: Re: How do I write real-world stories separate from my country of origin? I live in India. And the stories I write don't want to. The thing is, as you all might already know, my country has

@Hamaas631

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Language you already mastered - your writing does not come across as too typically Indian, at least when you consciously address an international audience. Just stick to that.

Fantasy names in western fiction are only sometimes borrowed from the cultural background - and even then, more as a pun or a hint than as a norm. In many cases, especially in sci fi and fantasy, the names are more or less random combinations of letters chosen to be different from the usual, and sounding in a way that fits the theme. While crime and action stories tend to choose short (and not always unusual) names for the heroes and names which are connected with aristocracy or weirdness for the bad guys. Here, cultural norms play a role. But you can easily jump on that train by choosing names which sound similar to the good and bad guys you find in the news. Or look up common names in some countries and choose one which sounds right.

You can also combine this with your roots by concentrating on Indian names which are well known abroad, and similar-sounding names. Buddha, Bhagwan, Singh, Gandhi and many more are known all over the world. I assume some international names are also common in India - Khan, Mohammed and many more.

Check for local sensitivities before using some names too freely. Hitler, Stalin, Mao and many other such names may not convey the sound you think they do in some countries. Or provoke in a similar way as in yours.

The same rules go for location names and such.

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