Greetings, SE’ers! Beem Weeks here with you again. Today, I am going to share some brief thoughts on writing those things in which the author may not believe—or even agree with.
Can we, as authors, write about those things in which we don’t believe? I honestly never gave much thought to such a notion—until a young woman questioned me about the subject of reincarnation. For the record, I do not believe we will come back into this world as another person or animal or insect or tree after we die.
So, what exactly prompted such a line of questioning? The woman asking had recently read a story I wrote entitled The Distance. It’s a short piece of fiction about a middle-aged man named Richard Metzger coming face to face with a blond-headed five-year-old boy who may or may not be the reincarnation of his younger brother. I left the story open-ended, allowing the readers to form their own opinions as to whether the boy is indeed Richard’s late brother or not.
As writers, we’re all familiar with Mark Twain’s call to Write what you know. I’ve written many stories over the years—some going back decades. I can recall the origins of most of my creations. I remember the germination of The Distance as if I wrote it yesterday. But to claim I’ve only written what I know, well, that would be a lie. I know next to nothing about most of the subjects on which I’ve written. This is where research becomes vital to us writers.
Back to my original question. Can we, as authors, write about those things in which we don’t believe? The answer is a resounding yes! An atheist can write an intelligent and thought-provoking story of a character with great faith in a Higher Power. A warm and sensitive soul can create dark and sinister characters and stories that might curl the toes of his or her readers.
I have my own set of beliefs. These have evolved over the course of my life—I owe that to spiritual growth and hard-learned lessons. However, my stories are not bound by these beliefs. I can—and do—write stories and create characters that do not fit into my own system of beliefs.
Murder mysteries aren’t created by psychopaths who secretly yearn to kill—at least I hope not. I’ve yet to meet a genuine time traveler—as far as I know—but I’ve enjoyed many stories crafted around that very subject. Do those authors really believe time travel is possible? Can they see beyond the myriad obstacles involved such an undertaking? Some do, others don’t. It doesn’t really matter when creating a tale of fiction.
Writers must rely on more than simple research of a subject. Writers must possess a fluid imagination capable of considering even the darkest of characters or the wildest stretching of reality. When we breach our comfort zone, we often find our best work. So, unshackle your imagination and consider new ideas.
I feel like it’s a kind if spectrum. Like if you want to write about a topic in great detail, it’s best to know a bit about it but if not, it can take a lot of research
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Research is always a good idea, Justin. Thanks for adding your thoughts.
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Interesting topic about the notion of writing about what we know or what we don’t know.
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Thank you for stopping by and visiting.
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How did you know? Lol I am so new to this.
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Great topic! Perfect question by the way, in my opinion we should write when we have the inspiration and about something we love to write about!
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Good idea, Andy! I agree.
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I so much admire this
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Thank you, Victory. I am happy to find your comment here.
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I totally agree, Beem. If I only wrote what I know, it would be a dreadfully boring book! Happy Writing!
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You’ve spoken the truth, Diana! Imaginations are such wonderful tools.
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You have enough courage beem. Go for it…💐
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Thanks, Rupesh.
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Nice one ❤️
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Thanks for stopping by to visit!
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Reblogged this on wordrefiner.
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I appreciate the reblog, Mark. Much thanks.
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The human imagination knows no bounds and what you’ve said here rings true with that. Authors who write fantasy are great examples. I love reading about worlds and circumstances that don’t exist in our so-called normal world. Research cannot be overstated! Great piece, Beem!
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Thank you for adding your voice to the discussion, Jan! I am grateful.
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I think the right question is … Write about those things in which we don’t agree to share in front of crowd? . Period
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Interesting take, Rupesh.
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Excellent clarification on writing what we know. We need the inspiration to create, but we must still research. 🙂
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It’s a package deal, Debby. Inspiration and research go hand in hand when creating new worlds and characters. Thank you for stopping by today. It’s always a pleasure to read your comments.
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Thank you Beem 🙂
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Love this post, Beem. If I only wrote what I know my books would be extremely wearisome. I love researching about things I don’t know. As Robbie pointed out, research is much easier these days than it was in Mark Twain’s time.
Interesting that you mentioned reincarnation and time travel. I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of time travel and wrote a short story a few years back where a character traveled back in time to the World War II era. Talk about fun with research for that one! Recently, I wrote another short story (yet to be published) where a character was possibly reincarnated. Do I believe in either time travel or reincarnation? No, but both are sure fun to write about.
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Thank you for adding your voice to this conversation, Joan. Your words are spot on. We don’t have to believe in a subject to have fun writing about it. That’s what makes this craft such a joy.
