John Dolan
Writing About Foreign Parts
OK, let’s be clear about a couple of things
before we start.
First, the ‘foreign parts’ I’m talking about
are not genitalia attached to some exotic, non-local beauty. Secondly, the
opinions expressed are mine alone. You may disagree, although I’d point out
that I’m usually right about most things – except when I’m discussing things
with my wife. Then I’m always wrong.
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Since nobody who reads blog posts has a lot of
time (otherwise we’d be reading ‘War and Peace’ instead, right?), I’m going to
keep this pithy. I talk too much anyway. I hope these headings will be a useful
reminder for those novelists among us who base their works away from the
familiar locations of the Western World.
Number #1: Do Your Research
No, you at the back with your hand up, I do not
mean read an article on Wikipedia. Using your imagination is one thing, but
remember that some of the people who will read your work will be familiar with
the place you’re describing. They might even live there. If you balls it up,
don’t be surprised if you see scathing comments in reviews pointing out your
errors. Your credibility is at stake here.
I never write about a place I haven’t visited – and preferably spent a
while there. I know not everyone can do this, but if you don’t, ask yourself
what you are really offering the reader. Some view about what a place might be
like, for instance? (I know if you’re a writer of science fiction, this may
present some problems, but you do have the advantage that no Martian locals will
point out your inaccuracies. Though some smart-ass NASA person might, of
course).
Customs and mores vary the world over. Does a
Chinese person in their homeland REALLY do that? Be authentic. Don’t
artificially transplant your own ideas of culture to somewhere they don’t
belong. Some folks will either beat you up for it or ignore the rest of your
writings as ‘uniformed’, or worse.
Number #2: Don’t Write a Travelogue
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Your setting should provide a relevant backdrop
to your story, and may well be integral to it. But your job is not to sell a
holiday destination (or whatever) to your reader. That’s not to say they won’t
fall in love with it, but don’t write like a wide-eyed tourist. Speak with
authority about places. Little details, as well as being interesting, are
important. However, if I want lots of data about somewhere, I expect to find
that in a Lonely Planet Guide, not in a novel.
Ignore this point if you are, in fact, writing
a travelogue.
Number #3: Avoid Info Dumps
This should go without saying, and applies to
any aspect of writing, but folks can especially get carried away when
describing places. Don’t. Drip-feed details as you go along and choose
carefully the order in which you present them: make the sequence relevant for
the narrative. You may find it helpful to alternate between wide-angle views
and close ups.
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Number #4: Put Yourself in Your Reader’s Mind
Hmmn. I know this is a tricky one – and you may
well have readers from all over the planet, some of whom will be familiar with
the location, some who will not. You have to please both types – so not too
much info, not too little (see above points). Include stuff that is relevant
and interesting and hack away the rest. How would you convey the feeling of an
Asian street market to someone who has only ever lived in Nebraska? What would
make it meaningful for them? Conversely, how will you avoid boring someone who
spends time every week at such a market? Not easy, but the key is to INTEGRATE
the place with the story as much as possible.
Number #5: Consider All the Senses
If you want to immerse your reader in the
location, don’t just describe the visuals. Sound, smell, touch and taste are
all important. Don’t just tell your reader what somewhere looks like.
That’s about it, really. Easy, isn’t it? Hmmn.
Well, maybe.
NOTE: John is running a Goodreads Giveaway for
paperback copies of 'A Poison Tree' until 31 May
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/91761-a-poison-tree
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/91761-a-poison-tree
BIO
“Makes a living by travelling, talking a
lot and sometimes writing stuff down. Galericulate author, polymath and
occasional smarty-pants.”
John Dolan hails from a small town in the
North-East of England. Before turning to writing, his career encompassed law
and finance. He has run businesses in Europe, South and Central America, Africa
and Asia. He and his wife Fiona currently divide their time between the UK and Thailand.
John is the author of the 'Time, Blood and
Karma' mystery series published by Tention Books.
CONTACT John here:
Twitter @JohnDolanAuthor https://twitter.com/JohnDolanAuthor
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/John-Dolan/e/B008IIERF0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Goodreads Author Page https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550683.John_Dolan
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/JohnDolanAuthor?ref=hl
Thank you, John, for your sound advice. I've read all of your books and the sense of place you reflect on the page shows how it's done by a Master of his craft. Say hi to Jim Fosse for me. Now what's the name of that bestselling writer who consistently breaks rules 2 and 3? Dan something or other...
Eric @ www.ericjgates.com
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