Tchula Child
posts on 1/8/2013 4:25:23 PM
There has been much speculation that Michigan is the setting of the Cat Who... series. I am currently reading The Cat Who Blew the Whistle. Celia Robinson has just arrived in Pickax from Illinois and tells Qwill that her trip went well, except for one motel in Wisconsin that didn't allow cats. It's impossible to reach Michigan from Illinois, via Wisconsin. That route would take you to Minnesota, and the big lake mentioned in the series would be Lake Superior. Anyone else make a similar finding?
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Eileen Carlan
posts on 6/19/2012 4:03:21 PM
A recommendation for possible ghost writers: Never ignore anything that was previously established in a series, even if it was inconsistent or substandard compared to the rest of the series. The fans remember everything, and they'll be mentally asking, _But what about..._
I never did watch Dallas, but a similar omission of inconvenient history happened during movie sequels of The Waltons. Suddenly it happened that Mary Ellen's first husband really was killed at Pearl Harbor instead of abandoning and divorcing her (which I never understood why they couldn't just leave the guy dead at Pearl Harbor instead of throwing in this unnecessary subplot); she had several children by her second husband after a previous movie established that, due to an injury, pregnacy would be dangerous for her; and her first child, John Curtis, apparently no longer existed.
It's much better to try to find some way to explain or reverse problems from previous installments--other than saying someone dreamed them all (another Dallas problem, I believe).
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Kathy Z.
posts on 6/18/2012 4:57:53 PM
LOL! Oh, Grandma Wyn! My mom is not LJB, though both worked for the Detroit Free Press at roughly the same time. I believe my 12-years -ounger Ma worked in circulation for a few years. However, I do appreciate the compliment.
I'm a writer and imagined myself ghost-writing the continuing series. But with only an even dozen books under my belt, I'd hardly consider myself qualified at this point. Plus, I'm sure husband Earl would have plenty say over who writes what.
I would forget the 60 whiskers book, like the new Dallas series ignored the sub-standard TV movies made in the interim.
The new book would perhaps have Quill returning to the Daily Fluxion newsroom after so many years. He sees a young intern with his mini-computer.
What's that thing? Quill asks.
I-Pad! answers the startled kid.
You WHAT? asks Quill.
LOL again.
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Robert Stevens
posts on 6/18/2012 2:46:06 PM
Several years ago I came across a directory of ASmerican writers (do not recall the title). It had a detailed bio of LJB and quotes from one of her very rare interviews.
Lilian did work as a report for a Detroit newpaper and then wrote ad copy for Hudson's department store (also based in Detroit)
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Grandma Wyn
posts on 6/18/2012 1:59:15 PM
I finally finished all of the "Cat Who" series. It makes me sad to think there may not be any more. I have read most of the McNally series and I agree with you they are great.
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JeffJ
posts on 6/17/2012 2:05:41 AM
That is very exciting Robert. Would love if the Braun estate would do something similar. The fan fiction I write is a work of passion and has been received well, with such comments as having nailed the tone and style of Lilian.
She is my favorite and most beloved author. Her influence and her style are the guiding lights for everything I write. I only wish I could have personally known her. I had so many questions for her that had nothing to do with her stories. The loss is indeed deeply felt in the community. She brought so much joy each year to innumerable people around the world.
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Robert Stevens
posts on 6/16/2012 11:25:08 AM
Re: Ghost writer
There have been some very succesful ones- Is anyone familiar with the Lawrence Saunders McNally series?
Mr Saunders died after writing only two or three - his estate auditioned several writers and found one who then wrote several excellent ones.
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Grandma Wyn
posts on 6/15/2012 8:04:15 PM
Kathy Z. is there a ghost writer that's going to take up where your mom left off?
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Kathy Z.
posts on 6/15/2012 7:09:41 PM
Thank you for all your kind sentiments re: my mom's passing. I'm back, though I've continued to read all of your comments.
I think we can safely say that the books take place in Detroit and Bad Axe, Michigan in the "thumb" area of Michigan. Hmm?
I have only read the first 12 books, but having been born and raised in the area, and being a kid in the late 60s when the first books take place, I can tell you I recognized my hometown instantly.
Regarding the first 4 books (before Quill gets "Roseanne-itis" and comes into money), Zwinger Street is certainly Hamilton Avenue. The ritzy suburb near the river is obviously Grosse Pointe; Happy View is neighboring Harper Woods, etc.
However, Detroit and Bax Axe are a little over an hour's drive apart. The books make the trek between "Down Below" and Pick Axe seem like a longer drive.
Any other past or present Detroiters that can add to this list?
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JeffJ
posts on 6/14/2012 12:09:34 AM
Unofficial ghost writing here! =]
If you google 'cat who grinned fiction' you will find it.
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