Short doc: How to Location Scout a Novel During Lockdown

I'm a new subscriber and I keep getting a message saying "Private Video. Sorry, you don’t have permission to watch." :( Anybody know how to get around this? I logged into Vimeo even...

Cami

There are actually direct parallels between aspects of my own extended family and aspects of this one protagonist’s family which is actually sort of a loving tribute. Which is good that they ended up in that side of the story because the other protagonist’s family is them, hi they’re the problem it’s them. My other ongoing creative writing project is inspired by my family in negative ways. Though also dramatically overblown and my family was not you know in a murderous cult like that protagonist’s family. And it’s telling that I like the fictional shitty Aunt character the main character has to deal with feelings of betrayal from more than I like my own Aunt the character is based off of. Well my own Aunt is a better person, but at least I enjoy writing what she inspired.

Ellie G.

I’m currently doing base research for a story that I had initially intended to be a modern commentary on social media outrage and being on the outskirts of scandal. But I realized that I really really don’t want people figuring out what I’ve based it on (because I don’t want to get sued should I ever share this with people). So it’s taking place about 1980 before any of my inspiration happened and is turning into a commentary on media firestorms more generally. Which sadly means I have to ditch all of my satirical fake Twitter posts about the events of the story, which you win some you lose some. So I’ve placed one of the protagonists as being from my parents’ hometown which is actually really fun because I get to draw on a lot of their experiences in and for my research. However, most of the book takes place in Southern California where I’ve never been and I don’t have travel money or time etc. And I have found looking up locations is actually really fun. So I definitely love the look at the creative process! (Even though if we’re being completely honest, no one is ever going to see my writing lol).

Ellie G.

Finished Book 2. Now that you mention it, it does kinda stand out how everything happens in and around LA. My main criteque though is that whenever Kaveh is the POV character, sex becomes incredibly mechanical. I only remember one scene where Cora describes sex, and at least she's creative enough to describe wanting to get his dick wet, but for Kaveh, scenes seems less like a description of passion and intimacy and more of a sports play by play. I guess Kaveh was just never really into romance novels and such.

Jack Baker

Almost done with Book 2. Honestly could not tell that you'd had problems accessing any of the real life locations you describe. Also thought the reference to the Cheesecake Factory was meant as a nod to your video on Fair Use (my favorite). Really looking forward to book 3!

Jack Baker

Thanks very much for the great video. *thumbs up*

sunlit_music

The bit about Enola being all "look at all this salt!!!!!!!" made me cackle so hard

Kristen Trawczynski

The true SoCal experience is seeing influencers everywhere you go… even during a pandemic 🧍🏻

GracethofMoon

Started publishing my books right as the pandemic started. A naturally 'lonely pursuit' was even lonelier. On the flip side, I was rarely interrupted and got a lot done within two years.

Darrell Winfrey

Lindsay: Here it is, the worst thing Me: I don't know, an alien in a box is kinda *camera shows the words on the window* OMG!!!

Ev G

Wow. What a historical video.

Kait Hatch

Camboida afterall

So excited for book 3, any news is good news

energydiluted