Imagine having to make sure all the elements in your story remain true and authentic to the period. Historical writers respect their readers. They assume readers know and love the eras they set their stories in, so they make sure the details are as accurate as possible. They research, research, research.
While world building in a futuristic or paranormal story sounds easier, I’m sure ‘just making up alternate and futuristic worlds’ come with their own challenges, such as: being innovative but original and still feasible. So what about those of us who write present day stories – the contemporary novel (set in modern times). I’m here to tell you that we have our own challenges such as: keeping up-to-date with current affairs, trends and – my big challenge – technology.
Truly...I know the thigh bone’s connected to the knee bone, but what’s my iPod connected to? Last I heard a blackberry was a fruit! Argh!
What do you write - past, present or future - and what challenges does that bring to the writing task?
I have no idea where the iPod connects. LOL. I'm writing in the present and the past, even my time travel is going to go back to the past. My imagination doesn't stretch into the future. I wish it did, ummm, no I changed my mind. I don't want it to go there I'd just end up with another lot of characters in my head.
ReplyDeleteI'll stay with my past and present. Great idea for a pst BTW Jenn.
Sandie
Ack Jenn, writing in the past just makes my head spin (possibly something to do with the fact I can't remember what I had for breakfast, let alone working out what people 100 years ago had!).
ReplyDeleteI write contemporary - at least in a few years my kids will be able to tell me what's happaening ;o)
Hi Jenn,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting post. I think writing contemporary is just as hard as the other time periods because your readers are here right now. They won't let you make any teensy weensy errors, whereas fantasy - well, go wild. And historical... did Jane Campion go overboard with the frocks in Bright Star? How would I know? And what about Baz L. in Ors-trail-eeea?
I hope there aren't any historical authors reading this, they'll have my guts for garters.
Just having a bit of Sunday night fun.
Shayne