Use Time to Enrich Your Writing—and Your Writing Experience

Sayings and quotes abound on the concept of time.

• SOCIAL COMMENTARY: “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” (song by the band Chicago, released in 1969 on their debut album, Chicago Transit Authority)

• HUMOROUS: “No man goes before his time—unless the boss leaves early.” (Groucho Marx)

• ADVICE: “Remember that time is money.” (Benjamin Franklin)

Because time is such a ubiquitous part of our lives, it’s easy to overlook ways to use the concept of time to enrich our stories—whether short form, novels, essays, or memoirs.

Here are eight ways to apply the concept of time to your writing:

If the inciting incident happened on Tuesday, then in the scene that takes place on the following Saturday, avoid writing something like this: (Actually, it’s been four days …)