tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post2122134371135985038..comments2024-03-08T09:28:10.145-05:00Comments on The Faux Fountain Pen: How Accurate Do You Need to Be? Sarah Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481750127533816819noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-56803113671509813762014-08-12T11:06:48.202-04:002014-08-12T11:06:48.202-04:00As a former teacher (just left the profession in J...As a former teacher (just left the profession in June) I say stick to your Geometry! The only thing you can be sure of in education is that they keep changing what they think "works." It doesn't really matter if Geometry isn't studied in a certain grade *right now.* The courses will probably be rearranged soon enough. (Testing is what drove me out. When I reached a point where I was doing more testing than teaching and I didn't even get a say about what work counted toward the report card, I was out the door.)<br /><br />As for making sure that the NYC setting is true for people who grew up there, you could search out a beta reader who can look for those details. I did that for one of my books that was set in Manhattan.Dianne K. Salernihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16459839567235304842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-59992194954119982162014-08-12T10:38:09.898-04:002014-08-12T10:38:09.898-04:00Hmm, you could invent a reason or excuse why the M...Hmm, you could invent a reason or excuse why the MC is geometry. It's your world, after all.<br /><br />And as afar as overall setting, I love when setting is vibrant and real in a book, and that specific story can't be told anyplace else. I am not a fan of Generic town USA with no characteristics. It's definitely easier to invent a town based on a real one since then you don't run into those pesky research inconsistencies; I've done both, set in major cities, and also in made up ones.<br /><br />It helps to talk to people who live in those cities and draw as much from your own experience, and go from there. Even the apartments in NYC are different than say, Des Moines. So crafting that will really enhance your book. You sound on the right track if you are down to the details you are considering :)Stephscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06328839483008086049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-5730357261104754762014-08-10T04:32:27.773-04:002014-08-10T04:32:27.773-04:00I think that you should remain true to the story!
...I think that you should remain true to the story!<br />The majority of your readers who reside outside of NY may not know any better... <br />Thank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month!<br /><a href="http://writer-in-transit.co.za/" rel="nofollow">Writer In Transit</a>Michelle Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02750092836481599870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-13455685648524028192014-08-09T14:20:43.608-04:002014-08-09T14:20:43.608-04:00I've recently talked to a friend who is concer...I've recently talked to a friend who is concerned about accuracy in their settings. It can be tricky, but as long as you get the generalities right (and there aren't major, recognizable landmarks in your story) you can pretty much get away with anything. As with the math, I give you props for using it as a major plot in your story. Boy do I stink at it! Good luck to you! Oh, and thanks for co-hosting this month :D ~ JenAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10280329345834868273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-2236345987103060912014-08-08T14:28:17.141-04:002014-08-08T14:28:17.141-04:00I don't think that little detail will cause is...I don't think that little detail will cause issues. You could always stick in an explanation like the guidance office got his classes mixed up and he had to take Geometry with the sophmores (and any issues from that with the older classmates) and would be stuck taking Algebra the following year with younger kids. ;)Donna B. McNicolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15209611782116113024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-5562526267232438392014-08-08T11:43:11.914-04:002014-08-08T11:43:11.914-04:00I think you are doing the best you can to make it ...I think you are doing the best you can to make it accurate but not lose the story. Sometimes I have read stories that were so much wanting to be accurate they lost the story, had me bored and I lost interest. If movies worked like that, there would hardly be any films on the screen at all. Heck in one Old Errol Flynn Flick Custer was the hero!Birgithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09439720285857050428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-39820034935102248702014-08-07T14:14:35.522-04:002014-08-07T14:14:35.522-04:00It sounds like you're doing what you can to ke...It sounds like you're doing what you can to keep it as accurate as possible. Beyond that, don't worry. Sure you might have some NY city natives find fault, but I bet that's not uncommon. The rest of us will have no idea. ;)Rachel Schieffelbeinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01629400142880123520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-20137371057813432492014-08-07T12:46:44.857-04:002014-08-07T12:46:44.857-04:00The unopened gift would drive me crazy, lol. As fa...The unopened gift would drive me crazy, lol. As far as setting it boils down to what you want. I mean there will always be people who point things out, but most people reading a book are just buying into the characters and the story. Good luck on getting it down. Brandon Axhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027731412064014586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-48447917318821536342014-08-07T08:46:07.375-04:002014-08-07T08:46:07.375-04:00Sorry to hear that you're being tortured by un...Sorry to hear that you're being tortured by un-opened gifts. <br /><br />Also, I feel your pain with the weight loss issue. For me, I lose a few pounds, get sick, and then gain