wevegotplanstomakeplans asked: What do you think of using the word "yesterday" when writing past-tense descriptions? I've seen it used before but can't bring myself to write it, opting for "the previous day" or something to that effect. An example: "He looked at the newspaper, which advertised a clinic that had taken place yesterday."

Tazzy:

Only yesterday had her father died, leaving her a teary-eyed mess.

Yesterday he had opted for tea and regretted it; he would go back to his usual black coffee today.

He glanced through the newspaper, barely noticing the advert about a clinic- the date told him it had taken place yesterday, and was now useless.

I know where you’re coming from, but honestly, using the word “yesterday” is fine.