Help with setting in writng?

Question

I want my sci-fi/thriller to be about an escape from a town. The problem is that for almost my whole life I lived in San Diego, where theres only one sunny weather for the whole year.

San Diego is definiatly not the kind of place I want my novel to take place in, but since I never lived anywhere else, I can't even imagine what other towns would be like!

Even if I make up my own town, I still need at least some groundwork. How do other people come up with facinating setting? I dont get it. The town has to be interesting, and alot of potential for a good story.

Answer 1

As a San Diego native, I agree with you. It's not a sci-fi type of city.

The only thing I could think of would be to take the town of Julian (near San Diego) and turn it into some creepy ghost town or something like that.

UPDATE: Hey, you know that alleged haunted house in Old Town called the Whaley House? That should give you some ideas.

Answer 2

I was born in a small town in the foothills of the Ozark mountains. There are a lot of Indians (my childhood best friend's grandfather was a Shaman), real hill people and a wonderful lake. The weather is very definitely 4 seasons and just about everywhere there are some spectacular scenery. The town itself is very small with one grocery store, 2 gas stations, lumber yard, 2 convenience stores, a bank, school, 2 fast food restaurant and one full service one, there are a few other small businesses. The attitudes of most of the people are that the people in this community take care of each other and are rather suspicious of outsiders until they get to know you. The law enforcement officers are tolerated if they are local but again outside law enforcement officers will have a problem getting any cooperation or answers. This might work for you. Hope it helps.

Answer 3

Here's my description of New York City in the book I am currently working on. I've been there before, but it doesn't matter if you make some of it up. I'm currently in the same dilemma as you are. Good luck. Here:

Dusk turned into dark as the city came into view just below, with all the bustle and business going on. Cars and individual buildings were undistinguishable, due to the height. But the land seemed a puny size next to the Atlantic Ocean, looming to the north-east. The last rays of the sun that made clouds turn purple, pink and orange slowly diminished past the far horizon, looking as if it was sinking into the ocean beyond. The sky was now black, and the moon’s reign had begun. The stars shone brightly in the far away galaxies. The sky was clear tonight, perfect for flying, and this flight had had very little turbulence. As the flight descended, the pilot’s voice came through over the intercom.
“We will be landing shortly in New York City, and I suggest all passengers clip on their seatbelts. Stay in your seats for the next twenty minutes, please. Thank you for taking Dorado Airways, flight 383. We hope you enjoyed the flight and hope to see you again soon. Please make sure to take the free coupon on your way out. It’s been a pleasure.”

Answer 4

try to think of the mood you want your city to potray. Study a lot of real cities and imagine the kinds of people who live there. The people are very important, what were the people like who built the city, what kinds of people are there now

I'd like to read your story when you're done!

Answer 5

just think of the weirdest, most interesting things and then incorporate them into your book. Dreams can help also sometimes. Read books for inspiration. Just write what you feel, you will know when u come come you with a good setting.

Answer 6

Well you can try to travel. Or ask people you know that have traveled; ask them what the other towns were like! Google never fails either!
good luck...