If you’re writing a novel, you know that setting is generally as important an element of the story as character and plot. In its narrowest sense, setting is the location of your story. Nowadays, of course, you don’t have to stir out of your comfortable writer’s chair to conduct location research, and discover if there really is a Gristedes supermarket on the corner of Third and 36th in Manhattan. All the research you need to do is right at your fingertips. You can google places where you want the main action of your novel to take place, or watch Youtube travel videos.
But it’s much more fun to go and visit the location, see it for yourself, and get the “feel” and “smell” of the place. It may also be tax deductible depending on your personal financial situation. But remember to take photos. Not only as proof for the taxman, but also so you can remind yourself of all the little details you thought would be interesting to include in your story. Continue reading “Photos That Helped Me Write My Novel”