Lilian Jackson Braun Message Board
Jonathan Jenkins posts on 1/8/2013 8:48:23 PM
Actually, it is possible to get from Illinois to Michigan via Wisconsin. Wisconsin borders the upper peninsula. Minnesota borders Wisconsin, but not Michigan. I don't know how many roads go from Wisconsin to Michigan, but they do border each other.
Eileen Carlan posts on 1/8/2013 5:46:28 PM
Tchula, I believe it is in The Cat Who Talked Turkey, which is several books ahead of Blew the Whistle, that various statements made throughout the book eliminate ALL of the states in the great lakes area as possible locations for Moose County. Talked Turkey, however, was published after the writing quality had declined and the publisher did not see fit to give the books the editorial attention they deserved, so I've always attributed that to the confusion Ms. Braun had begun to experience.
Blew the Whistle is the next to last book published before, in my opinion, the writing quality begins to decline. It is possible that the author's attention to detail had already begun to decrease. There are many clues throughout the books that support Moose County's being located in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
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?
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).
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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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