I want to to write a story set in the 70s. How should I go about researching the time period? I know I could do it all with a Google serach but I'm not sure what websites to trust. any help appreciated
Research
Quote: blahblah @ April 7 2013, 6:23 PM BSTI want to to write a story set in the 70s. How should I go about researching the time period? I know I could do it all with a Google serach but I'm not sure what websites to trust. any help appreciated
Any specific interests/areas? I presume UK based?
I know it was looking more at tech, but the BBC did a series called Electric Dreams (or similar) that had 3 hour-long shows looking at how tech changed life in each of the 60s, 70s and 80s. They were quite good for an overview - as things like brown outs were covered quite well for an overview.
There's also going to be plenty of memoirs covering that time period, as well as newspaper archives and IIRC there used to be the odd series of videos that covered the major events of an individual year (the type of thing people sometimes get as a 'significant' birthday present).
Don't know if any of that helps or if it's too general or stuff you've already thought of.
First ask yourself why it's set in the seventies - this will narrow down what you need to research.
If it's stuff like clothes and cars, don;'t worry too much , that's not your job.
Scripts and stories loaded down with brands and 'iconic' artefacts are a bit tiresome to read.
You can just say 'car' - doesn't need to be a Mark II Capri.
So why is it set in the seventies?
Thanks that's very helpful, especially the BBC series.
Watch some TV shows/documentaries/films or read some books that were actually made/written in the 70s.
Gervais got it spot on in "Cemetery Junction" if your looking for a modern film reference.
Quote: Lazzard @ April 7 2013, 7:02 PM BSTFirst ask yourself why it's set in the seventies - this will narrow down what you need to research.
If it's stuff like clothes and cars, don;'t worry too much , that's not your job.
Scripts and stories loaded down with brands and 'iconic' artefacts are a bit tiresome to read.
You can just say 'car' - doesn't need to be a Mark II Capri.So why is it set in the seventies?
I choose the 70s because it needed to be before ethically commitees over saw experiements
Quote: blahblah @ April 7 2013, 7:09 PM BSTI choose the 70s because it needed to be before ethically commitees over saw experiements
I see.
So it'll be mostly a case of making sure you don't have any post-70's references as much as anything else.
good luck.
Thanks lazzard, you gave me some food for thought when you mentioned that stories loaded with references to the time can be tiresome. Suppose you need to set scene without trying to teach the reader something.
Lots of brown and orange walls, T Rex playing under the credits.
Beige.
Blah Blah I in no way wish to discourage you but in this instance it is vital to know the subject personally.
If the 70's scene is fleeting you could wing it with a few Choppers and Cider Lolly ice sucking kids with mad hair and pop tops.
But if it is depth I think you would struggle to conjure the image, so perhaps taking it up to the early 80's would do it better as it is less definitive.
That's not me being fussy, its just that I see that as my era as do many as such any miss hit references would really detract from what could be an otherwise impeccable comedy.
Quote: Teddy Paddalack @ April 7 2013, 11:00 PM BSTCider Lolly ice
God I'd forgotten them - used to love them. Maybe they're why I turned into a cider & black drinking goth for a while.
I'd have thought the 70s may be safe enough, but ask if you're unsure of something and get a few people who remember the 70s to proof.
If you put specifics there's a chance that anyone will think it wrong, partly as trends vary from place to place. I've sometimes read things set in 70s/80s and the odd thing's jarred a little, but I can normally let it pass on the basis that it's not set where I grew up and there would be some minor differences.
Though obviously technical errors and unintentional anachronisms would be just sloppy research.
Quote: Teddy Paddalack @ April 7 2013, 11:00 PM BSTChoppers
Having everybody, at all times, riding Choppers would really capture the 1970's vibe but at the same time would be very unrealistic.
A few of them would have to be riding Tomahawks as well.
(And some Budgies for any female cast members)
Quote: Jinky @ April 8 2013, 11:10 AM BSTHaving everybody, at all times, riding Choppers would really capture the 1970's vibe but at the same time would be very unrealistic.
A few of them would have to be riding Tomahawks as well.
(And some Budgies for any female cast members)
What about the racing bikes with the drop bars removed and replaced with 'cow horns'?
(Remembering to keep the brake levers in the middle of the bars)
... and the 70's 'internet forums' - CB radio
One nine, one nine for a copy...