How Do You Use Verisimilitude In Fiction?
Verisimilitude is extremely important in fiction. It is how the writer is able to bring an approximation of the real world into her stories. When you bring elements of the real world into your fiction, you create enough authenticity that your readers are willing to “suspend disbelief” and become engaged. Write realistic dialogue. While dialogue doesn’t necessarily have to be written exactly the way real people speak (real people use “uhs” or “ahs” for pauses, for instance), it should be close enough to capture the verisimilitude of real speech. Examples: People often contract their verbs and use colloquialisms or incomplete sentences. Use realistic settings. Unless you’re writing sci-fi or fantasy, make sure the settings are as approximate to the world you’re creating as possible. If it is in an office setting, include details that are familiar. For instance, your office workers might use Mac computers, or the office manager might drink out of a mug with the company’s logo on it. Be ac
