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Author Topic: Location Location Location  (Read 3589 times)

Offline Nickeris86

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Location Location Location
« on: July 10, 2010, 11:31:39 PM »
I have an interesting problem, I am writing an urban fantasy novel set in Seattle. The problem is that I don't live in Seattle I live in San Diego California and have only been to Seattle once on two day trip and didn't get to see much of it.

Now you may be asking why i don't place my setting in my home town, well the reason is that I don't like my home town. Its hot, brown and dirty. I like cool moist environments, with lots of green. Also that type of environment just breeds the right mood for a good urban fantasy.

any suggestions  on where i can get a locals perspective on  the city.
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Offline jeno

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2010, 02:14:21 AM »
The City Data Forums are awesome for local stuff.
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Offline KevinEvans

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2010, 04:58:47 AM »
Google earth using the street level views.....

Regards,
Kevin
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Offline belial.1980

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2010, 09:21:09 PM »
If you can, I'd recommend taking another trip and checking out the city. Walk the streets. Take pictures and notes. Observe the sounds and smells and the kind of people you see walking around.

If that's not feasible then I'd recommend following Jeno's and Kevin's advice. Also, you can check out a bookstore/amazon.com for Seattle city guides. Read a few books or watch a movie or two that take place in Seattle. I don't think it's necessary to be familiar with ever nuance of the city to make a convincing setting, but you should be very familiar with the parts that stick out and make it unique. Good luck!
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Offline Aakaakaak

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2010, 03:52:59 PM »
Coffee
New Age Hippies
Coffee
Everywhere is a one way street
Coffee
Space Needle
Coffee
Ferry across the bay
Coffee
Permanent Indie Music Scene
Coffee
It never rains, and never shines, but always drizzles
Coffee
Really good and eclectic food
Coffee
Holy Bajeebus Fish Market
Coffee
The big silver music museum
Coffee

I think that covers most of it.
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Offline Noey

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #5 on: July 13, 2010, 04:20:30 PM »
Wikipedia's also got some detailed entries about the different neighborhoods you'll find, with some basic information. Also, it can't hurt to read other books set in the city. Richelle Meade's succubus series has a lot of info gems about Seattle tucked in with the demony bits.
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Offline Sully

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #6 on: July 13, 2010, 09:45:11 PM »
Quote from: aakaakaak on July 13, 2010, 03:52:59 PM
Coffee
New Age Hippies
Coffee
Everywhere is a one way street
Coffee
Space Needle
Coffee
Ferry across the bay
Coffee
Permanent Indie Music Scene
Coffee
It never rains, and never shines, but always drizzles
Coffee
Really good and eclectic food
Coffee
Holy Bajeebus Fish Market
Coffee
The big silver music museum
Coffee

I think that covers most of it.

This is true.

The amount of coffee shops in Washington is staggering.
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Offline Starbeam

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #7 on: July 13, 2010, 10:18:28 PM »
Quote from: Little Green Noey on July 13, 2010, 04:20:30 PM
Wikipedia's also got some detailed entries about the different neighborhoods you'll find, with some basic information. Also, it can't hurt to read other books set in the city. Richelle Meade's succubus series has a lot of info gems about Seattle tucked in with the demony bits.
Kat Richardson's books are also set in Seattle with some interesting bits.  Least I'm pretty sure it's Seattle and not Portland.  And my mind is blanking on the titles, and even the character name.  There are other authors with books set there, or in that area, though I'm coming up fuzzy on names, titles, and if it actually is Seattle.
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Offline elsupremo

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #8 on: July 15, 2010, 06:40:03 AM »
Well... I live in Seattle if that helps.
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Offline Nickeris86

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #9 on: July 16, 2010, 01:35:50 AM »
Quote from: elsupremo on July 15, 2010, 06:40:03 AM
Well... I live in Seattle if that helps.

quick give me your brain i neeeeeeeeeeeeeed it
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Offline elsupremo

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #10 on: July 16, 2010, 05:14:07 AM »
But if I give it to you my head will feel lonely. Feel free to PM me if you need anything specific though.
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Offline Nickeris86

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Re: Location Location Location
« Reply #11 on: July 17, 2010, 11:57:36 PM »
thanks that will be helpful.
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