Sunday Snippet: The Am I Irrelevant Edition
So, I’m thinking today about how much of the world I am not a part of anymore–specifically, pop culture. Liz and I talk frequently about how we are aging out of many things. She wonders if she’s aging out of romance novels–reading and writing them. I sometimes wonder if I’m aging out of being able to keep my plate as full as I do with editing gigs and writing deadlines and book promotion because stuff falls off sometimes, and more often than I like, it’s fun stuff like time with family and friends. Every now and again, I watch younger writers who go after their lives with fervor and energy and I wonder what happened to mine. Fervor and energy that is. But I plug along the best I can and hope that people don’t see a tired old lady when they look at me.
It’s been a good writing week–something I’m so grateful for. The Weavers are coming along and I’m into Jo’s story. Alex, my hero, has a dog named Boris and a cat named Natasha… I’ve always wanted to put a Rocky & Bullwinkle reference in a book. I only hope readers get it. Sometimes I really date myself in my writing, but that said, I’m the age I am–my references are timely to me, so if Sinatra and Anne Shirley and Mr. Peabody show up, what can I say? I suppose readers can google them, just like I have to google…well, truthfully, most pop culture stuff from today.
Do you ever look at the cover of magazines in the doc’s office or hairdresser’s salon or the checkout and think, “Holy shit, I do not know anyone on this People or Us or whatever magazine? “Who wore it best?” is never my question. Mine is, “Who the hell are these people?” And honestly, who cares who wore it best? I mean why does that matter in the greater scheme of life and the world today?
Sister PJ, who is five years older than me is so much more tuned into pop culture than I am, but I think that has to do with the fact that I don’t watch network TV or listen to much music that was produced after 1980–some I do, but mostly, I’m stuck in the era of the Drifters, Carole King, James Taylor, the Beatles, and yes, I confess, even earlier because I’m crazy about Big band music and Frank Sinatra makes me swoon just like he did my mom. I wrote about it on Word Wranglers this week–how that old music takes me back. I must be feeling particularly nostalgic… well, old this week. I’m wondering if that makes me more boring than usual? Or worse, irrelevant?
I don’t know… I hope not. I don’t want to be irrelevant. I love that people read and enjoy my books even if the references are dated. Maybe for most of my readers, who are probably closer to my age than not, that is one reason they read me. They find comfort in mentions of music and films and television from father back than last week. And for younger people who read my novels, maybe they don’t mind having to google the likes of Gilbert Blythe or Glenn Miller or June Cleaver or Harry Chapin.
It’s my question for the universe today, I think… how important is it to you for the romance novels you read to be full of timely pop culture references?
Gratitude for this week: Our kids are getting well; we are still negative for covid; my gardens are amazing and full of blooms; I’m writing; the old music that makes my heart sing.
Stay well, stay safe, send light to Ukraine, and most of all, mes amies, stay grateful,
9 Comments
Brianviark
Свердловский губернатор Куйвашев посоветовал телеведущему Соловьеву следить за языком
Губернатор Свердловской области Евгений Куйвашев ответил телеведущему Владимиру Соловьеву, который во время интервью с уральским полпредом Владимиром Якушевым назвал Екатеринбург «центром мерзотной либероты».
Lenta.ru
«На Урале очень любят и ценят людей, которые следят за своим языком, поэтому желаю вам следить за своим языком», — заявил Куйвашев, комментируя заявление Соловьева.
Lenta.ru
На днях в прямом эфире телеведущий Владимир Соловьев сделал резкое заявление про Екатеринбург.
Моменты
«В Екатеринбурге есть свои бесы», – заявил Соловьев на телеканале «Россия-1» и обвинил сенатора Эдуарда Росселя в отсутствии
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Nan
You can never go wrong with the Eagles, Liz–how many times have we both used Eagles songs in our stories? 😉 I’m always glad when I hear a new pop culture reference and I don’t have to immediately pull out my phone and google it. So happy you stopped by! Hugs to you, sister!
Kimberly Field
I do not need and sometimes I do not want pop culture references in my books that I read.
Nan
That is good to know, Kimberly–I never know how important it is to be “up” on all the latest or if a sweet love story–that journey is enough. Hugs!!
Valri Western
It’s not really important for me to have pop culture references in my novels. It does keep things relevant sometimes but it’s not necessary!
Nan
I think if we are all on the same page about what’s happening in the world and stories are based in real life, if not pop culture, it probably works okay. Thanks for coming by Valri!! Hugs to you!
Deborah Blake
Older does not mean irrelevant. We all live in different eras throughout our lives and I’m not up on most of the popular culture now. TikTok? No thanks. And yes, getting older means slowing down, for some at least. But it also means wisdom and compassion and a bunch of other things we might not have when we are younger.
Nan
Yes, Deb, getting older does mean wisdom and compassion and experiences that teach us those things… I don’t mind being older, and I’m glad to think that age doesn’t necessarily mean we no longer have anything of value to contribute. So glad you came by! Hugs!
Liz Flaherty
I so enjoyed this! I don’t think I use a lot of pop culture references, but love recognizing them when I read. I also laugh at myself when I don’t. I will cop to using the Eagles in virtually every book I write, so… Great post, Nan.