Would it be realistic to have a setting that is half technologically advanced and half not so much? In big cities, the technology is much more advanced and everything is convenient. In rural areas, the people live with minimal technology, but they know how to take care of themselves. Would this be too confusing for readers as my main character goes through both types of settings?
Ditto Elgaisma. Look at any big city in India, China, Brazil, etc. High rise, modern city surrounded by slums surrounded by rural land. Or go to Africa. At risk of generalizing a big, diverse land, there are many, many (most?) people in villages without even an electric water pump. Some will have transistor radios. Yet, there will be a cell tower and the town big-wigs will have cell phones that recharge via solar powered docking stations. Drive a few hours away and you're in a city with bright lights, computer cafes, etc. -Frank
The project I'm working on now has exactly that aspect, except the split is not half and half, but more like 5% advanced and 95% not. The contrasts between the two yield many great storytelling opportunities.
Seems pretty accurate description of many cities today. I spent 3 months in Ghana this year and was based 3 hours away from the captial city, Accra. Big big difference between the rural and urban settings. Even children grasp it well enough in The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. You'll be fine.
