S32E4 - Because I Said So: When Readers Accept Fudged Facts

There are some things that reader will simply accept as fact because they are reading fiction. We're not talking about magic or futuristic science. In this episode, we're discussing actual things that readers will suspend their disbelief even if they know what you wrote is wrong.

You've probably read a book or watched a show where someone gets knocked unconscious. They always wake up after they've conveniently been stowed or stolen. In reality, if someone is knocked out for longer than about six seconds, they're going to suffer severe brain trauma. They definitely won't be in any shape to escape or fight their way out. The thing is, though, that no one really cares when they consume fiction. Readers know and accept that it will be that way because the author said so.

First aired May 12, 2022.