Writing Fiction with Real-World Inspiration: Using Familiar Places to Create Authentic Story Settings

One of the most powerful ways to create an immersive story setting is by drawing on places you know. Familiar locations add depth and authenticity, helping readers feel like they’re truly “in” the world of your story. For my novel Hysterical, I drew inspiration from my hometown of Carmel, NY, and my experiences in New York City from 2009 to 2016. By grounding my settings in real places, I was able to create vivid scenes and add layers of realism that readers connect with. Here’s how you can use your own experiences with familiar places to shape compelling settings in your fiction.

1. Start with Your Hometown for Rich Story Settings

Your hometown is filled with unique memories and locations that can bring your story to life. Whether you’re writing horror, crime, or psychological thrillers, your personal connection to familiar places will add an authentic touch. To start:

• Create a list of memorable spots: Think of parks, cafes, historic sites, and hidden areas that evoke memories or emotions.

• Use sensory details: Describe familiar sounds, sights, and smells to give readers a vivid sense of place.

• Include local lore or history: Every town has its own legends or historical quirks. Incorporate these to add depth and mystery, especially for genres like horror or crime fiction.

2. Capture the Energy of a City for Dynamic, Complex Settings

If you’ve lived in a major city, think about its unique rhythm and diversity. Cities like New York can add excitement, tension, and contrast to your story settings. When writing with a city backdrop:

• Highlight neighborhood differences: Use distinct areas or characters from different backgrounds to create conflict and interest.

• Integrate your personal experiences: Reflect on how people act in public spaces—whether it’s busy streets, silent subway rides, or crowded cafes.

• Explore the challenges of city life: Traffic, cultural clashes, or the pressures of city living are details that make your setting come alive and resonate with readers.

3. Research Even Familiar Places to Deepen Your Setting

Even if your setting is based on a place you know well, research can reveal new details to enrich your narrative. Dan Brown is known for his meticulous research, and your attention to setting can be just as impactful. To enhance your familiarity:

• Revisit key locations and take notes: New details will emerge as you view familiar places through a writer’s lens.

• Interview locals: Ask residents about stories, favorite spots, and hidden gems—they might offer angles you hadn’t considered.

• Use visual references: Photos, maps, and personal sketches can keep settings fresh and consistent as you write.

4. Mix Real and Fictional Elements to Create Unique Places

Don’t hesitate to blend real locations with fictional touches. This balance allows for creativity while keeping your story grounded in the recognizable. Here’s how:

• Rename a real location: If your story is based on a real place, feel free to tweak the name to match your narrative’s tone.

• Invent unique landmarks: Add mysterious sites, like an abandoned building or hidden garden, to give your setting a memorable twist.

• Incorporate fictional history: Adding historical context, even fictional, can help establish mood and setting for genres like horror and crime fiction.

Closing Thoughts

Drawing inspiration from familiar places is an excellent strategy for authors starting out or looking to deepen their story’s setting. Whether you’re using the nostalgic charm of your hometown or the dynamic energy of a city, familiar locations can lend authenticity and a sense of place that readers love. Explore, observe, and let your memories shape your fiction—it will help your writing resonate and give your story a unique, grounded feel.

Wondering how well I executed my own advice? Pre-order your copy of Hysterical now!