settings you've never been to

[lexcade]

i have this nasty habit of setting stories that take place in the "real world" in cities i've never been to. duality takes place in Phoenix, and now one's happening in Provo. for duality it doesn't matter a whole lot, but with the Provo one, there's a lot of detective work. any suggestions?

i thought about making it a generic city like my hometown (all of 2000 people) or setting it isomewhere like cincinnati, where i live now, but that just seems less fun.

[gypsygurl]

Google Maps has street views.  Kind of amazing for checking out neighborhoods.  I used it to look at a specific cemetery I used for a scene in A Touch Mortal and saw an iron fence going around the perimeter.  Never would have known it was there.  Now, Eden has to climb it. It's a tiny detail, but was a fun one to know for when they're breaking in.  They couldn't just waltz in at night. 

[lexcade]

God bless google maps. thanks for the suggestion!

btw, sooooooooooooo excited to read your book.

[Beckahrah]

Visit the places for 'research purposes,' then write off the cost as a business expense.

[clutzattack]

My sister has lived in Provo, and is currently in Salt Lake City if you want to PM with any specific questions.  It was funny since at the time she was going to school at BYU I was in Colorado Springs, and she'd always tell me what the weather would be like a day or two in advance. The two cities are very similar, except in Colorado Springs everything was based on a military population, and in Provos it's a Mormon population.

One thing I'll tell you that I learned from visiting is there is almost zero nightlife and most everything is closed on Sunday. Lots of ballroom dance places/clubs and more than its fair share of drive-in theaters.  And make sure you mention the grid block system with the N,W,S,E directions.

In general when I'm doing research, I like to check out the Tourist attractions in the area.

Try checking out this website:

http://www.utah.com/provo/

[lexcade]

LOL I love the idea, Beckah. If I could get away w that, I'd set everything in France, Italy, and Greece ;)

Clutz, I reeeally appreciate the offer! When I get more involved w the research, I'll gladly send u some questions. The lack of nightlife will help me greatly.