Gail’s Comments (group member since May 21, 2013)

Gail’s comments from the Creating Settings that Make You Want to Move In group.

Part of creating a setting lies in welcoming the reader into the physical environment. What are the houses, castles, and other architectural structures that became real to you?

For me, Rivendell and Hogwarts certainly seemed real enough to touch. Also Callahan's Crosstime Saloon!

Game of Thrones has its own cookbook (A Feast of Thrones). Food plays a big role in the Thrones world, but also in Harry Potter, Hunger Games and other books. I've had interviewers ask me where I come up with the menus/dishes I've described, and I don't dwell on food. So what's your take on food descriptions? Do you want your fantasy fiction to make you hungry?

Of course, the Harry Potter series comes to mind for me, because the writing made me feel as if I had actually explored Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and all the other wonderful places in that world. Lord of the Rings also feels like home, although JRR Tolkien can go on a bit in places (IMHO). In mystery series, Susan Wittig Albert's Pecan Springs, TX feels very real, as does Laura Child's Indigo Tea Shop (set in very real Charleston, SC). What authors and books make you feel like you're home?