One of the common mistakes I’ve seen writers make, and I’m in there as well, is they write from their own life time and for themselves more than for the story and character.
Kleenex is the brand name not the product, so someone from before 1924 would use tissue or a handkerchief. Even then Kleenex is the company name. Hard to use a company to wipe your nose.
Talking with another editor she remarked on a character sounding beyond his stated age. This is the other trap…having your character talk or have interests that are more your own. I grew up with “The Fonz,” but my daughter has no clue who that is or why he’s a television iconic character. If I was to write for her age group and use him as a reference or a favourite of my character, it wouldn’t make sense.
Before you say it, yes if I was reading the story it would make sense to me. But do I write something relatable to my age group or to make the character believable to the intended audience?
Character first; audience second.
If your characters are not real to themselves no one reading will believe them. There goes your story and your audience.
I wish I could remember the book I just read…pleasure reading…where this happened. I was reading along without pausing until about five pages later it dawned on me that the author had put in an element that was not realistic to the story or character. I knew it because I grew up with it. This told me more about the author than the story or character.
The last thing you want to do with your story is give your reader any chance to pull away and think outside the book. You want to keep them well within the pages. Don’t allow them to stop and go “oh yeah I remember that show” or “did they have portable cell phones at that time” or “did they called them panties back then.”
By now you might recognize I don’t like the use of brand names in my reading. I find it distracts from the tale and I don’t always have the same feelings toward something the author wants me to have; therefore taking me out of the story moment. Plus there’s copyright and usage allowances a writer needs to be aware about. With that said, if you are insistent on using a reference…let’s take pop cartoon culture…make sure you use the correct version.
Growing up I had one version of fighting tortoises. They had a distinct look, sound, storyline to them. The latest version I’ve seen…same names, same breed, nope not same look or sound… you’re comparing muscle YA men-tortoises to ________ tween-tortoises.
Let’s use another example…superhero, likes caves and flying rodents. Loved the campiness of the 1966 version. Even enjoyed the 1989 through to 1997 versions. The 2000s’ versions…ehhh, they’re okay. Have you noticed how the cartoon versions have changed, too?
Historical or any time period piece even to the 1960s must be researched. Do not assume something that is around now was around back then.
Write to fit your time period; your character; your story.
Very good advice.
Thanks, Susan.
Great points, Chris. I spend a lot of time researching for my stories, usually just little things. Lately I was trying to find what kind of jewelry was worn during the Civil War era, so my choice of jewelry would be authentic. I don't use Brand names, either, unless absolutely necessary. I don't want to be sued. 🙂
Hi, Beverly. Thank you…I'm always afraid of that suing bit 🙂 Plus like learning instead of brand name/common name fillers