What are the advantages and disadvantages of setting a story in a made up country, compared to a real one?

Question

I have story ideas that involve civil wars or revolutions happening while a character is travelling. I was wondering what would be the advantages and disadvantages of setting such a story in a made up country, compared to a real one.

Answer 1

Hi.

I have experimented with both.

The good thing about making up your own setting is that it is easier to avoid discrepancies and plot holes, or parts that don't line up right. You really only will have to focus on the parts of the setting which the characters interact with. However, this type of setting is not as immersive as the other kind when it works.

If you use a real setting or scenario, you will have to connect up all the loose ends so that the story remains believable. If you are able to do this, the setting becomes far more immersive and impressive, but this takes knowledge of all of the settings and events to which your story alludes.