Quite often my readers will identify with the place as somewhere they’ve been themselves. Even if something bad happens in a real place in the story, as long as the place itself isn’t defamed, the reader will be able to separate the bad action or event from the real place. are set in a good light, I believe the reader will want to experience the scene. If your characters are realistic, they have their own freewill to choose where they want to eat, sleep, shop, etc., just like we do.Īs long as the real places, fast food, restaurants, cities, etc. Unless they are of the mind that everyone should think the same way they do. When you use a particular franchise in your story, I don’t think the readers will set their mind one way or another. When do you think mentioning a specific brand helps? When does it hinder?ĭoes a brand define a character in your mind? How?įor the entire series, click here: “Your Questions Answered.” Rather, a generic description makes the reader get to the important part: your story. But otherwise, I recommend not making the reader pause over an individual brand. If you want the car to say something specific about a character, that can be a useful tool. What about a Prius? Or a Ford F150? All of these choices cause the reader to judge the character. “Luxury sedan” or even “sedan” is good enough here. For example:ĭoes your character drive a Mercedes Benz? This automobile may represent the epitome of style and taste to one reader, but may make your character seem spoiled and out of touch to another. You may adore a particular brand but if your reader doesn’t agree, you may lose them. Consumerism causes people to form opinions. They may love it or hate it, and those feelings may not follow any logic. You never know how a reader feels about a specific franchise. ( )Īs for franchises, I recommend using something generic. However, it’s a real place, so it stayed. Think: Gotham is supposed to be New York City.Īs for businesses, I mentioned The Tobacco Company in a novel set in Richmond, Virginia, and the editor asked me to change it. If you are writing something gritty and crime-ridden, disguising the location might be better. I enjoyed visiting Maiden too! So, yes, when you are writing about the warmth and charm of a place, making that apparent can be fun for all concerned. I wrote Love Finds You in Maiden, North Carolina, and received a warm reception. When authors write about a town, most inhabitants are thrilled. ![]() Is it better to disguise names of towns and cafes or offices? What about popular franchises like MacDonald’s? ![]() I am wondering about whether or not to use real names of places in my novel.
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