How to Write a Fictional Town? "I Married a Monster on a Hill"

Want to learn how to write a fictional town?

Learning how to write a fictional town? Writing fictional towns like Gilmore Girls or slice-of-life family settings like Modern Family can be a challenge. Want to transport your readers to a place so real they can almost smell the air and hear the locals chatting? Crafting a vibrant, believable setting is key. Willowgrove Hills from “I Married a Monster on a Hill” is a perfect example of how to do it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a fictional town.

A black and white illustration of a house labeled 'The Hills' House' at the top. The house has a chimney, multiple windows with shutters, and a front door with a small porch. The surrounding area includes some trees and bushes. Below the house, there is a time stamp reading '5:00 am.' Additionally, there is a smaller image of a garden gnome surrounded by plants and leaves. — Comic Panel showcasing the Hills family house and garden featured from “I Married a Monster on a Hill” – The Birthday Dilemma (Part 1)

Step 1: Start with a Map when Writing a Fictional Town

Draw It Out

Begin by sketching a rough map of your town. Include major landmarks like town squares, parks, schools, and key buildings. This doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should give you a sense of the layout and scale.

Think Geography

Consider the geographical features surrounding your town. Are there rivers, mountains, or forests? How do these features influence the town’s development and daily life?

Step 2: Define the Town’s History when Writing a Fictional Town

Create a Backstory

Just like characters, your town needs a history. When was it founded? By whom? What major events have shaped its development? A rich backstory adds depth and realism. Honestly one of the most important parts on how to write a fictional town.

Cultural Influence

Determine the cultural influences that shape the town. Is it a melting pot of different cultures? Are there unique traditions, festivals, or holidays? This will help create a sense of identity and community.

Step 3: Develop Key Locations when Writing a Fictional Town

Landmarks and Hangouts

Identify the key locations in your town. Think about where your characters spend their time. Is there a popular café, a quirky bookstore, a town hall, or a beloved park? Describe these places vividly.

A black and white comic-style illustration. At the top, there is a window labeled 'The Bedroom' with an arrow pointing to it. Below, a man is waking up, rubbing his face with an 'Ugh.' expression. The next panels show a close-up of his tired eyes, his partner sleeping with a 'Hmm?' expression, and the man yawning and stretching. The final panels depict the man waking up, looking drowsy, and making a 'Yawn' sound. Example for the "How to Write a Fictional Town" Lesson. — A comic panel showcasing Bevvy and August Hill’s bedroom featured from “I Married a Monster on a Hill” – The Birthday Dilemma (Part 1)

Local Businesses

How do you write a fictional town with great meat on it? Populate your town with local businesses that add character. Who runs the bakery? What’s the vibe of the local bar? These details make the town feel lived-in and real.

Step 4: Create a Sense of Community when Writing a Fictional Town

Diverse Inhabitants

Fill your town with a diverse cast of characters. Each person should have their own story and role in the community. How do they interact? What are their relationships like?

Community Dynamics

Think about the social dynamics. Are there local politics, rivalries, or alliances? How do the residents come together in times of crisis or celebration? This adds layers of realism.

A black and white comic-style illustration titled 'Household of Thomas & Friends' at the top. The main image shows a detailed sketch of a large house with an arrow pointing to 'The Kitchen.' The time '6:00 am' is displayed prominently. Below, there is a calendar with the month 'May' showing various notes and dates. To the right, a man is angrily yelling 'Rrrraaah' with a speech bubble saying 'Make Birthday Cake!' while another character laughs and says, 'Haa Haa Haa! Get out and vote for Thomas!' Leaves and various other small details are scattered around the image. Example for the "How to Write a Fictional Town" Lesson. — A comic panel showcasing Thomas’ house pointing to the kitchen featured from “I Married a Monster on a Hill” – The Birthday Dilemma (Part 1)

Step 5: Integrate the Setting into Your Narrative when Writing a Fictional Town

Weave It In

Your setting should feel like a character in your story. Integrate descriptions of the town naturally into your narrative. Show how the setting influences your characters’ lives and decisions.

Sensory Details

Use sensory details to bring your town to life. How is this important for writing a fictional town? It describes the sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Make your readers feel like they’re walking the streets of your fictional town.

A black and white comic-style illustration featuring several characters in a kitchen. At the top, a woman with short hair holds a cake and says, 'Well aren't you sweet.' Nearby, a man is serving another person who comments, 'It's very early...' with a thought bubble reading, 'Miss Scarlett please ask.'