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Great question, Beem, and post 🙂 I write about things I believe in and write from a killer’s perspective, which I have not been exposed to. My characters may have completely different beliefs than mine because that is necessary to the story. That is when research comes in handy. I am not my characters even if they have inherited some of my characteristics. I do explore my beliefs in stories and other’s beliefs too.
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I love your line: My characters may have completely different beliefs than mine because that is necessary to the story.
That says a lot in one small sentence, Denise. As writers, we write what is necessary to the story. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
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Beem, your post is spot on!
I often get asked about my beliefs because of the types of stories I write. Most are ghost fiction or involve mediums, haunted houses, and the like. Yet, I would never set foot in a suspected haunted house, attend a ghost walk, participate in a seance, or a psychic reading. That usually shocks people when the truth comes out. But I do enjoy the what if” possibilities those things conjure and like exploring them in stories.
I also love folklore and monster legends and can happily spend days immersed in research.
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The “what if” is what matters most to me. I don’t have to believe in the subject at hand. If it fits the story and moves it forward, that’s all I need. I’m with you, Mae. I would never participate in a seance or psychic reading. But I sure have no problem creating characters who would. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
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I think, at least for fiction writers, testing the bounds of our imagination is the thing that draws us to storytelling. We want to escape reality and we can’t do that if we only write about what we know.
Great post, Beem.
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Succinctly truthful, your words, Jacquie. I am in agreement with you. Thanks for joining the discussion.
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We, as authors, want to escape reality, and I assume readers do to.
Personally, I avoid stories that mention the pandemic for that reason. I wonder if others have subjects they’d rather not read about?
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I avoid Covid stories, as well. It’s been the focal point for all of us for long enough, I don’t want to read about it in the books I turn to for escape
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Thought provoking post, Beem. Here’s another take. We can only write what our brain knows. The theme of your post is something I have pondered and read about for many years. Whatever world we create for our writing is based on experiences and information we store in our memory. The brain cannot create something it has no knowledge of, only a concept based on a lived experience. I would include reading about another’s lived experience as part of this. That is probably why research is a vital part of writing. I’m not offering this thought as an authority but to gauge what you and other writers think.
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I am in agreement, Davy. Research is vital to anything a writer creates outside of his or her own experiences. We must also have a rich imagination for those worlds that do not exist. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
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I expect our brains know a lot that doesn’t come from personal experience, Davy – like reading books, watching documentaries…
How often have you watched a quiz show on TV – if you do – answered a question correctly, and then been unable to explain hoe you knew.
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Great post, Beem. Other than my memoir, the worlds I create are not ones I know. The military thrillers required much research, but I’ve never been on an active military base. I’ve only visited decommissioned bases and used my imagination. The writing process opens our world to realms we may not have considered before, and that makes writing an extraordinary gift — which you’ve captured beautifully. Bravo!
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Thank you for your insight, Gwen. Your military thrillers are a perfect example. Your research and imagination bring those tales to vivid reality on the pages. Thank you for sharing.
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Enjoyed your post and all of the comments that go with it. I’m sort of with Craig’s opinion. Our imagination can take us anywhere, but the things that ground a story–like emotions–are what I consider “write what you know.”
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Very good point, Judi. We cannot get so busy in creating worlds and characters that we leave out what we do know: emotions, lived experiences, feelings. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
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Reblogged this on The Indie Spot! and commented:
I have a new post on Story Empire. Come on over and take a look around. There are all sorts of great articles for writers and readers alike.
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I find research fascinating, therefore, I write what I have learned. Do I include what I know in my stories? Of course, that is a good starting point. it gives me a base from which to create the unknown, what I have found. I believe you need a mix of both to grow. There are times I have more research accumulated than what I actually have written in my WIP.
Learning something new helps us grow as authors, and my preferred genre is suspense, thriller. I even love horror when written well.
Loved the post, Beem.
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Thank you for adding to the discussion, Michele. I love research for the learning as much as for the stories I write. I’ve also accumulated much more material than needed at times. But it’s always there–should I need it for another story.
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I like “write what you want to know.” This is why I do research for anything I want to write about@
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Fantastic approach, Noelle. Research is my favorite part in the process–next to the actual writing of the story. Thanks for joining the discussion.
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I like the way Staci stated it – “write what you want to know”. If I only wrote about what i know, it would be a pretty small slice of the pie to choose from. It’s the “otherworldly” that fascinates me, so that’s what I choose to write about. And occasionally get lost down rabbit holes because of it.
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I like getting lost down those rabbit holes, Teri. Otherworldly is a lot of fun to write. Thank you for stopping by today.
