Writing Excuses Transcripts

Writing Excuses Season Three Episode Two: Keeping It Real

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2009/06/14/writing-excuses-season-3-episode-2-keeping-it-real-with-aprilynne-pike/

Key points: Make your characters feel real by studying real people. Research (Google maps, pictures, etc.) can help with setting. Also, distill the essence for imaginary settings -- how do places like that work? Ground your fantasy in science for plausibility. Give your readers convincing gnats, then don't try to explain the black boxes. Real characters who react in believable ways help make even ludicrous plots believable. Research can suggest plot hooks and twists that make the plot more real. Baby steps -- start small, then work up to big stuff -- can help writers to create and maintain the illusion of reality.
( the nitty-gritty )