My Myrtle Clover series is set in a small, Southern town. My Memphis Barbeque series is set in a larger city.
There’s a certain gossipy element that small-town settings provide. People in small towns may know more about you than you wish they did. Not only that, they may compare your behavior to other members of your family from generations back–favorably or non.
Larger cities, on the other hand, can provide an exciting backdrop for your story. At night in Memphis, you never know who you might run into on Beale street. The city is faster-paced and music, food, and the Mississippi River are threads that run through everything.
I’m having a good time writing both settings. I grew up in a small town, but I’ve since lived in larger cities. I love the sense of community I get in a town, and the cultural/entertainment opportunities available in larger ones. The suburbs get a bad rap, but I think I’ve gotten a little taste of both worlds there.
Are you pulled toward small towns or larger cities for your settings?
I go for a compromise–my setting are usually in the suburbs, where you get the best (and worst, I guess) of both worlds.
Interesting subject. I too was raised in smallsville but have since lived as an adult mostly in large cities. I guess it would depend on what the characters and plot are like, which setting is best for a particular book. Good to have a background from which to be able to write realistically about both, though, eh?
The Old Silly
I was born and raised in a small port town in the UK. I then moved to London the capital city, from there I moved to small rural villages. Here in Cyprus I am in a small rural village, that is where my heart lies, the city was exhausting for me.
Marvin–You’re right, it’s nice to be able to write about both.
Alan–I like the burbs, myself. I totally understand the argument against urban sprawl, but like living in the outskirts.
Glynis–Cyprus sounds beautiful! I can understand why you’d like a village there.
For living in, medium-sized cities are my favorite (especially college towns). For writing about, however, small is fun because everyone is mixed up in everyone else’s business.
I have read a really great romance story where the heroine moved from a small town to New York. The chemistry between this small town girl with a big city hot shot was really great. And the clashes between them because of their background were quite funny.
Bargain with the Devil
I love writing and reading a bout small towns. To me, they are closer knit and there are more available quirky characters in smaller towns and villages. I love the intimacy that comes from knowing everyone. However, I must admit, I don’t always like going out and having everyone know me!
~Jen
Patricia–Good point. I’d probably rather write about a small town than live there 24/7.
Enid–Interesting idea..so their setting background provided some of the conflict for the story.
I like the feel of a small town in a story – all the Murder She Wrote books (and TV show) spring to mind. You’re right – they know more about you than you may like and it is like a giant extended family. Kind of a feel good environment for a story, I think.
Nancy, from Realms of Thought…