Draw a map
Draw out a basic map with streets, footpaths, houses, shops and any other key places. Make it large enough to add to. Link it to other towns, real or imaginary, with arrows at the edge of the page. (eg Bedford 5 miles) Add in railway stations and bus stations, if they feature in your novel.
Add Key Illustrative Details
The village or town in your mind’s eye has streets, crossroads and roundabouts, yes, but what makes it come to life is the detail; the gardens and parks with trees, cafes with tables outside, footpaths along rivers, derelict land maybe, the style of buildings, churches, shops and homes. If your map is big enough, you can sketch these on to your original map.
Add descriptive detail
There is a limit to the amount a small sketch can convey. Possibly using post-its, which will grow in numbers even as your novel develops, write key words, adjectives and features, to help each place come to life. (a cafe might have ~ round bright pink bistro tables with fold up chairs outside, a cosy private corner inside with scatter cushions ~cerise pink and yellow, or arm chairs)
Add photos to give a sense of location and the surrounding area
The photos you add may not be exact but, as authors, we often see buildings, people or scenes which remind us of our novel. Even with imaginary settings, the place you have in your mind’s eye is a composite of many pictures of real places.
Cross reference notes
Use a notebook for extra details which you are unable to add to the map, or on postits. (19th century Victorian red brick church, alcoves with carved saints observing you as you pass by, dark wood panelling inside, triptych of gold and vibrant colours …)
Why?
Why go to such detail and trouble? With an imaginary place it is much harder to be consistent. If you are in the middle of writing and a query pops into your head, as to whether you remember the details correctly, it takes a long while to find the previous reference or description in your manuscript.
With the visual and written prompts, you can ensure consistency, and enable reader to imagine the setting almost as clearly as you can.
Include the map
Some authors even include a map at the front of their novel. This is not necessary, but some readers appreciate them, especially if a ‘sense of place’ is key to the novel.
Diana Jackson 