1. Mobhit

    Mobhit New Member

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    Time Difference, Same Time question

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by Mobhit, Mar 30, 2009.

    In the beginning of my story (Prologue or Chap. 1 Unsure yet) takes place same time, two different time Zones Example:

    1:00 P.M. New York

    She ran down the hall..........

    7:00 P.M. Vatican City

    He walked Quickly down the Hall....................

    Basically two Identical Descriptions At the Same time, Two Different Places, Two different Time Zones all leading to one thing!!!

    Now however "It's Been Found!" I want that at the end, I don't want that at the end of each Paragraph I basically want them to say At the Same time!

    Is it impossible to do, or can it be done?

    And how do I convey the Time difference, Should I tell the Read the 6hr difference or should I let them figure out on their own?

    Thanks
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    If you have characters who know each other in the two zones, you can insert a brief conversation (phone, chat room, etc.) and bring up the time difference in the dialogue.
     
  3. Vayda

    Vayda New Member

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    You could have them look at clocks at a post office, too.

    Or give the times in GMT as well as standard

    Or mention something like "Half a world away it would be dinner time right now..."
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    why does the time matter?... but even if it does, everyone knows it wouldn't be the same time in both places, so you don't have to mention the clock time other than in the first place... to make it plain that it's a night/day in the second place, just mention that the character is having dinner, or sleeping, or whatever... like this:

    hope this helps... love and hugs, maia
     
  5. Mobhit

    Mobhit New Member

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    It does, Thank you. But as for the time, it plays a Critical point at later chapter!
     
  6. chandler245

    chandler245 Banned

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    Give me a little more info I am still confused as to what you want to portray with the time change.
     
  7. Addicted2aa

    Addicted2aa New Member

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    Write a paragraph or two from New York, than a similar length in the vatican. Keep cutting down the lengths as you approach the climax building the tension. Eventually it will end up like this.
    "Crap I need to hurry or I 'll never make that taxi." New York
    "I see it, but that man is trying to take my cab" Vatican
    "Hey wait thats my cab."new york
    "I called for that an hour ago" vatican
    "Oh no.."New york
    "you don't"Vatican.
    "Get the hell out of my cab!!!!"Both.

    I know that example sucks but do you get the idea?
     

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