Someone asked me this question.... and my answer was a very definite yes!

I'm finding by doing this, that my characters are becoming more real, I am looking at areas that I might have missed, the demographics, the cultural and political aspects, which though not part of my story, are relevant. I'm even visualizing the Tatoo parlour where some of my story is played out, in much more detail that I might have, as I work on my floorplan.

So yes, definitely! So I just wanted to say a huge resounding thank you! This is working out so awesomely! {Oops, there's a "ly" word) and it's thanks to this forum, this activity, and to the people here, that are making it all possible.