12/10/2018
Have you ever read something you wrote a while ago? Maybe a long while ago?
Ew, am I right?
Yeah, we all do that – and it’s perfectly normal!
Continue reading “Growing as a Writer – You Will Hate Your Old Work”
Dated References and Why You Should Avoid Them
11/03/2018
How do you want to be remembered as a writer? When I think of some of the great literary classics, I think “timeless.” A great work of fiction should speak to anyone from any time. It should explore the human condition and concepts that should resonate throughout the ages. Love, hate, jealousy, revenge, intrigue, mystery, adventure, humor, satire, life, death, etc. People have been using writing and fiction to explore these themes since writing was invented. They’re timeless.
You know what wrecks a piece of fiction and ruins its ability to be timeless? Dated references! Mentioning a current popular song, musician, hairstyle, fashion, buzzword, the latest movie, or the freshest meme. Things that have not yet proven the test of time DO NOT BELONG IN FICTION!
Continue reading “Dated References and Why You Should Avoid Them”