Setting your book in another country.

This post is all about setting your book in another country.

A Writer’s Travel Guide.

Writing the setting of your book in another country can be a bit intimidating, I know. But- it’s not too hard if you follow these steps.

1. Understand & Attempt to Learn the Language

Alright, don’t panic. I’m not suggesting that you have to learn an entire language, but it would be beneficial to know the basics and have an understanding in regards to a particular country’s “voice”. Ultimately, if you’re writing about a foreign country as your setting you should have some sort of connection, passion, or interest in it. Given if the country is not in your native language, it should be a no-brainer to learn a few words and phrases for the authenticity of the story you’re writing about.

Even if the country you’re setting your story in speaks your native language (for example: American English) it’s important to note that dialect may also play a major part if you want to set your story on a Caribbean Island. Whilst, islanders do speak English, many use dialect- so it’ll be great to learn that as well.

Fun fact: Caribbean countries don’t all have the same dialect. Accents, the figure of speech, slang, it’s all tailored to that of a particular island. There isn’t a standard “Caribbean” accent.

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2. Stay Away from Movies & TV Shows

I don’t mean to sound like a negative Nancy here, but not all the movies and TV shows that we consume give an accurate representation of a particular country. It’s so important to do your own research rather than only trusting the entertainment industry. TV shows have a tendency to over-stereotype and sometimes that may not always be the case.

The first example that jumps into my mind would be ‘Emily in Paris’. Don’t hate me for this, I absolutely LOVE Lily Collins, but I personally wasn’t too into the series. Based on many reviews, not many French persons were too fond of the series either. So this is one you probably shouldn’t follow as your holy grail guide when writing about/ setting your story in France.

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3. Setting Includes Time!

Okay, this point is SO important and can easily get overlooked.

Let me give you an example:

If you’re setting your story in England, language will heavily be influenced by time/ the era you aim to write about. Modern British English differs from the English in which they spoke during the Elizabethan and Victorian era, etc. (Think Shakespeare’s language compared to the language spoken in England now.)

See the difference?

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4. Slang

This is a fun one.

In simple terms, this is an informal way of speaking (words/ phrases) used by locals of a particular country.

The Caribbean is heavy on this. Bet your bottom dollar, you’ll thoroughly enjoy learning some!

A French friend of mine taught me a few, one I remember distinctly is “pisser dans un violon” (I’m not sure why I remember this), but it directly translates to “to piss in a violin”- which actually means you’re doing something useless.

Interesting? Totally!

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5. Mannerisms

This may seem like something stereotypical but there’s a fine line between stereotypes and mannerisms. Mannerisms can also be linked to cultural values. If you’re writing about a character that is Russian, research their lifestyle and cultural mannerisms. Never assume.

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6. Food. Fashion. Seasons.

Think of food as the garnish for your novel. It’s really important to pay attention to the details as that’s what would make your novel more realistic and gives it more personality. Here on my blog, The Catalog by Celine, I touch on certain topics to give you the authentic resources for a particular country. If you’re setting you’re story in Italy and you’re protagonist is a food lover, here are some delicious authentic Italian desserts you can name within your book. (ps: your character doesn’t necessarily have to be a foodie for you to sprinkle your novel with a little authentic flavor).

Fashion is another minor but relevant factor you should take into consideration when setting your book in another country. Some countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are a lot more conservative when compared to others, pay attention to the fashionwear there as well as take the seasons into consideration. Different seasons mean a different sense of fashion style (think fall fashion, summer fashion. etc.! Some countries don’t have these seasons just named so do your research).

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7. Know More Than Just Landmarks

This is one you certainly wouldn’t have expected but here it is. Try your very best to give 110% or more. Knowing basic landmarks are good but you want to be great, don’t you? Heck, you want to be the best! And that’s what you’ll be. Go the extra mile, and by mile, I literally mean it. Knowing more than the average landmark is a fantastic way of showing your reader that you know what you’re talking about. when setting your book in another country. Even if you aren’t able to visit the place you’re writing about, make google maps/ earth your best friend.

I’m currently writing a book set in France and let me tell you, my google search history is wild. Don’t just know extra landmarks, learn about the distance between the areas you’re writing about as well. Find out their modes of transportation and the times taken by journey between the locations your character(s) are traveling.

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8. Holidays. Religion. Tradition.

This helps. A lot. You won’t even realize how essential it can be, especially if you’re stuck on writer’s block. Kid, throw in a festival or two and get the ball rolling. It’s also a fun way of creating more dynamics in your story-telling. Readers love gaining information and understanding more of a country’s culture and traditions that they aren’t personally familiar with.

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9. Dos & Don’ts

Always be respectful when you’re writing about a country you’re not familiar with. At least write with that intention. Personally, I get a lot of anxiety when writing about places I’m not familiar with because I have a fear of offending the country and natives even though I have genuine intentions. Your story should be a love letter to the country you’re writing about. So, be nice!

Understanding the dos and don’ts can also be essential and will go a long way. Remember; you want to be respectful.

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10. Visit!

This one may be a bit difficult for some given certain circumstances but it’s a great idea to plunge yourself into that environment you want to write about. What better way to understand setting a book in another country than experiencing it for yourself.

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I’d love to hear your feedback on these. Leave a comment, or feel free to add any point of your own!

Happy writing!

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