In the center panel, a man with dark hair looks serious while holding a whisk, with a speech bubble stating, 'I trust your skills better than mine since I’d blow this place up if I tried baking anything.' Behind him, a woman holds a bowl and a man stands behind her saying, 'Miss Scarlett I think it’s best to leave Master Thomas alone.'

The bottom panel shows baking ingredients and utensils on a counter, including a bowl of flour and a decorated cake. Example for the "How to Write a Fictional Town" Lesson. — A comic panel showcasing a close up of Thomas’ kitchen featured from “I Married a Monster on a Hill” – The Birthday Dilemma (Part 1)

Step 6: Keep It Consistent when Writing a Fictional Town

Consistency is Key

How you write a fictional town is to keep track of details to maintain consistency throughout your story. Use your map and notes to ensure that locations, distances, and characteristics remain the same.

A black and white comic-style illustration with several panels. The first panel shows a close-up of a man’s surprised face with the text 'John?' The following panels show the same man looking confused and saying 'Where?' as he sees another character sitting by a fence. A butterfly with a speech bubble says, 'Grow up big and strong! In the sun you'll smile and find where you belong.'

A long-haired man smiles and says, 'G'morning Beverly!' while the man standing says, 'Oh, Hugh.' In the next panel, the long-haired man, Hugh, is seen sitting by the fence, and the man says, 'John’s right–' The final panel shows both characters near the fence, with Hugh sitting and looking thoughtful. Example for the "How to Write a Fictional Town" Lesson. — A comic panel showcasing Hugh’s garden featured from “I Married a Monster on a Hill” – The Birthday Dilemma (Part 1)

Evolve Over Time

Just like real towns, your fictional town should evolve. How to write it? Show how it changes over time, whether through new developments, changes in leadership, or shifts in the community.

A comic panel showcasing Oscar, Opal and their moving van featured from “I Married a Monster on a Hill” – The Birthday Dilemma (Part 1)

Need a Check-list for the “How to Write a Fictional Town” Lesson?

Creating a believable fictional town and how to write it takes time and attention to detail, but it’s worth it. By starting with a map, defining the town’s history, developing key locations, creating a sense of community, integrating the setting into your narrative, and maintaining consistency, you can craft a setting that feels as real as Willowgrove Hills in “I Married a Monster on a Hill.” Now, go build your own unforgettable town and watch your readers get lost in its charm. How will you write your fictional town?

Fictional Town Writing Checklist

by Emily Maine

Step 1: Start with a Map

Draw It Out

Sketch a rough map of your town.
Include major landmarks like town squares, parks, schools, and key buildings.

Think Geography

Consider the geographical features surrounding your town.
How do these features influence the town’s development and daily life?

Step 2: Define the Town’s History

Create a Backstory

When was the town founded? By whom?
What major events have shaped its development?

Cultural Influence

Determine the cultural influences that shape the town.
Are there unique traditions, festivals, or holidays?

Step 3: Develop Key Locations

Landmarks and Hangouts

Identify key locations in your town.
Describe these places vividly.

Local Businesses

Populate your town with local businesses.
Who runs the bakery? What’s the vibe of the local bar?

Step 4: Create a Sense of Community

Diverse Inhabitants

Fill your town with a diverse cast of characters.
Each person should have their own story and role in the community.

Community Dynamics

Think about the social dynamics in your town.
Are there local politics, rivalries, or alliances?

Step 5: Integrate the Setting into Your Narrative

Weave It In

Integrate descriptions of the town naturally into your narrative.
Show how the setting influences your characters’ lives and decisions.

Sensory Details

Use sensory details to bring your town to life.
Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and textures.

Step 6: Keep It Consistent

Consistency is Key

Keep track of details to maintain consistency throughout your story.
Use your map and notes to ensure that locations, distances, and characteristics remain the same.

Evolve Over Time

Show how your town changes over time.
New developments, changes in leadership, or shifts in the community.

A promotional image of Reginald's (from "I Married a Monster on a Hill") Willowgrove Writing Tips series. The image is covered in scrapbook paper and tape with characters surrounding him in the background.

About the “Willowgrove Writing Tips” Series

Welcome to the “Willowgrove Writing Tips” Series, inspired by “I Married a Monster on a Hill.” This collection of articles offers free writing advice inspired by Katya Stec and Tatiana Stec, who have over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. They’ve interviewed creators, editors, agents, publishers, and industry experts, and have been creating reaction and review content online for over a decade. Bookmark these pages for insights and tips to enhance your storytelling. Dive into Willowgrove Hills and learn how to create relatable, engaging stories.