Which do you prefer? Novels set in real places or imaginary ones?

If you have been following my blog, you already know quite a bit about my characters: what they wear, where they eat, and what their problems are. Today I am going to give you some visuals of the setting: Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Importance of Setting

Meredith Bond, posting on Romance University, points out the reason we read fiction is to be transported to another time and place and to experience life there. Setting, therefore, play an enormous role in a novel.  The weather, the time of day, the sounds, smells, and textures add to the mood of the story.

Now in some novels, such as fantasies and science fiction, the author creates an entirely imaginary place. But in a contemporary romance like Beneath the Skin, much of the story is built on real streets, real buildings, and real weather patterns. For example, in Beneath the Skin, the hustle and bustle of the city streets is always in the background as the characters go about their work and struggle to escape the villains.

Every day annoyances, such as catching a cab or tripping on a curb change characters’ moods or plans of action. Weather can change what characters wear or what they can do. However, even in fiction set in a real place, the novelist has the freedom to make changes. For example, the tattoo parlors in my romantic suspense are all fictitious as are the apartment and factory buildings where the characters live and murder each other.

Bedford Avenue is the place to find something to eat, something to read, and something to wear. In Beneath the Skin, this is where Bella’s fictional tattoo salon, The Siren, is located.

Here are some views from up and down the street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which do you prefer? A romantic suspense novel set in a real locale or one in an imaginary setting?

Let’s find out. Take my poll!

When you are done, post the setting of your favorite novel in the comments section.