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I loved your thought expressed by this sentence, “Writers must possess a fluid imagination capable of considering even the darkest of characters or the wildest stretching of reality.” I totally agree with your premise and try to stretch the boundaries whenever possible. Super post, Beem.
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I enjoy your work, John. You are masterful in stretching boundaries and taking readers on a fascinating ride. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
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Wow, thanks for the compliment, Beem. 😁
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Enjoyed this post, Beem
And esp this
“When we breach our comfort zone, we often find our best work. “
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I’m glad you liked this post, Prior! Thank you for stopping by today.
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☀️😊📚
I also didn’t know The origin of that write what you know quote!
And maybe I would say “write what your passionate about or interested in because the energy and essence will trickle into your work and the reader will feel that”
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Oh and one more thing
The note about how we do research was great!
And not sure if you saw the movie “Grace” (2018 Amazon Prime) well it has a nice little scene in there where the troubled author explains why he has so many books – for future research for book ideas!!
Ah! It made me feel better about the remaining books I feel clingy with-//
The movie has a few not-so-great parts but I really liked so much of it
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😊
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If writers only wrote what they knew, fantasy novels wouldn’t exist at all because by definition, it doesn’t exist. We use what we know and where our imagination takes us to create incredible stories. Great post, Beem! 🙂
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Great comment, Yvette. So true. Without imagination, much of the written works we so love would not exist. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
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I can’t remember where I saw it, but someone changed “write what you know” to “write what you want to know.” I’ve always taken that to heart. I’m interested in many things but haven’t formally studied most of them. But I love research, and I use that love to inform the stories I want to tell. I’ve written about secret societies, alchemy-granted superpowers, grisly serial killers, time travel, centuries old demons, aliens and ancient artifacts, medical oddities, military expertise… I haven’t lived these things. But they interested me, so I learned what I needed to know to write the stories I wanted to tell. I love this post because it speaks to an issue I’m passionate about. Thanks for the thoughtful post.
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Wow! You’ve got some doozies for subject matter, Staci. I am a huge fan of research. I love discovering what I previously didn’t know. And I love writing the dark stuff as much as the uplifting. I never understood Twain’s “write what you know”, but I prefer the “write what you want to know” line you’ve shared. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
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Wonderful post, Beem. I always include something that nobody could know in my stories. I try to take the old saw as relating more to emotions and daily task type issues, even if people are on another planet.
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That’s a great approach to writing, Craig. Your stories are unique, and they have the power to really pull readers into these worlds you create. Thanks for adding your voice to the conversation.
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I forgot to say reblogged. I think this deserves a wider audience. 🙂
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Thanks for the reblog, Sarah. Much appreciation.
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I think writing only what we know can box us in and stifle creativity. I enjoy writing about places I’ve never visited as it gives me a good excuse to watch interesting YouTube videos. 🙂 I just have to be careful not to get sucked down into the rabbit hole. Interesting thoughts, Beem!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, Jill. I do a lot of YouTube watching for some of my story ideas. Research today is easier than in the past. Sometimes even the rabbit holes can relinquish interesting angles we’ve not considered.
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I’m glad you raised this, Beem. I wrote about a slave in Roman Britain, and a young Viking girl in Britain, too. I have no idea what it was like to live in those times, only my research.
Writing what you know will fix writing to modern times only, and the society in which you live. There would be no science fiction, no historical fiction, no murder mysteries, no fantasy, no dystopian novels (imagine no 1984 or Brave New World, classics of that genre), and many more.
Thank you for a sensible take on this.
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You’ve spelled it out quite wonderfully, Vivienne. We need imagination and a certain fearlessness when creating our own brave new worlds. Thank you for participating in the conversation today.
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Reblogged this on and commented:
A new take on an old adage.
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Thanks, Sarah.
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Hi Beem
The consensus so far seems to be we can, and should, write about what we don’t know, or, more importantly, believe.
My first few books were steamy romance – few complaints about content. Next, I tried closed-door romance. So many people, fortunately not all in Amazon reviews, then criticised characters’ use of mild bad language; it went against their Christian principles to read it. So, there was a market for Christian romantic suspense, but am I Christian? In as much as I was christened and confirmed, yes, but I had, and still have, doubts. However, I rewrote all three books and they sell, mainly in America. I also write crime thrillers, and I am not 1) a closet serial killer 2) ex-police in any capacity, 3) a drug dealer – murderer… thief… You get the picture. What I do have, other than Internet resources already mentioned, are friends. Most of them I’ve never met, but they are incredibly generous with information. I think we all are, so if anybody has questions about the inside story of London’s West End theatres feel free to email. authorsarahstuart@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to answer.
