I'm curious how other authors handle letting the reader know when a story is taking place. I get tired of writing things like "it was the summer of 1968 ...", etc.
I'm curious how other authors handle letting the reader know when a story is taking place. I get tired of writing things like "it was the summer of 1968 ...", etc.
The header to each chapter of most of my stories usually has the date and location for the start of the chapter. Each chapter moves on from there. A few of my stories don't have specific dates (The Hookup) or days (The Ride), but most do.
A lot depends on context.
Who is the main character?
How precise do you need to be.
An example:
The MC is a high school student. The precise year is unimportant.
Additionally, assuming a standard US school year and a US K-12 education system.
I walked out of school on the final day of my junior year.
Okay, what does this accomplish?
We have established that tomorrow is the first day of summer vacation and the MC's age to within +/- 1 year.
I'm more concerned with historical context; for example, making sure that the reader knows the story occurs prior to smartphones or the internet.
I'm more concerned with historical context;
If it's a real/near real world story, is there a real historical event you can mention that occupies the same time frame?
the story occurs prior to smartphones or the internet.
Show the character using tech from the appropriate time frame:
Using a typewriter.
Using a rotary phone.
Using a pay phone.
Going to the library to do research using dead tree media.
Cars are also good for establishing time frame. Different features became available in different makes/models in different years. Different models begin/end production in specific years.
You can also have the spot a specific make/model/year of car with something like "That's one of the 68 Ford Mustangs that just came out." Or describe the car body styling in enough detail to give a good idea of the model year.
Mention a movie from the desired year. If it's one that has been remade a few times, mention the particular leading man and/or leading lady.
If you set up scenery properly rather than going a minimalist route, you can paint a picture that shows a time frame to within a few years without having to give a date.
You have some good ideas there. I've used the car trick once or twice, but having a character use something like a pay phone or a typewriter is also good. Thanks for the input.
If it's a real/near real world story, is there a real historical event you can mention that occupies the same time frame?
As a corollary to this, I'm just going to mention that it's very important for authors to check their dates when referencing historical events in this way. Our memories are not as good as we think they are.
I recall a fairly significant error in one of aroslav's books. It doesn't affect overall story, but a very memorable scene couldn't possibly have happened due to other historical events referenced. By the time said scene would have occurred, one of the characters was no longer around.
I recall a fairly significant error in one of aroslav's books.
I hope you let him know. IMO aroslav is one of the more meticulous authors when researching stories and I'm sure he'd welcome the feedback.
AJ
I can't recall if that was in the list I sent him or not. I'll check the current version that's up on SOL and see if it's still there.
I'm more concerned with historical context; for example, making sure that the reader knows the story occurs prior to smartphones or the internet.
I'm afraid that for some readers, you are going to have to spell it out. Giving a date or some historically-significant event won't cut it with the dis-educated younger readers.
Just left a conversation with one of those people who had never heard that Alaska was sold to the US by Russia, and had no idea what Sen. Fetterman was talking about when he mentioned the Louisiana Purchase.
They probably know who JFK was, but have no idea that there wasn't YouTube or the internet at the time.
I was recounting to my granddaughters a time in my career when an owner wanted us to change our phone numbers so they were easy for the customer to dial. Instead of our 999-9998 he wanted 212-2212. They had no concept of what a rotary dial phone was.
For me, every day starts with a header saying something like 'Sunday, July 14, 1985' (a day in the chapter that just posted). It's always clear on what day something is happening.
But, then, my story is a do-over in a slowly diverging alternate universe (which started out slightly diverged as well). It makes sense to me to keep everything very firmly anchored in time. The characters would be well aware of the date, and the reader should be, too.
In a story set more in the current day, or one for which references to history are less important, it probably wouldn't work to do that.
That's a great question. Thought you might like to read Google's AI answer:
To effectively inform your reader about when a story is taking place in fiction, incorporate specific details about the time period through descriptions of clothing, technology, social customs, historical events, and even the language used, subtly weaving these elements into your narrative rather than explicitly stating the date; this allows readers to naturally infer the time setting without disrupting the story flow.
Key strategies to establish the time period:
Environmental details:
- Clothing and fashion: Mention specific clothing styles, accessories, or hairstyles associated with a particular era.
- Technology and infrastructure: Describe the type of transportation, communication devices, or buildings present in the setting.
- Social customs and norms: Reflect the social behaviors, gender roles, and societal attitudes of the time period.
