The Do's and Don'ts of Book Writing

References

Everybody wants to make references to something in the stories they're writing, right? It helps to make connections between your world and your readers. Thing is: it can also put people off if you put unwarranted references into it!

One thing that can cut down your audience the most is making references to various things. I've noticed people writing books in the vampire and werewolf genre, so they think that they can make major references to things like Twilight and Teen Wolf (etc). Not everyone reading that genre is into that sort of thing! There are also authors who include popular songs for the reason that they are popular - maybe they wanted to up the votes for their books(?) - but that can majorly backfire. You have to think that there are people in your pool of readers who much rather listening to classical music or lesser known musicians, who can be put off when you reference a song for no clear reason.

A great example of great use of references is @BrittanieCharmintine, mainly in her book 'Alien Invasion: A Love Story'. The book is about a sci-fi loving accountant who ends up with an alien boyfriend. As a result, the book is riddled with references to stuff like Star Wars, Star Trek and The Dark Crystal, all well timed and contextually accurate. So, if you want to pick up a few tips and tricks, I would suggest that you try checking her out (not imperative, I've just found her to be insightful and she's also an embassador so that's a big help).

Also, don't irritate your readers by making references every other sentence, especially with really vague references. Overall, if you include songs along with at least a portion of their lyrics, make sure that they are fitting with the scene, context, character reaction and themes - don't just add it in because you really like the song, especially if you then thrust your preferences onto your characters. Granted your characters are your own, they start to go a bit lopsided when you thrust everything about yourself into at least one of the characters you create - but that's something for a later chapter.

When making references to songs where your characters sing any of the lyrics, try to fit it into the scene even if you're explaining that the character just sang the piece just because. It helps to fit with the flow and rhythm of the chapter, compelling the audience to read further. Eg. If the person is has a feeling of abandonment from someone they are with (or not with) then you could have them singing something like Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day.

Happy Writing!

[Massive thanks to BrittanieCharmintine for letting me use her as a wonderful example!]