: Effect of real world brands and/or places on story tone This is based on that question, but from a tone point of view. Let's say I have a story taking place in a near-future version of Boston,

This is based on that question, but from a tone point of view.
Let's say I have a story taking place in a near-future version of Boston, characters are meeting for coffee.
I have no issue saying the story is in Boston. However, having the characters "meet in Starbucks" sounds... wrong.
Similarly, using real locations and landmarks often seems weird, especially if it is in a place I know well (I live in Boston).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using real world brands and places? When should it or should it not be used?
(Again, I am not asking for copyright advice, as it was well covered by the above question.)

Load Full (1)

: Describe all corrections as clearly and unambiguously as possible I have a paper that will be published. The editor sent me an email to return corrections. The requirement: Please follow

@LarsenBagley300

Load Full 1 Comments

: Software for collaborative writing for a small team I'm working on a writing project with a friend, and we're looking for some kind of (preferably cloud-based) project management and version control

@LarsenBagley300

Load Full 7 Comments

: Where can I find lists of commonly used words to avoid? I have a theory that good prose style comes in part from avoiding complicated, abstract, and pretentious words. Are there any good lists

@LarsenBagley300

Load Full 2 Comments

: How to write a summary of an article or any text print? For example I am given an article and asked to write a summary for money; where do I begin? Do I just read the article, and kind

@LarsenBagley300

Load Full 1 Comments

Login to post a comment!

1 Comments

Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best

@Heady158

Specificity can be helpful. Just as you can characterize the protagonist by telling us that he shuffled into the courtroom in his flame-colored flip flops, you can show the characters' preferences and habits (and maybe their economic situation) through their choices of brands, locations, and their reactions to well-known landmarks. The character who grabs a burger from McDonald's may have a different lifestyle from the one who insists on shopping only at Whole Foods. In addition, people often enjoy learning about other places through fiction. A character who knows the ins and outs of Boston could be fun to follow around.

However, random name-dropping of real-life brands and locations can create a "dated" or commercial feel to a piece. I haven't seen "literary" works use them unless for a clear, specific purpose.

Load Full (0)

Feed

: Effect of real world brands and/or places on story tone This is based on that question, but from a tone point of view. Let's say I have a story taking place in a near-future version of Boston,

More posts by @LarsenBagley300

: Describe all corrections as clearly and unambiguously as possible I have a paper that will be published. The editor sent me an email to return corrections. The requirement: Please follow

: Software for collaborative writing for a small team I'm working on a writing project with a friend, and we're looking for some kind of (preferably cloud-based) project management and version control

: Where can I find lists of commonly used words to avoid? I have a theory that good prose style comes in part from avoiding complicated, abstract, and pretentious words. Are there any good lists

: How to write a summary of an article or any text print? For example I am given an article and asked to write a summary for money; where do I begin? Do I just read the article, and kind

Login to post a comment!

1 Comments

Back to top