Let me start out by saying that nearly every class I've taken and many fellow writers I've spoken to have advised me to avoid dropping pop culture references in my writing since it can date the work. Personally I tend to ignore that little nugget of friendly advice when it comes to urban fantasy as pop culture and a tale that is set in the here and now go hand in hand. We all make mention of shows, movies, or music in day to day life so I see it as normal should a character choose to do the same.
Granted like all things moderation is important, but I admit to having a snarky MC complain over the fact that the Winchesters never would have dislocated their shoulders trying to force a locked door in. Another may or may not have called the patrons of a bar uglier than the creatures in the cantina scene from Star Wars.
So what say you? Are pop culture references a huge no-no or do you enjoy it when a character acknowledges things a real person may have seen?
Granted like all things moderation is important, but I admit to having a snarky MC complain over the fact that the Winchesters never would have dislocated their shoulders trying to force a locked door in. Another may or may not have called the patrons of a bar uglier than the creatures in the cantina scene from Star Wars.
So what say you? Are pop culture references a huge no-no or do you enjoy it when a character acknowledges things a real person may have seen?
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