Researching Settings for novels

A setting should be treated like a character as in you the writer need to know the setting intimately so you don't send your character running toward town rather than away or confuse the reader in some other manner. It is helpful to map the location so you maintain your orientation and it's not bad to have a plan of the house as you move your characters through it.

I research my settings but could do better with detailed maps. My most recent publisher has asked for a map to show the areas my character will move through.

My most recent research led me to route 62 below Hillsboro and to the area of Morrystown. I was there partly to do genealogy research as it is an area where my gramdfather William Ira Stultz's family lived. I met with two cousins while there.

Even though I am not ready to use a certain area yet I file it away for future reference as I also do my ideas for future novels. This goes in folders to be used later.