By Sarah Hendrix
There are several things that set Urban Fantasy apart from some of the other sub-genres of fantasy. For one, it features main characters that don’t quite fit into their world. Secondly, monsters-whether classical monsters, gods or lesser known creatures-are commonplace in these worlds. Third, there is a lot of action and conflict in these stories. But one of the most common, and sometimes seen as the least important features is the where the story takes place.
In many UF novels, the setting is not only where the story happens, but it gives the story local flavor and a touchstone of reality.
For example, if you mention the city of Chicago, most people can name a few features right off the top of their head. If you were interested in sports, you could probably name a few sports teams. Or if you were interested in culture, you could list some museums, libraries, or art galleries. History nuts could name some famous gangsters of the 30s and 40s or when the city was founded.
Those who have lived and visited there have a strong idea of what goes on in the city, how the population reacts to certain issues, and why. Locals know where to get the best oriental food, the best places to catch a cab, and where not to go on a dark night alone.
Readers know that Mardi Gras doesn’t happen here, but Chicago has a great Blues Festival.
It is details like this that makes the story ring true with your readers. It makes them wonder when they walk down the street after reading a story if something happened right here…
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Even though the day job keeps her busy, Sarah Hendrix finds time to sneak in words at every chance. Writing, reading and editing are her specialties even though she is wetting her toes as a publicist for Apex Book Company. Her work can be found in the In Situ and FISH anthologies from Dagan Books and the upcoming Space Battles: Full Throttle Space Tales #6 from Flying Pen Press. Look for her on twitter , her blog, facebook and google+