A Style Guide

The Dictionary is primarily the work of two authors, Manguel and Guadalupi. As such, the majority of the entries follow a specific writing style. To ensure complete compatability, all entries written for this site should do their best to emulate this style. The following is a guide to creating those characteristics.

Each entry begins with the name of the place in capital letters, followed by a brief one-line description of what and where it is:

SHERMER, a town in the state of Illinois.

If the exact location is unknown, then it is permissible to print something like:

DARK TOWER, a citadel of unknown location.

The first paragraph should then a brief description of the place's geography:

"There is only one road to Wall, a winding track which eventually becomes a paved road ending in London after a night's drive. To the south of the town is a placid lake fed by several small streams originating in the nearby hills where sheep graze. To the east is more woodland and the wall from which the town earns its name."

This should be followed then by a brief history, and a summary of notable locations. The history would note any major events in the place's history, most likely a summary of the fictional work being researched. The most likely locations to mention would be man-made monuments or historical sites.

All information must be presented as if listed in a travel guide. Do NOT use words like "you" or "one" but instead refer to "the visitor" or "the traveller." Personal comments should be included only so far as their use to a potential visitor to the location:

"Visitors are advised to bring extra water."

"Travellers should avoid the use of fairy magic."

Maps are permissible but should not be included as an essential part of the entry. All references to other entries should be printed in capital letters:

"Located near the HOGWARTS School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the shops of Hogsmeade enjoy booming business on weekends when students in their third year are allowed free rein in the town."

Finally, the bibliography should list the author, title, city (if multiple cities are listed in the book, pick the one closest to where the author lives) and year:

(J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, London, 1999; J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, London, 2000)

If doing a movie, list the title first, then the director:

The Truman Show