Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Mikewritesfic

    Mikewritesfic Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2010
    Messages:
    102
    Likes Received:
    6
    Location:
    Princeton, NJ

    How Much Have Google Maps, Earth and Youtube Helped Your Setting Research?

    Discussion in 'Setting Development' started by Mikewritesfic, Oct 19, 2012.

    I'll admit it, I love all three sources when I am trying to construct a scene in a part of the world that I have never been to. They help me, however, I do not rely on them entirely. I'm curious about other writers and their experiences with G-Maps, G-Earth and Youtube. Have they helped with scene construction? Are there any other resources you rely on?

    Thanks!

    Mike
     
  2. Julia Ann Fiedler

    Julia Ann Fiedler New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2012
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Dallas-Fort Worth Area
    Yep, The Internet Rocks

    I've been putting my dad's Vietnam experiences into story form. He tells me things, but using the internet to pull up pictures of what he is talking about helps me A LOT when filling in descriptive detail that he may not be able to articulate. Of course, I have him review what I wrote for accuracy, but it hasn't failed me yet. Specifically, he spent a night sleeping between two Buddhist graves but was having a hard time explaining them to me. I was able to pull up a picture online and it not only helped with the description of the graves, but it helped me visualize what actually transpired that night and the whole story is better off.
     
  3. RobT

    RobT Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2009
    Messages:
    215
    Likes Received:
    40
    Location:
    Stoke-on-Trent, England
    I've used Google maps and earth, very useful helping me out writing a car chase scene. Obviously much more helpful if your story is in a modern setting. I've never thought to use YouTube to assist my writing.
     
  4. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    I use online resources for general information. For the stuff that makes writing stand out, people are my research source of choice. If it's a medical matter, talk to a doctor. If you want to know how a crime scene is really processed, talk with a police officer. If your story is set in the 1940's, sit down with someone who has lived in that time.

    And when I say "talk with", I mostly mean listen.
     
  5. maidahl

    maidahl Banned

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2012
    Messages:
    328
    Likes Received:
    10
    Location:
    I'mscared
    People are a cool resource! You can meet total wackos though, and you have to be careful. Use discretion. Make them like you. Flattery always works. Tell them what they want to hear, like if they are looking to score sympathy points when they are famous through your novel, visibly sympathize with them. They'll open up more.

    People tend to word things in a way that lends color to the lifeline of your tale. Connotation picks up so much, and so does vernacular and personality. Stereotypes are often born through an ingenious novel.
     
  6. robertpri007

    robertpri007 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2012
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    3
    I have not used google earth for my research, but have used it for my characters. It's more believable when the character knows so much about a location that he has never seen.
     
  7. Michelle7

    Michelle7 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2012
    Messages:
    26
    Likes Received:
    0
    I have used all of the above and they have helped tremendously
     
  8. mg357

    mg357 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2012
    Messages:
    420
    Likes Received:
    45
    All of those things have helped me i have even used mapquest when i have needed to know the distance from one city to another city.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice