Can I get an opinion?
Okay, so my agent is asking for a few more adjustments, and she gave me a few more comments on various things, one of which I’d like a wider opinion on. So, if you feel like giving your two cents, I’d be much obliged…
In the book, I make reference to Lorelai and Rory Gilmore in passing conversation–and it’s understood (and I think actually mentioned) that they are cool. My agent thinks this is a dated allusion. What do you think?
And while you’re freely giving your opinion, what well-known sleuth would you recommend as a counterpoint to a first-time sleuth, keeping in mind that this is a light-hearted book? Originally I had Veronica Mars, but that was a no-go as the show’s been cancelled. Then I went with Sean Spenser (from Psych), but my agent didn’t think the show had wide enough appeal. She suggested someone from CSI or Law & Order, but the strait-laced detectives on those shows just don’t seem quite right. I’m tempted to go with Nancy Drew.
Thoughts?
01/31/2010 at 8:37 pm
Hey Alyssa! Sadly, I *do* think Rory & Lorelai are dated. On the show, Rory was exactly my age, which would make her 25 this year…if the audience "grew up" with Rory, they're all solidly in their 20s by now. GG is still in syndication (and my 12 y/o sis adores the show!), but I think the Gilmores are more familiar to current college students than high schoolers.
As for sleuths….Nancy Drew is always a good choice! She's timeless! Even if she's not, most of the YA audience saw the remake with Emma Roberts not that long ago, so you're safe there. I think you're right about CSI/Law & Order being too strait-laced…those shows are definitely targeted to adults more than teens anyway.
01/31/2010 at 8:56 pm
It's probably impossible for me to be objective because I love GG so much and I'll probably be watching the show on my DVD player when we are all living on the moon in 50 years. Personally, I'd make a trade, Nancy Drew if you can leave in GG.
02/01/2010 at 2:11 am
I'm going to go ahead and say not enough people are familiar enough with GG. i thought everyone knew about the show but I seem to meet more and more people who haven't seen it.
I don't think enough people have seen the other shows too, so Nancy Drew would be an excellent choice.
02/01/2010 at 7:03 pm
You cannot go wrong with Nancy Drew if you're looking for a young sleuth. For older male, Sherlock Holmes. For older female, Miss Marple. I think all ages find them familiar.
I never watched Gilmore Girls, so I cannot help you there. Good luck with the final round of rewrites!
02/01/2010 at 9:00 pm
Nancy Drew is suitable for every occasion and every generation.
I kind of get the advice about GG. It hasn't been that long since the show was cancelled, but it'll be a year or two before the book is in publication, I'd assume? When the book has been out for a few years, GG will be a really old show.
02/05/2010 at 4:17 pm
I get the GG advice. I know who they are, and have even watched the show a bit, but I wasn't aware that it had been cancelled, ha ha.
Other experienced sleuths are Columbo and Hercule Poirot (Agatha Christie). Don't know how obscure those are considered. Both are fairly light-hearted detectives; very snarky. And like someone else mentioned, Sherlock Holmes is always a classic and well-known detective, especially since the movie just came out.
I want you to include Sean Spencer, because I freakin' love Psych, but, alas, I don't think it has a wide enough circulation. Although, you might try Monk as well. It's the same network, but a bit more well-known.
02/05/2010 at 10:51 pm
I don't think it's dated because I loved that show so much that I still refer to it often. But sadly, in a few years people will probably forget all about it.