Direct references:
- Historical events: Mention significant historical events or figures that can pinpoint the time period.
- Calendar dates: If necessary, use specific dates or seasons to establish the time frame.
Language and dialect:
- Slang and vocabulary: Incorporate slang or vocabulary terms that were prevalent during the time period.
- Grammar usage: Consider subtle grammatical nuances that may be associated with a specific era.
Important considerations:
Balance is key:
Avoid over-explaining the time period by info-dumping, instead, integrate details organically within the narrative.
Contextualize with character interactions:
Use conversations between characters to reveal the time period through their discussions about current events or societal norms.
Consider the story's genre:
Different genres might require a different level of detail depending on the genre conventions.
Example:
Setting: "She stepped into the bustling marketplace, the air thick with the smell of fresh produce, her eyes scanning the rows of vendors selling their wares from wooden stalls, many of them adorned with gaslight lamps."
(Inference: This scene likely takes place in the late 19th century due to the mention of gaslights and the traditional market setting.)
gaslight lamp
Advanced search found zero occurrences of 'gaslight lamp' on SOL but 25 stories contain 'gas lamp'.
Google AI's sentence structure looks rather clunky too.
AJ
Advanced search found zero occurrences of 'gaslight lamp' on SOL
Google or Duck Duck Go "gaslight lamp". It is a thing.
58 SOL stories with "gaslight"
I googled "gaslight lamp". None of the first page results actually use "gaslight" as a single word.
You might see "gaslight" as a single word in the URL and therefore in the link text built by the search engine, but follow the link and you might see "gas light", but no "gaslight".
58 SOL stories with "gaslight"
but a significant proportion of those use gaslight in the modern verbal sense ("Prudence is gaslighting me.")
33 SOL stories with 'gas light'.
Note - Gaslight Lamp can have a very modern interpretation, in which modern electric technology is used to produce a retro-looking lamp. I believe I read that they're trying to phase out the few remaining gas-fueled streetlamps in London with a view to replacing them with modern gaslight lamps which are powered by electricity but look fairly realistic, down to a 'flickering' flame.
AJ
Note - Gaslight Lamp can have a very modern interpretation, in which modern electric technology is used to produce a retro-looking lamp.
The google search I did turned up a number of links to exactly that sort of thing, but no, the actual page describing the lamps did not include "gaslight" as a single word.
I've used many of these techniques, but probably more to accurately represent the time period rather than to define the time period to the reader. Although sometimes to define the time period.
Some interesting ideas here. I think I need to familiarize myself with Google AI, or just AI in general.
I think I need to familiarize myself with Google AI, or just AI in general.
When you do a search on Google (or maybe when the search is formatted as a question), the first result is their AI answer. Then after that comes the old type search results. I didn't specifically ask Google AI (if there is even such an app directly available to us). Note that there's something to click at the bottom of the AI answer for "show more" to get it all.
So my search at Google.com was something like: "In fiction, how do you tell the reader the time period the story takes place". The very first result is "AI Overview" with the AI answer following.
I need to familiarize myself with Google AI, or just AI in general
This is how Meta AI answered the question. A lot of similarities with Google AI.
There are several ways to indicate the time period in which a story takes place without directly stating it. Here are some techniques:
Indirect Techniques
1. Historical Events and Figures
Mention significant events, famous people, or cultural movements specific to the era.
2. Technology and Innovations
Include period-specific technology, inventions, or innovations.
3. Clothing and Fashion
Describe clothing styles, accessories, or trends characteristic of the era.
4. Music and Arts
Reference popular music, literature, art, or entertainment from the period.
5. Architecture and Settings
Describe buildings, landmarks, or interior designs typical of the era.
6. Language and Slang
Use period-specific dialects, vocabulary, or idioms.
7. Cultural Norms and Values
Portray social attitudes, customs, or traditions unique to the time period.
Direct Techniques
1. Date or Year
Explicitly state the year or date.
2. Time-Period-Specific Details
Mention specific events, holidays, or cultural practices.
Subtle Techniques
1. Atmosphere and Mood
Create a nostalgic or period-evoking atmosphere.
2. Character Ages and Birthdates
Indirectly reveal the time period through character details.
Additional Tips
1. Research and Authenticity
Ensure accuracy to maintain immersion.
2. Balance
Avoid overwhelming readers with too much period-specific detail.
By incorporating these techniques, you can effectively transport your readers to the desired time period.
