[Marvolo]

One benefit is that no one will refute something you say on the basis of "I was there."

Unless your backround is going to be almost a character, I would suggest getting a decent bit of reading done, then making a sort of outline of the area you wish to write about and the time period. Look for quotes from people during your reading. Things like, "People steered clear from the lower end because of the smell of decaying garbage, which attracted a lot of rats." This one quote, along with a photograph and a clear picture in your head of the weather on your fantasy day can give you a good backdrop for a chapter.

Jack walked down the narrow alley. He was forced to look down with every step to ensure his newly shined shoes didn't stray into the garbage that lay about all over the streets of this lowly quarter of London. How despicable these people were, he thought. Here and there, shadows twitched and bucked, hinting at vermin scurrying underneath the trash. The midsummer heat of the day lent a pungent aroma that made his stomach feel weak. Thunder rolled in the distance, nearly drowned out by the loud shouting coming from the next alley over. Jack resented being brought here for the meeting. Whatever the mysterious photographer had on him better be good. Otherwise, a new bit of trash would be attracting rats tonight.


If this description sucks, oh well. I'm just trying to show that the characters are his most important part. That, and a little bit of backround knowledge can go a long way. Take a quote about the place and time and extrapolate what you need to fill in the blanks. It is fiction you're writing after all.