“For some minutes
Alice stood without speaking, looking out in all directions over the country –
and a most curious country it was… ‘I declare it’s marked out just like a large
chessboard!’” Lewis Carroll
Historic Landmarks
Geography alone does not build up atmosphere and emotional
connections in our worlds. Instead we also need to understand landmarks as
potential maps and mirrors in order to recognize, choose, and transform their
unique characteristics to our story. Our landmarks then become a natural part
of our world rather than a stage prop of location.
A historic landmark can be public or private, such as a town
cemetery or a century-old family plot on an estate. It may be internationally
known like the Eiffel Tower or local as a statue in a neighborhood park. It can
be natural or manmade.
A commemorative landmark can carry a sense of pride by one
faction of a population and a long-held grief of failure for others. A historic
landmark may have been created by whimsy such as oddly shaped trees, or
odd-shaped dwellings, or a serious preventive measure against loss of life, as
so many well-known lighthouses have provided.
A historic landmark can be of value to one individual, or to
a nation, or to a continent. The fact that it carries a history makes it
personal whether the reaction to it is positive or negative or neutral.
Sometimes the landmarks can just be subtle reminders and other times a key
influence. They have the ability to influence theme, character, plot threads,
and setting.
The key is to make a personal impact that invades, lingers,
and reacts.
Build Your Story: As you choose or incorporate
specific landmarks (fictional or real) for your novel world, especially those
that will remain constant through a series, begin asking these questions of
each key spot you choose.
1. Is it natural?
2. Is it manmade?
3. What is the history behind
it?
4. How might different characters
personally react to it?
5. Is it considered to be holy
ground? Why?
6. If so, is it open to everyone
to visit or considered forbidden?
7. Which characteristic makes
you curious? Why?
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