Look at an Atlas

When we're stuck in our own small neighborhoods or even big, busy cities, we often forget about what the world is like beyond our own borders. We think only about the laws, the society, the restaurants and languages and people that can be found within our immediate sphere of experience. Our own experiences can be greatly enriched, however, if we take a little time to explore the lesser parts of the globe, or even just to imagine what life is like far away.

This week, instead of just looking up a country on wikipedia, try taking a look at an old-fashioned atlas. Flip to a page of more obscure countries, such as the heart of Africa or Eastern Europe, and put your finger on a country you barely know. Study where it is in the world, what countries are its neighbors, and think about what its climate and topography might be like. Is it a harsh and desolate place? A tropical and verdant one? One with blinding heat or cold?

Next, start asking yourself what the people and culture might be like. Based on your knowledge of the region, what might be the dominant religion? What kinds of food would be eaten? What is the clothing like? Are the people mostly urban, or rural? Farmers or factory workers? What is the poverty level? Is life hard for the people?

By trying to imagine a world far from your own, you'll be able to make your own writing more informed and more curious. It will give your stories the feeling of a larger and richer world.

Comments

[James Bent]

I really like two points covered by this article.

The first is that you can write about anywhere you want, and, stepping back from that a bit more, you can learn about anywhere in the world that you want, even if you've never been there.

The second is that there are resources (e.g. Wikipedia) available to help you out. In fact, I would put Wikipedia as one of my number one places for finding out about just about anything, whether it be place, person, object, technical info etc... It is indispensable.

Another that I'd like to recommend is Google Maps. With Street View implemented, it's now possible to look at places all over the world as if you were standing right there. Over the weekend I wrote a short story about the number 9 sculpture outside 9 West 57th Street building in New York. I've been to NY about 7 times, but not for about 5 years and I've never been on 57th Street. However, looking it up on Google Maps and then Street View, I was able to "take a walk" along the street, with my characters pointing out key points of reference (shops etc) along 57th Street. If nothing else, it was interesting for me to take a walk, and at best I'd hope it adds authenticity to the story:

http://jamesbent.com/blog/2009/12/13/9-number/: 9 (number), Two friends meet up outside the 9 West 57th Street building, going to spend an afternoon together at the Museum of Art and Design

Another great thing to point out is that Shakespeare wrote a lot of his stories based on maps charted by merchant sailors and their tales.

I write daily offbeat fiction short stories, posted to my blog: http://jamesbent.com/blog

[James Bent]

sorry, that link was: http://jamesbent.com/blog/2009/12/13/9-number/ (without the colon at the end!).

[Mary Lou Wynegar]

As much as I enjoy exploring the web for information, I treasure my first hand experiences so much more. When traveling on a twelve day trip from Paris to Prague, I was able to take in the culture and people around me. I was like a child in a candy store, and could have kicked myself for taking a tour, - for I would have much rather experienced the freedom of my own exploration.

I have a photo that I treasure today, (two actually) of an older woman up in a narrow alley in Germany just looking down at me. The next photo was another older woman, peeking around the building to look at me too, after I waved up at her friend.

Another, is a memory I have which I will never forget. Of when I bought a baby doll for my granddaughter in one of the German toy stores. The owner was an older woman, as the store was family owned and operated. The daughter sent me to this older woman (her Mother), to ring up my sale. She picked up the doll to begin wrapping him for his journey home to the United States, and she held him like a real baby for a moment. She cooed to him, and talked to him as if re-assuring him that things would be okay - giving him a kiss farewell on the forehead before wrapping him gently in beautiful paper.

In all the reading I do I am always aware of the work writers put in their work. The research alone has kept me from writing as I want, due to this present chapter in my life.
One of my all time favorite reads, is Sacejawea by: Anna Lee Waldo
The work that went into that book was inspiring, as my interest of American Indian Culture stems from my own family heritage.

My point being in this comment is, - that I learn by my observations, as well as my readings. And I cherish and use both in my own style. And maybe, just maybe, one day I will be good enough to be published.