What about using real places?

Pamster · Feb 13, 2007

I didn't see anything recent on this and wanted to find out what you all think of using like real hotel names and restaurants? Do you avoid them or go for it? I am wondering because I have both in my current WIP that is almost done and it's an important setting factor in both cases. Thanks in advance everyone for the advice on this subject.

Cathy C · Feb 13, 2007

It's fine to have your characters VISIT existing places. I do it all the time. What you need to be careful with is to have them work there---creating fictional situations that is outside of "reality" for their policies and guidelines (yes, even if you HAVE worked at a location.) Companies don't take kindly to negative views of their locations. If you're complimentary, though, they're happy to have it out there.

davids · Feb 13, 2007

Gosh Pamster never had any problems myself-have used the Hilton Chicago-Rennaisance in Philly-you know overseas hotels and names-it is fiction after all-I think MacDonalds has a problem but hell I would not worry too much-just go for it-of course if you call a Hilton in some certain city a useless pink whore house with Flamingos-well-there just might be a little weeny problemo-I am sure your WIP is terrific and if there is any problems you probably will get editorial help in such a case-best of luck and as I said-go for it!

Jamesaritchie · Feb 13, 2007

Places

Common sense prevails. If it's a public place, you can certainly mention it. How many fictional murders have been committed in Grand Central Station, or in/on the Empire State Building? Novels use real places and locations constantly.

stormie · Feb 13, 2007

Mind you, this is just me, but whenever I read a book where the location is my town or a town near mine, it has to be fairly accurate on the description or it stops me in my tracks. Several authors have visited here or lived here, and when they spell a street name wrong or they get the name of the restaurant right but the interior is all wrong, it bothers me. So--and this is just my opinion--if you're going for real places, do it accurately. (Maybe I'm a little too obsessive...!)

JerseyGirl1962 · Feb 13, 2007

stormie said:
Several authors have visited here or lived here, and when they spell a street name wrong or they get the name of the restaurant right but the interior is all wrong, it bothers me. So--and this is just my opinion--if you're going for real places, do it accurately. (Maybe I'm a little too obsessive...!)

I feel the same way. In my current WIP, which is set in the town I grew up in (a town of about 50,000), most of the places my characters visit are fictional places based on real places (restaurants and the like). I also have a scene or two at a real college, although I've made up the particular campus building they visit.

Definitely need accuracy, as you never know who might be reading!

~JerseyGirl

maestrowork · Feb 13, 2007

Actually if you use any real places in your writing you will be barred from writing for the rest of your life.

Read your favorite books. Do you see real places? That should answer your questions.

Hillgate · Feb 13, 2007

maestrowork said:
Actually if you use any real places in your writing you will be barred from writing for the rest of your life.

Read your favorite books. Do you see real places? That should answer your questions.

I think it's a question of degree: if it's specific joints like the family run restaurant in your village then no, it's awkward, and potentially litigious, although it is OK to mention real places where the mention is 'neutral' eg 'Bill walked past Grand Central' or 'Bill lived on Park Lane', but if you said Bill stayed at the Hotel (X) and it was dreadful, you'd have your editor saying 'no, no, no!!!'.

Pamster · Feb 13, 2007

Thanks all, I was wondering about like using the Hilton name and then the local Denny's restaurant. Both are important settings for the plot to advance so I needed to double check that my peers (meaning all of you wonderful folks) are cool with using names like Denny's and Hilton.

I am going to have to go to the Hilton to check it out because like many of you I don't like it when something rings false in a story I've read that is set in Florida near any place I've lived.

kristie911 · Feb 13, 2007

I actually find it annoying when an author makes up names for places that are quite recognizable. I read a book where the name of the hotel was the Bilton and was obviously a Hilton. I mean, come on, how silly is that?

If it's not uncomplimetary, I think it's more realistic to use real names.

If your editor or agent (positive vibes for you!) doesn't like it, they'll ask you to change it!

Pamster · Feb 13, 2007

Thanks Kristie, I need those positive vibes.

And after reading everyone's posts I agree it won't be an issue unless I am asked to change the names. I would get annoyed at Bilton for Hilton too. Just sounds stupid doesn't it?

MattW · Feb 13, 2007

If you are tempted to disguise a real place with a fake name - just use a fictional place.

Pamster · Feb 13, 2007

Well in my case my settings are in Florida and I don't think people want to read about fake places in the Sunshine state when we've got a lot of cool and unique places to utilize. But I can see in the future on Ideas In Progress, of using fake places. Probably still set in Florida though.

maestrowork · Feb 13, 2007

Again, it's a balancing act. In my novel, for example, I use a fictional "inn" because a lot of story happens there and while I want to give a good sense of the place and the people who run it, it really doesn't matter if the place is fictional or real. However, when the protagonist checks into a upscale hotel in the city, it's silly to make up a name. It's the Grand Hyatt, okay? Everyone who visited the city knows. It'd be silly to call it something else.

Pamster · Feb 13, 2007

I totally agree with you on that maestrowork. It would be kind of silly to make a name up for a well known hotel like what Kristie posted, Bilton instead of Hilton sounds stupid in my mind.

I just love how people here are so ready to share their experiences and help each other out. AW rules!

What about using real places?

Pamster

Counting Stars

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

davids

Jamesaritchie

stormie

storm central

JerseyGirl1962

I heart Malamutes! :-)

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Hillgate

On location

Pamster

Counting Stars

kristie911

Happy to be here

Pamster

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MattW

Company Man

Pamster

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maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Pamster

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