These days I think a good tip for writing a timeless story is to have no datable technology in it, so you can't stuff it up! If I'm doing an era, then it is usually pre 1900 because you can keep away from most electronic/"modern" stuff, bar the occasional street lighting, or present day (because I know what the technology is and generally don't stuff it up). I re-read all my Trixie Belden recently and was puzzled when the kids got on a plane to go show someone a photo before remembering it was late 70s and that emails didn't exist.           From Osirantinous

I was trying to write a story for a contest in Steampunk. How to act and write in the 1800's with some machins and gears thrown in, I gave up. Its too hard. I'll have to reaqd more steampunk stories.           From Quick-Quill

Fine News Letter. You can stay pretty straight if you live through the time. I was twenty in 1960 and had my first VCR in the 70's and still have two today.           From Monty

I haven't thought about stories (although looking at an old novel it was rather funny), but I was watching some old 80s and 90s shows the other day and it was rather amusing to see the different tech. That's another way to help with setting your stories in my opinion.           From Shanachie

Two rules I try to follow when introducing characters in a story (especially a novel). One, don't reveal everything right away. Provide enough details to generate interest, then build on that as you go through the story. Two, don't introduce a character until they're relevant. It does no good to introduce a character in chapter one who won't even be a factor for six more chapters.

As for a confusing novel, I give you "The Minotaur" by Stephen Coonts. He strayed far from his expertise (naval aviation) to go into a story of intrigue and espionage over military secrets. The military writing was good. The espionage? So convoluted that it looked liked he got lost while writing it!           From SkyHawk - Into The Music

Great newsletter, Cinn. Names are so important and mixing between using first and last times in a story can be massively confusing (and usually gets out of hand for the author too).

I sometimes have an issue with gender-free names - once getting through an entire chapter before Shane adjusted her skirt and I went 'whaaaaat, a skirt??????' Nothing prior indicated Shane was female! So actions and descriptions are important to help a reader out.           From Osirantinous

That name choices would have stopped me as other things that make you look back to find what a writer is talking about. Thank you for a fine N/L           From Monty

Character names are as important as the plot. I loved your idea that one unusual name is memorable. Two are forgettable. Great point. I loved this NL. Keep them coming.           From Quick-Quill