Credibility

Consistency in Your Writing

When constructing a story it is imperative to pay careful attention to the consistency regarding names, places and times. When referring to a person, you must make sure that you spell the person’s name correctly throughout your book. If you are referring to a real place in a city, be sure that your facts are true. If you mention a street that leads into another street, but in the real world, it is a different street, most readers will not know the difference. But someone familiar with that location will know the difference and your credibility regarding the whole story will be in question because that reader will focus on the geographic information that was incorrect.
Timelines – It is also important to be careful of timelines and timing in your stories. If you mention a date be sure that the date was a Saturday if it is a Saturday in your story. If you say that an event happened ten years earlier and the character was a certain age at the time, make sure that other references to the person’s age are consistent with this timing information.
Technical information – If you mention medical conditions or scientific information, make sure your statements are correct. If it includes medical information, have a medical professional read the book to check for medical accuracy. If it includes a description of a weapon, have an expert review your facts to ensure that they are accurate.
Any errors in any of these or other areas will cause your readership to lose confidence in your writing. If you do not really know the details with complete accuracy, do not use those detailed descriptions. You are the author of your work. You have control over what you include and what you leave out of your story.


Honesty On Your Resume
In the current job market it is challenging to get a positive response from a hiring manager reviewing your resume. Just this week, I heard of a student making false claims on his resume. He stated that in order to get a job you need to say you did great things when in fact you did not. When asked “What if the hiring manager checks the facts?” His response was that they don’t.
To me, this is all very poor advice and very dangerous advice. Never lie on your resume. Never lie about anything on your resume. Surely it is advantageous to put your best foot forward and feature your most significant assets and accomplishments. There are methods you can use that will make the most important aspects stand out and be noticed; but again, never make statements that are untrue. I cannot stress this enough.
Again, your credibility is very important in the workplace and in your life. Be honest with yourself and with your potential employer. You will not ever regret this mode of behavior.

Shelly Rosenberg