to Re-Writing Christmas AND Picture (Im)Perfect which I also set in Exeter), and in All Of You, the characters will be visiting many local places and there will be mentions of things that are specific to that particular city.
Create Believable Characters: The people who live in your chosen setting are as crucial to the story as the place itself. Craft characters that are authentic to the environment, and draw inspiration from the personalities you encounter in your day-to-day life. By grounding your characters in the reality of the place, you build a connection between the reader and the story.
Use Your Personal Connections: Use your personal connections to gain deeper insights into your setting. Speak to locals, tap into community resources, and chat with with friends and family who have a connection to the place. These personal anecdotes and perspectives can add a layer of depth to your storytelling.
Writing a book set in a place you know is rewarding and allows you to share the beauty of your surroundings with the world. By infusing your narrative with personal experiences and a strong understanding of the environment, you create a story that not only captivates readers but also serves as a testament to the magic that can be found in the familiar.
So, grab your pen and notebook, step into the world you know so well, and let the storytelling begin!
You can find more about all of my books on my website right here!
