In Flood Moon, Yellowstone is real, but Sage, Montana, is fictional.
In Dark Time, the "Miracle on the Hudson" is real, but the missing Keira Wilkes is made-up.
In Absolute Truth, there's a Boston and there's a Pittsfield, but there's no Drayton, Mass.
And in Northward, Nunavut and Baker Lake are on every map of Canada, but Autumn Industries? No.
So here's my question. Does it matter? I'm asking because I'm in the process of writing a novel whose center is a major Connecticut airport. Of course there's only one of those—Bradley International (Sorry Tweed and Groton/NewLondon).
From the beginning I've been calling "my" airport, Brauer International Jetport, but I'm wondering if using a real name is more immediate, or meaningful, or relatable. (Other named airports in the novel, like O'Hare are treated accurately.)
The novel is about people, not about airports, but still...what do you think?
Thanks, Jeff. I hadn't thought of that.I do worry sometimes about places I barely remember, and having some reader say, "hey, it's not like that at all."
When I read a book that mentions specific places in cities that I've visited and I am familiar with that place, it adds a layer of connection to the work. It brings back a memory, "I had a delicious cocktail at that Chicago bar."