Let's Do the Timewarp: Timeline Inconsistencies and Pop Culture References
In the delicate dance of storytelling, you can sometimes find yourself getting in a muddle. Missteps can lead to awkward moments and jarring inconsistencies within a narrative. In this post, we'll delve into timeline inconsistencies in fiction and the trouble with pop culture references, where a wrong move can instantly date a story.
The Timewarp Tango: Imagine a story where the protagonist whisks out an iPhone in a scene set in the 1990s, or a character expresses their love for a recent pop culture phenomenon in a story set decades ago. These are examples of the timewarp tango, where misjudging the chronological beats can create discordant notes in the reader's experience.
The Danger of Pop Culture References: Pop culture references can add vibrancy and relatability to a narrative, but they come with a double-edged sword. While well-timed references can anchor a story in a specific era, using them without careful consideration can swiftly age the narrative. Readers are savvy, and they can spot anachronisms with the precision of a seasoned time traveler. A mention of the latest smartphone model or a trending meme can instantly place the story within a specific timeframe. When these references clash with the established timeline, it disrupts the illusion of a cohesive narrative world.
I recently edited a brilliant book where the story opened with the main characters watching a popular UK daytime show which started in 2005, then the Spice Girls were being spoken about as if they were a current phenomenon (even though they were huge 10 years before that) and then the characters were discussing which streaming services they wished they had. Halfway through we went forward 18 years and a group of teenagers were listening to a CD collection; (this would be fine if CDs were mentioned as some sort of vintage curiosity, but they weren’t) the teenagers were also aware of recent things like podcasting and Facebook. The book was set in a sort of alternate reality, but having the real names for cultural refs made it confusing and an easy target for those nit-picking Amazon reviewers. I suggested that we changed the pop culture references to similar-sounding alternatives inspired by the originals. This approach provided a decent compromise, allowing the author to maintain the essence of cultural touchpoints while avoiding confusion arising from a mishmash of distinct eras. You either have to ensure water-tight references, or openly declare the use of artistic license in weaving pop culture into your narrative.
As a reader, these kinds of inconsistencies can be frustrating. Take Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls. Although I adore his Starter for Ten, I couldn’t get past the fact that Sweet Sorrow, set in 1997, felt like it was rooted in the 1970s, with characters named Sharon and Gordon, names that simply didn’t fit the late 90s. Having been in school in 1997, I found myself shouting at the book, “NOBODY WOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED SHARON IN 1997!” This discrepancy shattered my trust in the story.
As an author, be mindful of these details. Your readers will notice them—often with laser-like precision.
Strategies for Navigating Timewarp Hazards:
Create a Detailed Timeline: Before embarking on the timewarp, authors should meticulously construct a timeline for their story. This includes not only major plot points but also cultural and technological developments that shape the world of the narrative.
Evergreen References: While pop culture references can enhance storytelling, consider the timeless ones that won't age the story prematurely. Themes of human emotion, relationships, and universal experiences are often safer bets than the latest viral trend.
Check for Consistency: During the editing process, pay close attention to the consistency of references and details throughout the manuscript. Ensure that technology, language, and cultural markers align with the established timeline.
Consider the Story's Timelessness: Some stories are intentionally timeless, existing in a nebulous era detached from specific dates. If this is the case, avoid pinpointing the narrative to a particular time to allow for a broader and enduring appeal.
Pick don’t Mix: Much like an artist selecting a color scheme to evoke a particular mood, authors must curate their pop culture references with care. Picking references from a specific era and adhering to that temporal palette ensures a cohesive reading experience. Mixing references from disparate eras can create jarring discontinuities that disrupt the flow.
Conclusion: In the delicate choreography of crafting fiction, mastering timelines is something that requires finesse and precision. Pop culture references, while potent tools, must be used with care to avoid inconsistencies that can disrupt the narrative flow. By creating detailed timelines, checking for consistency, and considering the story's timelessness, authors can navigate these timewarp hazards, and ensure their tales stand the test of time.