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You hold a wonderful take on this subject, Sarah. Though my stories are not rife with cuss words, my characters tend to drop a few here and there. I am a Christian. My study of the scriptures has been ongoing for more than 25 years (and I’m still learning). So, imagine when one of my characters drops an f-bomb. I’ve heard about it. “Can’t you have them sound mean without swearing?” a person once asked me. Well, no. That would render my characters fake. A gangster or a drunk or a murderer will use harsh language–and, often, commit harsher actions. It’s reality. I write stories that I hope come off as authentic. Though I am firm in my faith, I’m not writing for a particular audience. I’ve even told those within my church that my work is secular. I’m not preaching a message in these stories–though many of my characters find redemption. I’m merely entertaining my readers. In reality, people cuss, they smoke cigarettes, they do drugs, they engage in sex, they lie, they cheat, they steal, and they kill–just as they did in the Bible. It’s part of the human experience. As the Bible clearly tells us, we are all sinners. Well, so are my characters. Thank you for opening a new line of dialogue on the subject, Sarah.
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It does bother me how “write what you know” seems to have morphed into “write only what you know” – I think writing should involve research and imagination to create stories and characters that aren’t necessarily one’s own lived experience.
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I agree with you 100%. Imagination and research should be a writer’s two best resources. Thank you for joining the conversation.
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Personally I like looking it up things, info, and have some knowledge on it. Yet there is a limit to education however unbounded to infinity in imagination. Just with knowing the word/ item/ thing – as it can be whatever you like.
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I also write a lot about what I don’t believe in or know much of. That’s where research comes into play for me. If I don’t research when writing something, it doesn’t really feel right.
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I am a staunch researcher as well, Reeydah. It’s the best way to find authenticity in your story. Thank you for stopping by today.
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Yes! And it’s a good way to learn more about topics/beliefs you would otherwise never look up.
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True
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Sometimes the reason I stop researching to deep into it because I get sidetracked and become flabbergasted by what I dawn onto. Yet so much that I lose the previous notion I was on. As I still dislike that for I actually want to start and finish what I started. Not start and start and start. And start… well you get the picture lol
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I have always understood that it’s a writers job to create the reality. Some of my best reads are about impossible situations!
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Well said! It’s the writer’s job to create the reality of the story! Thanks for chiming in.
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My pleasure, Beem…
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Hi Beem, an interesting debate. I find it easier to write about places I have actually visited and have a feel for but I am currently writing a novel set in Orange, New Jersey and I’ve never been to America. I am getting feedback on American language and other things from American Beta readers. I am cognisant of the fact that at the time Mark Twain wrote his novels, research would have been a lot more difficult for everyone than it is now. I think with so much information available at the other end of a Google search including on-line video tours, we are empower to write things we didn’t know. All my books and stories include things I don’t know like exorcisms, and Ouija Boards
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This is interesting. I’ve travelled a lot and usually use places I’ve visited, including the USA. However, there’s a vast difference between writing, as I often have, based on visits and research, and creating American characters. I’m indebted to Linda Watkins, USA Today best-selling author, for her input into one of my books that involved two English teenagers who’d lived in California most of their lives. Another friend I’ve never actually met. 🙂
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Great points, Sarah. Thanks for sharing.
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It definitely is essential to get local input into characters that are not from your ‘home’ country. Americans have different slang to British people and it’s easy to let ‘bloody’ slip in as its such a popular ‘swear word’ in the UK. Or it was during WW1.
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I didn’t realise “bloody” might be offensive, but I did have to explain to Linda that “shit” is a swear word in the UK. She’d included it – meaning “stuff” as in “all that shit”, in a conversation with a lad’s future ENGLISH father-in-law!
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😂
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Hi and sorry for my delay in reply as I am working on my page and figuring out the platform on different ends. As I’m here no stress although idk who much of a good friend I can be. Since I am a hermit and most of the times in Lala world. As I am told; is not Lala world as much as me actually thinking and processing things. However I am hoping to post more and sure can use a friend to let me know what they think too. For every little bit matters.
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You bring up some fantastic points, Robbie. I’ve written one short story set in a town with which I’m familiar. I’ve never thought about the fact that 99% of my stories are set in towns or states or countries I’ve never visited. Even American English differs from region to region. One must consider accents and dialects unique to certain areas. You are so correct that research in Twain’s era would have been laborious, and, in some cases, impossible. We are fortunate to be writing in this era. Thank you for visiting today.
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