Using Real Place Names in Fictional Settings
The Dilemma of Writing About Real Towns, Streets and Landmarks
Oct 13, 2009
All readers know that the names of real places and restaurants crop up from time to time in books. Agatha Christie, for example, set a murder on the Orient Express. Author Val McDermid, in the acknowledgements section of her book The Last Temptation (featuring Tony Hill and Carol Jordan, also seen in the TV series The Wire in the Blood ) tells her readers: "I have taken some diabolical liberties with the geography of various European cities and the organization of assorted law enforcement agencies. But this is a work of fiction which means the reader must forgive my playing fast and loose with reality. At least I got the rivers right."
While Val McDermid admits to 'playing fast and loose' with facts, Dan Brown takes pains to point out the authenticity of his setting in Angels and Demons, saying: "References to all works of art, tombs, tunnels and architecture in Rome are entirely factual (as are their exact locations). They can still be seen today."
Setting in a Novel: Real Places or Fictional Locations?
Some authors prefer to use totally fictional locations. Their motive for doing this varies wildly. Some writers are afraid that they will somehow be called to account for using the names of real places –and they might indeed find that they invite criticism, depending on the story. Suppose a writer wants the main character to check into a classy hotel, or to have dinner in a well-known restaurant. It probably wouldn't be a problem to name the hotel or the restaurant in a novel if it's simply the setting for a romantic dinner or a stopover on the way to somewhere else.
But what if the plan was to have a murder occur on the premises, with the manager being the main suspect (or else in cahoots with organized crime)? The hotel may not be too pleased. It is amazing how many people believe what they read in a novel to be true!
Use Real Places as a Backdrop
A simple solution is to think of the setting as just a backdrop for the action in the scene. Readers often get a kick out of reading about streets, cafes, hotels and buildings that they know well, or that they recognize from their travels. So (despite what Val McDermid says in her note to readers!) it's a good idea for writers to get the major details right, if they plan to have the action to take place in a real town/suburb/city. Although it's fine to make up names for extra streets and cafes, there's little point in changing the basic layout of a real town – after all, what's the point? The writer might as well just invent a whole new town and be done with it.
Get the Major Landmarks Right, and Invent the Rest
Use Google and other maps/street directories to get the main streets right. Research the setting to ensure accuracy in regard to the major businesses (and to put them in the right places) but then have fun making up a new street for a fictional business in the novel. That way people get a pleasant feeling of recognition when reading about familiar places, but they won't feel irritated because the author 'got it wrong' (for example, putting the main character's apartment on the second floor above well-known bank, when the locals know that the bank is a single-story building).
While there are no set rules about how to use real place names for towns, streets or buildings, a little bit of thought can help readers to have a more enjoyable experience. It can also help to ensure that the real owners won't get upset!
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