I didn't do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can't prove anything.
Every writer knows that stories are about conflict. If there is no conflict there is no story. The "Seven Original Stories" are all set up as 'X vs. Y'.
So from one perspective common sense is the natural enemy of authors everywhere. Sure you can write a story about the characters who did everything right but fate still conspired against them, but that gets old fast. Characters have to make mistakes for the story to be engaging.
This is true whether an author is writing a newspaper article or a three volume space drama. Where would Star Wars be if Luke had listened to Yoda after all?
Being that making very stupid mistakes is an integral part of human nature most authors have to go no further than their local newspaper for inspiration.
ie While most humans have the common sense to act respectfully to the person who has the power to inflict severe punishment on them some just don't get the fact that judges are called "Your Honor" for a very good reason. This has led to the very amusing #BadThingsToTellAJudge.
It is by no means a new meme. Established publications like reader's digest have been running such lists for years. From Reader's Digest
So from one perspective common sense is the natural enemy of authors everywhere. Sure you can write a story about the characters who did everything right but fate still conspired against them, but that gets old fast. Characters have to make mistakes for the story to be engaging.
This is true whether an author is writing a newspaper article or a three volume space drama. Where would Star Wars be if Luke had listened to Yoda after all?
Being that making very stupid mistakes is an integral part of human nature most authors have to go no further than their local newspaper for inspiration.
ie While most humans have the common sense to act respectfully to the person who has the power to inflict severe punishment on them some just don't get the fact that judges are called "Your Honor" for a very good reason. This has led to the very amusing #BadThingsToTellAJudge.
It is by no means a new meme. Established publications like reader's digest have been running such lists for years. From Reader's Digest
- Prosecutor: How fast was the car coming toward you?
Witness: I am not a thermometer, so I can’t tell you the speed limit. - Attorney: What did the doctor tell you was the condition of the body when he performed the autopsy?
Witness: He described it as dead. - Prosecutor: Do you see the defendant in court today?
Witness: Yes, I do.
Prosecutor: How is he dressed?
Witness: He looks pretty sharp.
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