Writing a story, need answer to price on groceries.?

Question

Hi

I am writing a story in which my lead character has to do some shopping in a small scottish post office and shop setup.

I figure prices are higher there, but with how much? If I check out Sainsbury's prices how much would i need to add to be within a realistic price? 10 % more? or?


Thanks in advance

Answer 1

The problem with setting actual figures to shopping, is that in six months time it will be out of date.

If the story ever gets published it will be two years out of date by the time the book hits the market.



The best thing is to ignore the pricing - after all, if it does nothing to move the story forward it shouldn't be in. Detail like that is boring and should never see the light of day.

If there is REAL significance to it then okay, but ask yourself if there is another way around first.



Hope this helps clear things up a little.

Good luck with your writing.



Anthony James Barnett - author of WITHOUT REPROACH

Answer 2

First off I'd need to know where you come from :P I myself am Scottish so it's easy enough for me to give you a realistic figure, alternatively you could let me know what the character would buy and I could give you the prices. If you were to come from say, England it's roughly the same prices really....



Feel free to contact me, just use my YIM address and at @yahoo.co.uk



:)

Answer 3

If the price difference is significant to the story line (the scene) then you might want to shade it up, say 20%. If it is not significant to the story line then what difference will it make.



When in doubt, as Raymond Chandler suggested, have someone walk into the store with a drawn gun....

Answer 4

Yeah 10% sounds reasonable.

Answer 5

I would go with 10%