Posted by Aisliann on June 06, 19100 at 13:20:13:
In Reply to: info on London, England for a story I'm writing posted by Meg on January 15, 19100 at 12:02:42:
London is a marvellous place to set a novel. The unbeleivable diversity of life and compactness of the city make it an ideal locale for something interesting to happen. (Being an old Kensington bird myself, I ought to know). The first thing you must decide is what borough of London you should like to set your book in. You can't go from one Post Code to another without noticing an incredible difference in the income level, genetic makeup, and personality types of a particular neighbourhood. Even the accents of your characters will be affected by where they live in London. Americans tend not to beleive the Henry Higgins theory, but it really is true. You can place a body within half a mile of where they live. Particularly distinct are the accents of those found in East London (or ney) versus West Londoners. After you select location, find a map of London and carefully examine the neighbourhood. You should also purchase a travel guide. I should never set a story about a very nice family with children in Soho, nor would I write about a poor girl living in Mayfair. A travel guide is an excellent resource for specific street names, restauraunts, etc. where different characters might be found. Young, hip socialites would almost certainly be seen prowling High Street Kensington during the day, shopping like fiends and dining at Wagamama's. But the same group by night might be found at Chiquito's in Liecester Square or some little dive in that neighbourhood. If you are writing anywhere in the 20th century onwards, you MUST make yourself familiar with the public transportation system. Only the very rich own automobiles, as petrol is so ridiculously expensive. Likewise, London does not have freeways like Los Angeles so the traffic is absolutely horrid. Get yourself a map of the tubes (the subway) and if possible, a bus route. www.londontransport.co.uk is an invaluable resource. Finally, you will have to discover the mannerisms of the british. We say things differently. We dress differently. We are generally quieter, only raising our voices in private. London is very crowded, so we keep our voices down on the tubes and walking around and such. Americans are frequently mocked for their loud obnoxiousness (no offence intended, just a fact) and unintelligenly formulated questions. The only way you can really make sure you are writing your dialect properly is by finding a brit to talk to, and run things by.