Bingo Is Not A Four Letter Word

On September 19, 2011 by Lindsey Loucks With 6 Comments - Editing, Writing

Say what? Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up. I used to have a t-shirt in high school that read Bingo Is Not A Four Letter Word. People would read it, look at me, read it again, and go, “huh?” I would give one of two explanations, depending on how blank their stare was:
1. “Well, Bingo really isn’t a four letter word” or
2. “You shouldn’t be ashamed if you play Bingo.”

But what if someone has read one of your stories and gives you a blank stare/doesn’t get it? That could be a problem. Could be. Ask yourself these questions before you freak out:
1. Are they really literate?
2. If yes, do they read fiction?
3. If yes, do they read your genre?

If you answered yes to all three questions, don’t freak out yet! See what other readers think to see if they all say the same thing. If they all look at you with blank stares/don’t get it, one of two things has happened:
1. IT’S THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE! IT’S TIME TO FREAK OUT!

or 2. You need to do some serious rewriting/clarifying. You’re allowed to freak out a little, but soon your story will be fixed and you can go back to playing Bingo.

P.S. Last week, I really wanted to wear this t-shirt because it fit my state of mind:

6 Comments

  1. Mysti September 19, 2011

    I’m cracking up over here! Did someone give you a blank stare for your stories? Has to be illiterate or a zombie or possibly an immobile T-Rex…

  2. Botanist September 19, 2011

    LOL! I want that t-shirt!

  3. tfwalsh September 21, 2011

    Ha I love the t-rex shirt… where did you get it… that is too hilarious..hehe Great post.

  4. Lindsey R. Loucks September 21, 2011

    Thanks! I don’t actually own this t-shirt, but you can buy it at http://www.cafepress.com

  5. lizakane September 26, 2011

    Man, I want that shirt! Thanks for sharing! ^_^

  6. Lindsey R. Loucks September 27, 2011

    Thanks for stopping by, Liza!

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