Episode 290 - The Traveling Writer in Life and on the Page with Luke Richardson
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Luke Richardson discusses THE TRAVELING WRITER IN LIFE AND ON THE PAGE, including how his travels to places like India, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Morocco have inspired his novels, as well as his process for incorporating realistic and vivid settings into his stories. He addresses the challenges writers face when creating stories set in places they haven't visited, shares research resources authors can use for book promotion as well as for writing, and offers best practices for capturing the essence of a location to create an immersive experience for readers.
Luke Richardson is an Amazon bestselling author known for his action-packed thrillers that blend history, adventure, and suspense. Inspired by his travels, he crafts gripping stories that transport readers to exotic locations like Egypt, Hong Kong, and Nepal. His Archaeological Thrillers Series follows Eden Black, as she uncovers ancient secrets and lost legends, while his International Detective books feature Leo Keane & Allissa Stockwell tracking missing persons worldwide. Praised for intricate plots, fast pacing, and vivid storytelling, Luke’s books make readers feel like they’ve traveled the world—without leaving home.
Episode Links
https://www.lukerichardsonauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lukerichardsonauthor/
http://lukerichardsonauthor.com/adventureauthorinsider
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Amazon bestselling author Luke Richardson about THE TRAVELING WRITER IN LIFE AND ON THE PAGE. Luke is known for his action-packed thrillers that incorporate elements of history, adventure, and suspense. Inspired by his travels, he crafts stories set in exotic locations like Egypt, Hong Kong, and Nepal. In this conversation, they explore the influence of travel on writing, particularly how to depict locations that writers may not have visited personally.
Luke shares his journey of becoming a writer, which began during his first trip outside Europe to India. The overwhelming and vibrant culture of Mumbai inspired him to evoke similar emotions in his readers through his writing. This transformative experience sparked his desire to create stories that provide a sense of travel and adventure to readers.
The discussion explores how authors can write convincingly about foreign locations, even without visiting them. Luke emphasizes that while setting is crucial, the story remains paramount. Authors should focus on capturing the essence and spirit of a place rather than obsessing over every detail. He recalls instances when movies portray London inaccurately, stressing the importance of maintaining the story’s flow over exact geographical accuracy.
For those who can't visit a location, Luke suggests leveraging online resources like Google Maps, YouTube videos, and podcasts to gather information and gain a sense of the environment. Matty and Luke discuss the challenges of capturing sensory details, such as sounds and smells, which enhance the authenticity of a scene. Luke advises listening to podcasts and watching street-level videos for auditory experience and suggests visiting cultural hubs or neighborhoods to grasp the atmosphere and nuances of a particular location.
Another vital aspect discussed is writing authentic characters and understanding cultural differences. Luke illustrates this by mentioning how family structures vary worldwide and how these differences can enrich character development. He advises focusing on universal human experiences like family to create relatable characters, regardless of cultural backgrounds.
Luke also highlights the importance of incorporating feedback from locals or those familiar with the setting to avoid inaccuracies and stereotypes. This step helps ensure cultural representation is both respectful and believable. Matty shares her practice of giving fictional names to real-life locations to avoid being strictly tied to specific geographical accuracies.
Throughout the podcast, Luke shares how his personal travel experiences have influenced his stories, stressing that inspiration can come from both far-flung locales and nearby settings. He encourages writers to keep an open mind while exploring, as even mundane environments can provide compelling story ideas.
Matty and Luke underscore the idea that writers can find exotic elements in their local surroundings, proving that inspiration is all around us. Luke concludes by mentioning his approach to travel: exploring with curiosity and letting creativity take shape from new experiences, ensuring his stories captivate readers by transporting them to different parts of the world.
In summary, this podcast episode provides insightful guidance for authors on how to effectively write about locations they have not visited. By using online tools, focusing on sensory details, and acknowledging cultural nuances, writers can create immersive and authentic stories. Luke Richardson’s experience offers valuable lessons for authors seeking to broaden their narrative horizons and bring far-away places into their storytelling.