tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720480052954918392.post4383462816765981679..comments2023-08-04T02:57:31.469-05:00Comments on Wayward Muses & Shiny Objects: Writing Urban Fantasy, Part 2 -- "Fact vs Fiction in Fiction"Jeannie Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15423592013782149314noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720480052954918392.post-40218750769511812732011-01-25T20:46:01.125-06:002011-01-25T20:46:01.125-06:00Hi Melissa!
Excellent question. It really depends...Hi Melissa!<br /><br />Excellent question. It really depends on the situation. If I'm setting a story in a real location, then I will definitely include some real landmarks. However, if I'm going to have a character murder someone, then I may change the name of a particular location or create one to suit my purposes. It's easier to use landmarks in large cities (one reason most UF takes place in cities like LA, New York, Las Vegas, etc.) than in small towns. But if you're going to have a lot of "negative" story elements (fights, murders, etc.) in this bar or restaurant then you'll want to change the name to avoid any potential legal issues when the story is published. (Those issues could take up an entire post themselves and I'm not even fully versed on them.)<br /><br />For example, the town of Jefferson, MS in BLOOD LAW is a fictional town so all the places are also fictional. No possible legal issues should someone dislike the fact I had a vampire bite someone in their restaurant. However, I'm currently working on a project that is set in Denver, CO so I use a lot of actual landmarks in the city but the underground club where all the supernaturals hang out is completely fictious.<br /><br />You asked a great question and I'm sorry there isn't an easy answer. It really all depends on what your plans are for the location and how real you want to keep it. <br /><br />I hope this helps. If not, feel free to ask follow up questions. :)Jeannie Holmeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15423592013782149314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7720480052954918392.post-78934270554563821372011-01-25T18:18:41.028-06:002011-01-25T18:18:41.028-06:00I have a question. When researching, do you change...I have a question. When researching, do you change small details like for instance the name of a small town,bar or restaurant where ever your story is set? So as not to make it an actual place.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07465936115882377629noreply@blogger.com