 Drama: May 06, 2020 Issue [#10162] |
This week: Contemporary Problems Edited by: NaNoKit  
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Do you know your TikTok from your Insta? Your BTS from your EXO? Is 'on fleek' in or out now?
This week's Drama Newsletter is all about writing stories set in a contemporary environment.
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I've just got myself a smartphone. I know. I am only a decade or two behind the times. It wasn't always like this. When I was younger I loved technology, and enjoyed keeping up with what was new (when I could afford it, that is), but as the years passed I somehow lost interest. I had regular mobile phones but hardly ever switched them on, let alone used them. I didn't see the point. I've a landline, and a laptop, and what more did I need? Nothing, really. I didn't need a smartphone. I still don't, but now that I have one it's kind of nice having those cameras and being able to WhatsApp stuff to my mom and sis. It's a fun gadget. I'm certain that me calling it that ages me terribly, because for many people a smartphone has become a necessity.
I think it's like how, when I was a teenager, I found it impossible to understand when adults showed ignorance about the latest hits. How could they not know this band, or that song? I promised myself that I would never let that happen to me, but of course it did. My lack of knowledge of current music drives younger me to despair. And I don't get a lot of current music, either. The vocals don't sound natural to me, like they're over-processed, and I don't know why but that appears to make it difficult for me to connect to the artist and what they're singing about. It's as though there's a digital distance.
I'm slightly more up-to-date with TV series. Unfortunately, there's a trend of graphic violence and gore, and 'subverting expectations' through the use of – in my opinion – unnecessary shock factors, so I have to avoid a significant amount of popular shows. Still, I've got my Netflix and my Prime and my Disney+ and can usually keep up with conversations about what's what.
The above-mentioned trend also affects movies, of course, and I can't say that there have been many films I've been interested in as of late.
If you're anything like me, you might find yourself struggling when you want to write a story set in a contemporary environment. This is especially the case when your target audience includes younger age groups. Do you know your TikTok from your Insta? Your BTS from your EXO? Your Animal Crossing from your Fortnite? Is 'on fleek' in or out now? What does it mean when people respond with F to a Reddit post?
Naturally, you don't have to know everything. You just need to know enough to make your characters feel at home in their contemporary environment, and relatable to your readers. Perhaps you are a digital native like many younger people are. Hey, perhaps you are a younger person! If you are, you're facing a similar problem of working out common tastes and trends amongst those older than you. Somewhere along the way all of us will find that we'll never be able to make a character relatable to each and every individual, because everyone's different. All we can do is our best for our characters and our audience.
When I read a novel with a contemporary female character I often find that the author expects me to have an interest in fashion and make-up. Many such novels go on about shoes, designer labels, hair and nails – things that I care so little about that it's all a bit alien to me how much of a part they are of the character's life. I understand that I am probably in the minority, however. Perhaps most other women care about fashion to a certain extent, at least. It just goes to show that characters don't have to be exactly like us in order for us to care about them. But when there are similarities they make me sit up and pay attention.
Such a similarity can be an artist we both enjoy, or a show, or a movie. Or one we both dislike, for that matter. These aren't as important as shared world events, and especially not as shared life experiences, but a sprinkling of knowledge about the contemporary adds a touch of realism that forms subtle, yet helpful, connections. And if it is kept to a sprinkling, it shouldn't put off those who don't get it. Balance, as always, is key.
A story needs to feel natural. When writing a contemporary piece you have a base knowledge that is helpful, but there's the downside that if you aren't quite certain about what you're writing about, others will pick up on it. If you aren't quite certain about something, then, don't feel afraid to ask for help. You can leave a note underneath your piece for reviewers or make a post on the newsfeed. There are always people willing to help out. There is no need to be shy. 
Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
NaNoKit
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