Readers wanting reality out of fiction

[TheExperimentalist]

I haven't posted enough yet to have 'loyal readers', so I don't know whether they expect that level of reality or not. However, I do include the amount that I think makes sense. I have one WIP where the characters are cosplaying some video game characters. Several scenes call for lines where one of them is excitedly chattering away about the project, and, though I try to make sure not to overdo it and only include enough to make the scene work otherwise, there's actually quite a bit of detail fit in there for what fabrics she'll use, how she'll lay out the pieces, etc. A reader can reasonably skim those lines and instead fill them in with 'generic excitement about the project' in their head, but if they want to look at the details, they're there for them to find. It's kinda cool, cause I get to plan a cosplay without having to do any of the actual work of making it.

 

[old_prof]

These days, I could see the show leaning into that and placing a prop ring somewhere fans could find it.

I remember Patterson ghost wrote several Castle novels (allegedly written by Castle) that got published as hard backs to promote the Castle show.

 

[StillStunned]

I remember Patterson ghost wrote several Castle novels (allegedly written by Castle) that got published as hard backs to promote the Castle show.

I have several of them. They're enjoyable, in a mindless I-have-three-hours-to-kill-on-this-flight kind of way.

 

[PennyThompson]

These days, I could see the show leaning into that and placing a prop ring somewhere fans could find it.

Erotica ARG!! Scratch love notes between fictional characters on park benches! Set up a Google voice number with a sexy voicemail message! Make bluesky accounts for your characters and have them post about each other!

 

[MelissaBaby]

Cheddar cheese melted on apple pie (The Gold Dollar Girls). That got a surprising amount of feedback, most, but not all, positive.

 

[TheLobster]

Cilantro simply should not be debated about, it is a genetic gulf that cannot be bridged, y'all are tasting two completely different tastes!

I feel great sadness for those who don't have the Cilantro-Taste-Good-Gene, but I wouldn't want to talk anyone into eating something that tastes like soap to them

In small quantities, I actually find the flavor quite pleasant. It's not the fresh lemony taste that everyone's raving about, but it does have its merits.

Unfortunately, most cuisines that do use it tend to sprinkle it copiously over everything like it was parsley, and for me that's definitely getting into the cleaning agent territory.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I don't believe that including these items favored by my characters is anyway unique, but does anyone else get feedback from readers asking for recipes or details on how to recreate the items mentioned in your stories?

No, because I put the recipe at the end of the chapter where it was mentioned

 

[Bramblethorn]

I remember Patterson ghost wrote several Castle novels (allegedly written by Castle) that got published as hard backs to promote the Castle show.

I tried the first one of those. IIRC, it felt more like a Castle episode novelisation (with the names changed) than a novel written by Castle, but it's been too long for me to say why I felt that way.

 

[SimonDoom]

Cilantro simply should not be debated about, it is a genetic gulf that cannot be bridged, y'all are tasting two completely different tastes!

I feel great sadness for those who don't have the Cilantro-Taste-Good-Gene, but I wouldn't want to talk anyone into eating something that tastes like soap to them

Of course not. These "disputes" are for giggles only.

I feel sympathy for those who don't like the taste of cilantro. I love the stuff and cook with it all the time. It's a go-to for me. That dish needs something -- throw in more cilantro!

 

[old_prof]

There was a discussion a few months ago about putting together a collective cookbook from food described in our stories. I was proposing calling it something like "The Tastes of Sin"

I still think it would be a great project. Right now, I think I have too much on my plate to drive it.

 

[EdwardsOtherSide]

I have mentioned a number of real restaurants in my stories, one unique (to my knowledge), and sadly closed.
It is sort of a downer for me that no one ever asked about them in the comments, but I guess my readers aren't indulging that type of hedonism.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Of course not. These "disputes" are for giggles only.

I feel sympathy for those who don't like the taste of cilantro. I love the stuff and cook with it all the time. It's a go-to for me. That dish needs something -- throw in more cilantro!

I'm dyslexic today. I keep reading that as clitantro, which I think has a sweeter taste.

 

[old_prof]

I have mentioned a number of real restaurants in my stories, one unique (to my knowledge), and sadly closed.
It is sort of a downer for me that no one ever asked about them in the comments, but I guess my readers aren't indulging that type of hedonism.

I also use real restaurants regularly in some stories. Their favorite restaurants in my original series are all 100% fictitious.

I have two mentioned, one prominently, in my WIP novel. I never mention the city, but there's enough hints that any one who knows the city will recognize and probably the two restaurants. I do order from their real menus, including their wine lists.

 

[EdwardsOtherSide]

I also use real restaurants regularly in some stories. Their favorite restaurants in my original series are all 100% fictitious.

I have two mentioned, one prominently, in my WIP novel. I never mention the city, but there's enough hints that any one who knows the city will recognize and probably the two restaurants. I do order from their real menus, including their wine lists.

In Fallen for a Nun, all restaurants, whether by name or by location are ones I have been to (and enjoyed, and recommend).
No other story leaned as hard into the culinary piece, but The Grading Scheme is the runner up.

 

[NuclearFairy]

The only story of mine with any big mention of recognizable food is my lone non-erotic, and I think people are too busy crying at that point to note down the recipe.