So did you watch Castle last night? It's about a best-selling bad boy mystery writer who ends up partnering with a female detective to solve a case. Someone is murdering people based on his books, so this is how he gets involved. And when they solve that case, he gets himself a position accompanying the detective for research purposes because he killed off his fictional detective and she's the inspiration for a new one (so the series can continue, of course). (If you missed the episode and want to watch, you can do so for free here.)
Frankly, though it was over the top, I liked it. And I think it has potential. But what's totally hilarious to me, and to all the writers I know, is the portrayal of the writing life. Nathan Fillion, aka Richard Castle, is a bad boy rock star kind of writer. He's got book launch parties in swanky places, lots of money, a pen with which he signs bimbos' chests (do they really read?), and a bad attitude about his fame. He's friends with the mayor, and he sits around playing cards with Stephen J. Cannell and James Patterson. (And someone said the woman at the table was Faye Kellerman.)
He's so well connected he can get anything done, even leapfrog the slow and frustrating process of getting CSI results from the lab. Which of course pisses off the detective. He has money to burn and enough self-love to make him charming in spite of himself. (And, we suspect, a core of misery.) Somehow, in between all this partying and fun, he's managed to write a whole lot of bestselling mysteries that are known for their attention to detail. Even the medical examiner is a fan.
But what I really love is the writing = glamour aspect. The portrayal of Castle's life just reinforces what the public already believes about writers. Rich, connected, got it made. I ROFL, of course, because I am none of these things. People at my husband's work actually thought he was going to retire now that I've sold a book. Excuse me while I roll around on the floor in hysterics.
MOST writers don't live this charming, exotic life. We are ordinary people with ordinary incomes. Being a published writer doesn't make you rich. It makes you like everyone else out there, worrying about expenses and hoping to make enough to cover them. Or, in my case since I have a wonderfully supportive hubby with a good job, making enough to cover my writing expenses, save for our retirement, and take some lovely vacations.
Even if I had Castle's money and connections, I doubt I'd want to do any of that stuff he does. I'd much rather be holed up in my office, working on my next book, than chasing criminals or attending ritzy parties.
Did you watch Castle? What did you think? Do you like shows about writers? My mom loves Murder She Wrote. Jessica seems to have a more ordinary life by contrast, and yet everyone the poor woman knows always gets killed. The shows are campy, but fun. Castle was a bit campy too, but I think it can get better. (My first choice, of course, would be to have Fillion back on the set of Firefly, but I don't think that will ever happen now. Darn TV execs. They'll probably cancel this one too, just as soon as people fall in love with it.)
Didn’t watch that one. Actually I hadn’t heard of it until I read your blog. And yeah, that’s a really true portrayal of the writer’s life. *barf*
I’m not sure I’ve ever watched a show about a writer. I saw a few episodes of Murder She Wrote but that’s about it. Actually, I can’t think of any others.
A few years ago I tried watching a movie about a male writer who was facing a deadline and hired a woman to help him write. I fell asleep halfway through.
And then there’s Misery. “I’m your biggest fan.” *cue creepy music*
I’ll go now and don my silk caftan and Manolo mules and recline on my chaise while I dictate my latest work to my personal assistant.
I’d never heard of this show either, Lynn. What channel is it on? I might have to check it out.
Misery… definitely creepy, as is anything by Stephen King.
Angel
LOL, PM! I could get into the silk caftan and Manolos. 🙂 And I’ve never seen Misery, thankfully. I’m not a scary movie fan, though SK is certainly the master!
Angel, Castle is an ABC show. And you can watch the pilot online at the site. ABC does a good job of putting their shows online after they’ve aired so you can catch up. I like that. 🙂 It *was* fun and I do love Nathan Fillion, so I’ll tune in again.
OMG, I TiVO’d it, watched it and loved it. I’m a fan of Nathan Fillion anyway, but I’m like you–it’s got great potential.
Ditto on the Firefly comment. But didn’t you love the contrast of him being all uncaring of others vs. the fact that he has his wacky, actress MOTHER living with him and his 15 y.o. daughter? There was obvious love there and I throught the contrast was terrific.
I guess I should have said “supposedly” uncaring of others. 🙂
I’ll have to admit, I loved Murder, She Wrote and still do when I can catch a rerun.
Nathan is hot in such a geeky way. Pushes all the right buttons for me…
Wasn’t he on Desperate Housewives for a season? And I just saw him in a movie with Keri Russell — “Waitress” I think.
Hi, Carol! Good to see you again!! Yes, I agree about the mother and daughter. The mother was hilarious!
PC: yes indeed!
PM: I’ve never watched DH, so not sure about that. You are probably right though! Dang I wish Firefly would come back. Guess I need to drag out the DVDs and watch them again.