Realism in Writing

What elements do you include in your stories to make a story seem and feel more realistic to the reader? Thanks, Rhobin for another thought-provoking topic.

I guess the first things I use to make a story more realistic is setting and weather. It doesn’t have to be in a lot of detail, but enough information that the reader can picture where the story takes place and maybe feel the heat or the cold. They’re there with the character. Adding a hobby, or occupation can make the character more realistic. It might be one they can relate to or one they’re interested in learning about. What the character is feeling so the reader can get a better feel for the character. And I add a lot of characteristics, so the reader gets to know the character better. A pet is always a nice touch. Be it a dog or a horse it can draw the reader in and give a more realistic touch to the story.

Here’s the beginning to Death Southern Style. See if the details make the story feel more realistic.

Perrine Dupré hurried down the street. She needed to get home. Dark New Orleans clouds hovered overhead. Thunder rolled. Large drops of late May rain pelted the streets of the French Quarter. It sounded like hail as the fat globs bounced off the pavement behind Perrine. The ozone mixed with the scent of magnolia and the smell of shrimp and fish cooking in the area.

The older African American woman struggled against the wind. It whipped her umbrella inside out. She clutched it tightly so not to lose it. Rain blurred her vision. Thunder crashes caused her to jump. She stumbled up the three steps to her front door. Her daughter was coming home for a visit. Perrine’s pulse increased and a smile sneaked out.

And now let’s see what my fellow authors have to say about realism in writing.

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Dr. Bob Rich    https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2020/08/22/elementary-my-dear-rhobin/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/ 
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com