Can a Writer Craft Authentic Stories About Another Country Without Visiting?

Writing about places you have not personally experienced can be a double-edged sword: it allows for creative exploration but demands meticulous research. For instance, CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia and Joseph Conrad’s works demonstrate that writers can conjure authentic settings even without firsthand experience. However, the challenge lies in achieving believability. This article explores how writers overcome this hurdle and whether it’s possible to create compelling narratives without personal visits.

CS Lewis and Narnia

CS Lewis, best known for The Chronicles of Narnia, never visited the world he created. Yet, his depiction of Narnia was so vivid and captivating that it became a classic. Lewis’s approach to world-building is a key lesson: by dedicating himself to thorough research and cultural understanding, one can craft a believable and immersive setting.

Lindsey Davis’s Ancient Rome

Lindsey Davis, a British author, has written numerous historical novels set in Ancient Rome. Despite not living in the 1st century AD, Davis has managed to create a rich and detailed depiction of Roman life. This success is attributed to her extensive research and cultural immersion. Although she doesn’t live in the period she writes about, her deep understanding of Roman society and customs provides authenticity to her narratives.

Personal Experience and Research

I recently wrote a book, Dash Laila Black Rose, which is set in Morocco. Initially, my plans included a trip to the region, but personal circumstances made it impractical. Instead, I relied on years of cultural and political study, my love for North African culture, and my familiarity with the area. Living in Nice and having a Tunisian friend helped tremendously. I learned the nuances of the culture and the political landscape through direct experience and research.

Abandoning Realism for Fiction

For those utterly deterring from realism, creating a fictional setting can be a viable approach. This method allows for complete creative freedom while still providing a sense of authenticity. The fictional town in my upcoming novel, where the inhabitants are snowed in and running out of alcohol, illustrates the flexibility of this method. Crafting such details ensures the story feels lived-in and real, even if the location is entirely fictional.

Focus on Characters and Storytelling

Ultimately, the focus should be on your characters and the compelling story you wish to tell. Characters are the lifeblood of your narrative, and if they are well-developed, the authenticity of the setting becomes secondary. As I have found, world-building is only necessary for what you need it to be. It is not a priority until it serves the story. In my case, writing about Toronto was challenging because I hadn’t lived there in years; the familiarity with Beverly Hills and Lake Louise, however, made those settings feel authentic and integral to the storyline.

My suggestion to aspiring writers is to embrace creativity and set your narrative in a fictional location that feels real to you. For long-term projects, pick a country that fascinates you, and figure out how to experience it. Whether you write a present-day story or a historical novel, the key is to immerse yourself in the culture and make informed choices that resonate with your readership. Even if you haven’t lived in the place you’re writing about, the combination of research and creativity can lead to a compelling and authentic story.