Setting

rrhodes · Sep 12, 2011

In my mystery I'm wanting it to be along the lines of Noir mysteries but with modern advances (computers, cell phones, etc.). I've read and feel that typically in Noir, it involves corrupt cops, the characters are somewhat homophobic, sometimes racist, and misogynistic.

I'd like to have it modern, but have a lot of the things in the past like speakeasies, the views I mentioned above.

Is it acceptable to set it within an alternate reality, so that I can have the leeway to include aspects I want to, while still keep it fairly modern? Or do I have to forfeit the modern and put my character in the 1940s?

I guess basically I want a 1920-1940s era city and values with 21st century technology and a 21st century detective with 21st century values trying to live in that world.

Maryn · Sep 12, 2011

An alternate reality might be just the ticket for what you want and don't want in your New Noir. (Send me a nickel every time you use it.) Just be careful you don't spend more time creating and explaining the alternate world than telling the story.

Maryn, who liked hybrids

DocBrown · Sep 12, 2011

It seems to me it would be easy to do with an alternate world. Simply never have the 21st amendment passed and prohibition would have continued on to modern day.

Actually, based on the wording of the amendment, people would have become savvy enough to have started religions based on the drinking of alcohol just so they could drink.

leon66a · Sep 12, 2011

rrhodes said:
In my mystery I'm wanting it to be along the lines of Noir mysteries but with modern advances (computers, cell phones, etc.). I've read and feel that typically in Noir, it involves corrupt cops, the characters are somewhat homophobic, sometimes racist, and misogynistic.

I'd like to have it modern, but have a lot of the things in the past like speakeasies, the views I mentioned above.

Is it acceptable to set it within an alternate reality, so that I can have the leeway to include aspects I want to, while still keep it fairly modern? Or do I have to forfeit the modern and put my character in the 1940s?

I guess basically I want a 1920-1940s era city and values with 21st century technology and a 21st century detective with 21st century values trying to live in that world.

You don't have to go into the past to find corrupt cops, racism, misogyny, etc. And if you change your intoxicant of choice to pot or hash, you could easily have underground smoke houses.

I think you're making it too hard. But maybe I'm missing the essence of what you are trying to do.

rrhodes · Sep 12, 2011

Thanks all, some very interesting suggestions there. You all have definitely given me some food for thought.

Setting

rrhodes

Maryn

I Tried

DocBrown

Hopes to one day write for food.

leon66a

rrhodes