Hey everyone!
I'm a writer from New York working on a crime novel set in Seattle in 2016. I'm researching the city because I want to portray it as a real, lived-in place rather than simply use it as a backdrop. I've been reading about Seattle's neighborhoods, history, music, changing economy, and local culture, but I'd love to hear from people who actually experienced the city.
I'm especially interested in the everyday details that outsiders might overlook.
A few things I'd love to hear about:
Everyday life: What did an ordinary day in Seattle feel like in 2016? What did people do after work, where did they hang out, and what were the little routines of daily life?
Neighborhoods:How did places like Capitol Hill, Ballard, Pioneer Square, the Central District, Georgetown, and South Seattle differ? Which areas had distinct personalities that an outsider might miss?
The city's atmosphere: How would you describe Seattle's personality back then? What did people complain about, joke about, love, or take for granted.
Local culture:What music were people listening to? What was the nightlife like? Any local businesses, venues, hangouts, or cultural scenes that really defined the period?
The changing city:How noticeable were Amazon, the tech boom, rising rents, and neighborhood changes in everyday life? How did those changes affect different kinds of people?
The little details:Local expressions, food, stores, public transportation, weather, social habits, or anything else that would make a fictional portrayal feel authentic.
What fiction gets wrong: Are there common stereotypes or recurring mistakes you notice when Seattle appears in books, films, or television?
I'm particularly interested in the perspectives of people who lived in Seattle around 2016, although anyone with relevant knowledge is welcome to contribute.
I know one Reddit thread can't teach me everything about a city, and I'll continue researching independently. I'm just hoping to learn from people's personal experiences and discover details I might never find in a general history or travel guide.
If you lived in Seattle during that period, what's something about the city you think a writer should understand before attempting to portray it?
Thanks! I really appreciate any insight you can share.