Tips for making a place you've never been (or that doesn't exist) feel real

The art of creating an immersive setting in writing is no small feat, especially when the place is unfamiliar or entirely fictional. Yet, the ability to transport readers into these realms is a cornerstone of effective storytelling. Whether you're crafting a story set in a city you've never visited or conjuring an entire universe from your imagination, this guide will equip you with the necessary tools.

Engage all the senses

When describing a place, tap into all five senses. Paint a picture of the surroundings, highlight notable sounds, describe the scents in the air, let your characters interact with their environment, and even talk about the local cuisine. Using multisensory descriptions will create a more vivid and immersive picture of the setting for your reader.

Research is your best friend

For places that exist but you haven't visited, research is your ally. Read travel blogs, look at photographs, watch videos, and even consult maps. Gather information about the location's geography, climate, architecture, and culture.

Online platforms like Google Maps and Google Earth can be invaluable tools, allowing you to explore streets, landmarks, and the natural landscape virtually.

Interviewing people who have been there or live there can provide first-hand insight and unique details you won't find in guidebooks.

Build from the ground up

For imaginary places, start by laying out the basics. What's the geography like? What kind of buildings and structures exist? What's the climate? What plants and animals live there?

Once you have this foundation, start layering in the details: the customs of the people, the clothing they wear, the food they eat, the way they speak. Each detail adds depth and realism to your world.

Use relatable references

Draw comparisons to real-world places or experiences to help your readers visualise the unfamiliar or imaginary place. For example, if you're describing an alien planet, you might compare its harsh, rocky landscape to the Grand Canyon or its strange, luminescent flora to deep-sea creatures.

Establish a sense of atmosphere

How does this place make your character feel? Safe or in danger? Comfortable or out of place? Use the setting to influence and reflect the mood of your story. This adds emotional depth and helps the reader to feel more connected to the location.

Consistency is key

Inconsistencies in your setting can pull readers out of your story. Make sure that your world's rules and details are consistent. This is especially important for imaginary settings, where the rules of the universe, including aspects of physics and magic, must stay constant unless a change is part of the plot.

Be selective

Just because you've done extensive research or have a richly detailed imaginary world doesn't mean you must include all the details in your story. Too much description can overwhelm your readers and bog down the narrative.

Choose the details that serve the story by setting the scene, advancing the plot, or revealing character. Remember, the goal is not to show off your world-building skills but to enrich your reader's experience.

Balancing familiarity and novelty

Whether it's a real location or a fictional world, striking a balance between the familiar and the new can make your setting feel more realistic. Too much familiarity can make the setting feel generic, while too much novelty can make it hard for readers to relate to.

You can transport your readers into the heart of your narrative's setting by engaging all the senses, using relatable references, maintaining consistency, and focusing on the atmosphere. After all, a well-crafted setting does not merely serve as a backdrop but becomes a character in its own right, shaping and influencing the course of your story.

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