In my second pass through it hit me that my story is set 30 years ago (another reason for beta readers!). So, of course, I needed an era appropriate bike. Voila! Jake now owns a GSX 1100. (Isn't the internet a wonderful thing?)
Okay, so quick lesson - check your facts, proof your work, and know what you are talking about. Or at least use Google.
Plus, in my case, a specific reference to Jake's Suzuki GSX 1100 helps establish the story's time setting.
Of course, relentless branding or specific references can get old. You don't want to label every item in your story with a logo - someone might wonder if you're being paid for product placement. :) So pepper them throughout your story with a restrained hand. That way, when you do add a detail that has a specific image tied to it, the effect can be quite engaging, especially if used as a metaphor or in a simile.
Here's one that I'm partial to. My protagonist, Worm, is a teenager in the early '80s, so he grew up in the '70s, obviously. He's teased relentlessly and after coming in late to school, he's self-conscious and awkward. The teacher points him to a chair in the back of the room. So with that set up: "The class, as if watching a final kill shot on Pong, followed him to his desk." Specific, visual, and an era appropriate reference. At least I assume it is ... I better check Google.
Definitely something that needs to be done...of course, when you're creating worlds like I do, timelines from Earth history aren't as important. ;-)
ReplyDeleteTimelines, maybe not. But some basic physics in space, definitely. Every hear a rocket engine roar in a vacuum? lol - oh yeah, that's right, it does happen in space opera ;) (just teasing!)
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