it all back while in recovery. It’s very frustrating cycle. <br /><br />As far as your research goes, being accurate is important, but I don’t think most educational systems are that rigid. I’m no expert on the NY school system, but there have be systems in place to accommodate those willing to go the extra mile. When I was in high school, in VA, I took all my sophomore classes my freshman year because I was skipping a grade. <br /><br />I think the fact that you’re concern about this aspect of your book and that you’re making strides in research, proves that you’re on top of your game. I’m sure the story will be great. <br /><br />Thanks for co-hosting this month. <br />Toi Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07493934864387695248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-46376000534601981622014-08-07T08:05:54.181-04:002014-08-07T08:05:54.181-04:00I work in the school system in Australia. Curricul...I work in the school system in Australia. Curriculum is always changing and subjects change to suit. Unless your reader is an educational expert from NY, I don't think you have anything to worry about.<br /><br />All the best with your writing!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09678216576112327332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-41008934652879245992014-08-07T01:12:52.597-04:002014-08-07T01:12:52.597-04:00Whoa, I feel your pain. I one time came across a b...Whoa, I feel your pain. I one time came across a blogger tearing a part a book and its inaccuracy regarding something or another and how it had turned him off. O.O I often worry about details as well and end up watering it a bit so that those details are no longer important. Just *how* important is it for your MC to show what subjects he is taking? If it is a HUGE sway in your book, then I would set up a survey targeting New Yorkers... If it doesn't matter in your plot (ex, if he doesn't become Algebra Man by his sophomore year), then I'd gloss it over.<br /><br />Just my thoughts. ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥</a><br>Elizabeth Muellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06028099814857743134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-85100049108839788722014-08-06T21:41:46.496-04:002014-08-06T21:41:46.496-04:00I wish I could help with that accuracy dilemma, bu...I wish I could help with that accuracy dilemma, but I don't know a thing about NY schools or ages/classes. Sorry! I do love that you're so dedicated to it though. The last few times I've hit something like that, I ended up either shelving the project or just rewriting the whole thing. I guess I get frustrated too easily. :) Great post!Sara Harricharanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07050427684753490067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-79205615509274328722014-08-06T21:31:13.535-04:002014-08-06T21:31:13.535-04:00I know that feeling. When I was working on my one ...I know that feeling. When I was working on my one story, which I ended up classifying as Speculative Fiction, I was freaking out over if I had the sci-fi elements right and if it made sense. In the end, I trusted myself and now all I can do is hope for the best. Good luck to you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-26003259300947133122014-08-06T20:06:01.040-04:002014-08-06T20:06:01.040-04:00Since most of my stories are based in CT, I try to...Since most of my stories are based in CT, I try to be as accurate as possible. In regards to characters, like women for example, I often ask friends/co-workers for advice on things like clothing, hair, physical appearance. That way, I don't write a character that may have stepped straight out Playboy.<br /><br />In my opinion, you can never do too much research, but ultimately, you have to create something that melds all those prevailing opinions together.<br /><br /><a href="http://gbmjrflashy.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Father Nature's Corner</a>G. B. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09783331838434598963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-65540743365774811292014-08-06T19:40:43.097-04:002014-08-06T19:40:43.097-04:00I have to say, it would be torture to have to look...I have to say, it would be torture to have to look at a birthday gift for an entire week. I wonder if you shake it, does it rattle? On the math issue, is it possible that your character is advanced in math so he or she was put in geometry? <br /><br />Thanks for co-hosting this month.Cherie Colyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13205065477147957455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-74486110505154560332014-08-06T19:23:46.485-04:002014-08-06T19:23:46.485-04:00LOL, math geek here (raises hands), I totally unde...LOL, math geek here (raises hands), I totally understand being unable to cut on the math proofs!!! :-) Look, schools can vary so much even within the same place. Just take a poetic license, so long as your characters ring true and yoru story is captivating, your readers will be with you. The rest are just details! :-) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09922888671399516573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-42837507114207051822014-08-06T19:22:22.180-04:002014-08-06T19:22:22.180-04:00I am editing and doing massive research as well, b...I am editing and doing massive research as well, but my book is memoirs, so accuracy is more important. As for the weight loss, I see a nutritionist once per week. When I do what she says I lose weight, but I rarely listen. However, just being accountable helps so I am not gaining anymore.Rhonda Albomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17455873487349816911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-67329202338362947422014-08-06T19:18:13.620-04:002014-08-06T19:18:13.620-04:00I think it varies from school district to district...I think it varies from school district to district and even within states. I think you'd be okay. A fact checker might call you on it, at that point you'd need to decide if you can change the grade they're in to the one that has geometry, or have him or her fail or be super smart and in the other class. It happens all over the country! <br />Also, give yourself a break with the weight loss. If you're exercising more, you're gaining muscles. Also, it takes a while to truly adjust. Don't weigh yourself every day. And, keep up the healthy attitude, that's the most important!