REFERENCE SUMMARY: WHAT IT IS: Referring to something that readers will recognize from their own lives. HOW TO USE IT: Come up with unique observations—everything from day-to-day life to broad issues about society, culture or life, and do so in a way that you don’t believe anyone has done before. It might be helpful to use Jerry Seinfeld’s famous “Did you ever notice…?” or “What’s the deal with...?” intros (in your mind only, not on the page—these are now stand-up clichés) to get into the right mindset to come up with References that will connect with readers.