I establish the date in the third paragraph, immediately after describing the general location, but not as info dumps but rather internal thoughts as the MC assess his position in life. From then on mention are only made when convenient to the plot, and are often relative. "The next day..." but specific dates are thrown in often enough to keep the reader grounded, but usually things such as holidays.
It was a dirty, dingy, dying steel town, like several in the valleys surrounding Pittsburgh – but for me, it was home. It was terrifying to picture myself anywhere else - all on my own, not knowing anyone. On the other hand, how could I stay in a place with twenty-five percent unemployment? I'd barely made it through two years of college while living at home and driving to the branch campus on the other side of town. In another two years I'd be out on my own regardless.
I looked at the calendar on the wall. Friday, July 20, 1979. Six weeks until school started again. Six months until a new decade, just over a year until I could vote for president for the first time. The day itself meant nothing to me. I grabbed a sock off the floor, balled it up, and fired it at the calendar.
In this example, you don't need to state the date at all. The second paragraph could be:
It was six weeks until school started again. Six months until a new decade. Just over a year until I could vote for president for the first time. Would I vote to give Jimmy Carter a second term? That would depend on who ran against him. ...
A year until Carter runs for re-election establishes the year. You established the season with, "Six weeks until school." If the day of the week is relevant, you can always drop that in later, with something like, "Another Friday night and nothing to do."
I could have, but wanted to set a specific date at the start, and used the calendar as the vehicle. I trust the readers to understand a lot of subtext, but here didn't want them doing too much mental gymnastics.
In most of my stories I include as "Chapter Headers" the Day, Month, and Year: Saturday 18 May 2019 (for example).
The first story I started posting here many dates are important to events. Both fictional events, and historical events. Early on I have a "flashback" scene. It is an epic story, and I am still writing it, but based upon the advice of many, I am not posting until complete.
Meanwhile, I keep writing, (for several hours, or more) at least three days a week. I am writing several different stories. Many of those stories are connected. I have split them into several series. I keep a "Master Timeline" to keep straight for me what has occurred to particular characters.
I am mostly posting individual "chapters" that are a "complete" short story. The dates will allow a reader to figure out, if they care, when particular stories occur, and perhaps have some context for character change.
The (particularly extended) government shutdowns (in Washington state in particular) had significant effects upon my life, and my writing. Some things in the real world significantly changed that will affect events in my stories. So, the dates, as well as events, may, or may not be obvious. Observant readers might be able to guess when events are occurring (pre 2020, or post 2022) but others might think "this wouldn't occur because...
So, I believe that I need to add specific dates to put things in context to other stories. Most of my stories, individually, wouldn't require a specific date.
I enjoy reading big stories with many characters. So, I have been writing stories like that. However, I understand the need to post complete stories. So, I am posting only completed stories; effectively portions of a bigger story, Specific dates provide, I believe, a necessary context.
As a reader, I applaud the way Maius-6 does it - full day and date at the top of each chapter. Very often, in reading an SOL story, I find myself asking - "What year did this happen?" - and cannot find the answer. I prefer to read stories where the author doesn't make me work to much
I don't include the day of the week in mine, but that's how I choose to do things. Each chapter header gets a date (military/close to European style – Day Number, Written Month, Year Number with a location).
Using timeanddate.com helps a lot...
Using timeanddate.com helps a lot...
I use that site a lot as well.
On the other hand, I have seen plenty of places in the military that used 0YYYYMMDD for their date format.
Where YYYY is the four digit year, MM is the two digit month, and DD is the two digit day.
I've seen that, too.
2025/01/16, 16/01/2025, 01/16/2025, 16 January 2025, Jan 16, 2025 ... The list is seemingly endless.
The DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY thing can be a bit confusing to someone used to the opposite way of doing things, but as long as the reader can figure it out relatively quickly...
can be a bit confusing to someone used to the opposite way of doing things
The solution is to spell out the month instead of using MM
I tend to use YYYY-MM-DD except in my stories (where I use the Month Day, Year as it's easier for readers. So if a form calls for my birthdate its 1963-02-02 (except if they have the __/__/____ on the form).
The most important reason for me to use YYYY-MM-DD is if you use it in file names, it makes sorting MUCH easier.
The ending a file name with FileNmae-YYYY-MM-DD is a handy way to date files as well.
The ending a file name with FileNmae-YYYY-MM-DD is a handy way to date files as well.
Which is basically exactly what I wrote in the last line of my post! :-)