We are writers. We are odd, slightly socially dysfunctional people with, as a certain highly successful TV writer puts it, casual wear chosen by our mothers (how perceptive). Perhaps our inherent romantic and imaginitive side is the very reason that, whenever I come across a reference to the internet or mobile phones in a book, part of me curls up and dies.
Does anyone else experience this? I bought a couple of books from an agent I am interested in (testing the waters, as it were) and throughout one of them, references to facebook, the WWW, texting and tweeting kept cropping up to put me off. I realise these things are now part of life, but something inside me detests using them as plot/character devices. I am forced to do so in order to keep my story grounded and I still cringe when I type the words 'mobile' (or worse, cell phone).
Anyone agree?
I think computers/gaming/mobiles/texting has its place in society these days, but it seems that for many they are more important than 'real' socialising. Many children these days lack good old social skills and it's a worrying thought that in years to come people will be quite inadequate in the art of actually talking face to face with others. Books often seem to have taken a back seat to the more modern ideas of entertainment, such as facebook etc.
Having had my little rant, I wonder if I'm starting to sound like my Grandmother did many years ago about how things were different in her day. Oh well, off to chat while my vocal chords are still needed. :-)
'Cell phone' is so passe, old chap ;)
Don't worry. When we bought our first PC I refused to pay the extra for a built-in modem as I said, 'It's a fad - can't see that lasting very long.'
So I agree. And write in the 19th century to avoid modern technology as much as poss. But the longer I go on the deeper into the Industrial Revolution I'm getting :(