<br />Thanks for co-hosting this month!<br /><a href="http://www.playoffthepage.com" rel="nofollow">Play off the Page</a><br />Mary Aalgaardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10089502829581772836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-68962810938247765052014-08-06T18:08:48.083-04:002014-08-06T18:08:48.083-04:00Best of luck with your revisions. School systems i...Best of luck with your revisions. School systems in different places have classes at different times. They also change over time. If I was reading your book, I would just assume that school system has the classes in a slightly different order. Now, if you had him taking trig before algebra or geometry, that would be a logic problem. : )Jeff Chapmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08374806472853391788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-34694622324760336392014-08-06T17:59:21.784-04:002014-08-06T17:59:21.784-04:00Ah the struggles and bumps of writing scenes, fini...Ah the struggles and bumps of writing scenes, finishing, and all the other. Good Luck. I hope you find that happy place, and less frustration. Here is one of the best books on description I have read, and found helpful and inspiring. Descriptions by Monica Woods from 1999 (can only get used now) It is from a series of books called the Elements of Fiction. A favorite of mine.<br />http://www.amazon.com/Description-Elements-Fiction-Writing-Monica/dp/0898799082/ref=tmm_pap_title_popover?ie=UTF8&qid=1406749680&sr=8-1<br /><br />Best Wishes and Much Success,<br />Juneta at <a href="http://junetakey.com/" rel="nofollow">Writer's Gambit</a><br />Juneta keyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08815758043024184034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-82560885696971341762014-08-06T17:26:28.424-04:002014-08-06T17:26:28.424-04:00These are the kinds of details that drive me crazy...These are the kinds of details that drive me crazy too so I feel for you, but I see it as a small matter and therefore I agree with the comments favoring the story over accuracy here and anyway if your version wasn't spot on and it still bothers you you can make a small note in the book explaining it, you will even get to be quicker than those picky readers out there :) good luck.Haneen Ibrahimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02630051804744173965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-57264514679726032742014-08-06T16:39:47.919-04:002014-08-06T16:39:47.919-04:00Thanks for co-hosting!
I believe accuracy is impo...Thanks for co-hosting!<br /><br />I believe accuracy is important, but I don't believe that you really have to chose between inaccuracy and rewriting everything. Although I don't live in New York, when my son entered high school, he took a placement test for math because he had advanced quickly in middle school. The high school used those scores to allow him and other students in a similar position to go into the appropriate level of math. Within the group of friends that came from the same school, some of his friends were allowed to move one year ahead and others two. I bet if you call a school district in New York, you'll find that students can do something similar. Good luck.kimlajevardi.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15560936098715470719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-49103790727749803042014-08-06T16:02:59.332-04:002014-08-06T16:02:59.332-04:00I think your fiance might be a little cruel to lea...I think your fiance might be a little cruel to leave the gift lying out like that. I'm wondering if your weight gain is because you've gained muscle weight (which is heavier than fat). I'm in the same boat when it comes to willpower - or lack of it rather.<br /><br />About your book. I went to school in NY state. I don't recall when I took anything, except Calculus because that was my senior year and the mean mean teacher wouldn't allow me to take AP. Little did I know it was my right. Wait. I digress. To be honest, if the story is really good people won't be taking the time out to remember exactly when they took Geometry or if your hero should be in an algebra class or not. <br /><br />Nana Prahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12854685637338591856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-16443822528613365402014-08-06T15:19:57.848-04:002014-08-06T15:19:57.848-04:00Thank you so much for co-hosting this month! I hav...Thank you so much for co-hosting this month! I have NO idea how you can have the willpower to leave a gift sitting there on your dresser for SO long. <br />As far as your dilemma I don't think there is any reason to change it. Maybe add a reason for him taking the Geometry. His school maybe being in a test district for a different curriculum or something like that. Good Luck and Happy, Happy Birthday!<br />doreenmcgettigan.comDoreen McGettiganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11691803968607905576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203719610395611719.post-12481882633458206732014-08-06T14:55:55.288-04:002014-08-06T14:55:55.288-04:00Thank you for co-hosting the August IWSG, Sarah. I...Thank you for co-hosting the August IWSG, Sarah. I'm glad to see you received a positive answer to your dilemma from Carrie-Anne above (and several others.) To answer your question, (IMHO) it is important to be accurate in the areas that matter. The fact that you stress, really stress, how important your Geometry scenes are magnifies that importance.<br />Best of Success with your WIP and your writing career!<br />AlohaGail M Baugniet - Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11543343067963247963noreply@blogger.com