Hi, I'm trying to remember a word that's on the tip of my tongue, and I hope I can describe it sufficiently to get an answer.

It's a word meaning to give something a semblance of reality. Writers will research a topic and put enough of their research into a novel to get this effect. Argh, what's that word? A touch of... something. I can't remember. It's akin to reality, but not quite.

Okay now Im frustrated! Lol. Its on the tip of my tongue as well... try using the thesauraus? That's what Im going to do and Ill get back to you if I find what I THINK you are looking for!

Donnee-the main premise or complex of events and forces used as the basis for the development of the plot in a novel, play, etc.

Realism?

Authenticity?

Those are all good, but the one I was looking for was verisimilitude! Thanks so much for your help. I managed to find it shortly after posting the question!

Nice! Don't you hate it when that happens, and love it when you finally get the word you were looking for!

Also verisimilar: meaning to have the appearance of truth :)

Veracity is a nice word too: habitual observance of truth