Quick writing type question

So, I’ve got an idea for a time travel book. Even got a title, which is rare for me.

The time traveller in question is the main character. Do you think it’s important for him to be seen visiting some important historical events or would it be OK to mention that he did and leave it at that?

The plan at the moment is the later as I worry that it might take you out of the story to stop and say, for example, ‘And here’s the details of me at the crucifixion)’. But maybe I’m wrong and not doing so would annoy readers.

What do you think? Don’t worry, there’s no right or wrong answer.

Will
 

photobucket
 

[ writers anonymous logo ]

photobucket

read the printed word!
 

Log in to write a note
June 16, 2010

It’s really hard to say without reading a draft!

June 16, 2010

It’s really hard to say without reading a draft!

June 16, 2010

It’s really hard to say without reading a draft!

June 16, 2010

Don’t go into too much detail. For example, how Angel mentions he had a drink, or two, with the Rat Pack in Vegas back in the day. Simple.

June 16, 2010

Don’t go into too much detail. For example, how Angel mentions he had a drink, or two, with the Rat Pack in Vegas back in the day. Simple.

June 16, 2010

Don’t go into too much detail. For example, how Angel mentions he had a drink, or two, with the Rat Pack in Vegas back in the day. Simple.

June 16, 2010

Don’t go into too much detail. For example, how Angel mentions he had a drink, or two, with the Rat Pack in Vegas back in the day. Simple.

June 16, 2010

I would use comments to introduce some humor during tense scenes. Like if some guy curses ‘jesus christ’, your traveler could say, “nice guy… good sense of humor.” would really make it a little funnier. Later,

June 16, 2010

I would use comments to introduce some humor during tense scenes. Like if some guy curses ‘jesus christ’, your traveler could say, “nice guy… good sense of humor.” would really make it a little funnier. Later,

June 16, 2010

I would use comments to introduce some humor during tense scenes. Like if some guy curses ‘jesus christ’, your traveler could say, “nice guy… good sense of humor.” would really make it a little funnier. Later,

June 16, 2010

I would use comments to introduce some humor during tense scenes. Like if some guy curses ‘jesus christ’, your traveler could say, “nice guy… good sense of humor.” would really make it a little funnier. Later,

June 17, 2010

The thing is, if he was at a historic event, would it have had an impact? Like could you stop a murder or save a life etc. And if small things carry big waves, what if his kindness convinces someone to change the course of their life? I’m not sure if time travel is really possible for that reason.

June 17, 2010

The thing is, if he was at a historic event, would it have had an impact? Like could you stop a murder or save a life etc. And if small things carry big waves, what if his kindness convinces someone to change the course of their life? I’m not sure if time travel is really possible for that reason.

June 17, 2010

The thing is, if he was at a historic event, would it have had an impact? Like could you stop a murder or save a life etc. And if small things carry big waves, what if his kindness convinces someone to change the course of their life? I’m not sure if time travel is really possible for that reason.

June 17, 2010

The thing is, if he was at a historic event, would it have had an impact? Like could you stop a murder or save a life etc. And if small things carry big waves, what if his kindness convinces someone to change the course of their life? I’m not sure if time travel is really possible for that reason.

June 17, 2010

I think it would be perfectly fine to just mention the historical stuff without going into detail, if the historical stuff isn’t the thrust of the story.

June 17, 2010

I think it would be perfectly fine to just mention the historical stuff without going into detail, if the historical stuff isn’t the thrust of the story.

June 17, 2010

I think it would be perfectly fine to just mention the historical stuff without going into detail, if the historical stuff isn’t the thrust of the story.

June 17, 2010

I think it would be perfectly fine to just mention the historical stuff without going into detail, if the historical stuff isn’t the thrust of the story.

June 18, 2010

I Agree with what others have said here – you don’t need to go in to detail about historical events, just make quick references to them. (I like Peter’s idea too!). Besides, if you don’t go in to detail with that now, you might have the option of making a sequel/series out of it by not using all the pieces in one hit. Hope that makes sense 🙂 xo

June 18, 2010

I Agree with what others have said here – you don’t need to go in to detail about historical events, just make quick references to them. (I like Peter’s idea too!). Besides, if you don’t go in to detail with that now, you might have the option of making a sequel/series out of it by not using all the pieces in one hit. Hope that makes sense 🙂 xo

June 18, 2010

I Agree with what others have said here – you don’t need to go in to detail about historical events, just make quick references to them. (I like Peter’s idea too!). Besides, if you don’t go in to detail with that now, you might have the option of making a sequel/series out of it by not using all the pieces in one hit. Hope that makes sense 🙂 xo

June 18, 2010

I Agree with what others have said here – you don’t need to go in to detail about historical events, just make quick references to them. (I like Peter’s idea too!). Besides, if you don’t go in to detail with that now, you might have the option of making a sequel/series out of it by not using all the pieces in one hit. Hope that makes sense 🙂 xo

I like Maikatellumaiel’s suggestion. I think a good rule of thumb would be when you read it back (if you decide to mention where he’s been) does it seem awkward or clumsy? I think you could get away with mentioning it in passing

I like Maikatellumaiel’s suggestion. I think a good rule of thumb would be when you read it back (if you decide to mention where he’s been) does it seem awkward or clumsy? I think you could get away with mentioning it in passing

I like Maikatellumaiel’s suggestion. I think a good rule of thumb would be when you read it back (if you decide to mention where he’s been) does it seem awkward or clumsy? I think you could get away with mentioning it in passing

I like Maikatellumaiel’s suggestion. I think a good rule of thumb would be when you read it back (if you decide to mention where he’s been) does it seem awkward or clumsy? I think you could get away with mentioning it in passing

June 20, 2010

In the Time Traveller’s Wife, part of the joy of reading such an amazing book was him describing his time travel and what he saw/felt. Same with Doctor Who, it’s really central to the storyline. But if the purpose of the book is to tell his story that has nothing to do with time travel, then just mention it briefly, but if the book’s about his adventures and consequences of those adventures, then you should probably mention them in detail. I agree with Maikatellumaiel above, too, though… I like that Angel just made little mentions like that. It’s more powerful.

June 20, 2010

In the Time Traveller’s Wife, part of the joy of reading such an amazing book was him describing his time travel and what he saw/felt. Same with Doctor Who, it’s really central to the storyline. But if the purpose of the book is to tell his story that has nothing to do with time travel, then just mention it briefly, but if the book’s about his adventures and consequences of those adventures, then you should probably mention them in detail. I agree with Maikatellumaiel above, too, though… I like that Angel just made little mentions like that. It’s more powerful.

June 20, 2010

In the Time Traveller’s Wife, part of the joy of reading such an amazing book was him describing his time travel and what he saw/felt. Same with Doctor Who, it’s really central to the storyline. But if the purpose of the book is to tell his story that has nothing to do with time travel, then just mention it briefly, but if the book’s about his adventures and consequences of those adventures, then you should probably mention them in detail. I agree with Maikatellumaiel above, too, though… I like that Angel just made little mentions like that. It’s more powerful.

June 20, 2010

In the Time Traveller’s Wife, part of the joy of reading such an amazing book was him describing his time travel and what he saw/felt. Same with Doctor Who, it’s really central to the storyline. But if the purpose of the book is to tell his story that has nothing to do with time travel, then just mention it briefly, but if the book’s about his adventures and consequences of those adventures, then you should probably mention them in detail. I agree with Maikatellumaiel above, too, though… I like that Angel just made little mentions like that. It’s more powerful.