>It's almost the end of Boston month so I hope this
won't be seen as beating
>a dead horse Do you Spenser advocates think there a
posibility that Robert
>Parker originated and keeps Susan, who is a strong
and smart female
>character, so his work will have enhanced appeal to
women readers?
>Mark
Well, I'm sure that was part of the thinking, perhaps urged
on by his editors. I've also heard that the Susan/Spenser
relationship is based on his own marriage, in which case it
may be that he felt the need to appease a female audience of
one. Query how well it worked if that was the intention
- I know at least as many female readers as males who find
Susan annoying, and in fact female readers are notoriously
tough on "love interests" and female characters in general
[classic example is "Law & Order" - I know women who
complained, at least somewhat justly, that the first few
seasons were a "boys club" yet hate just about every female
who's ever added to the cast]. On the other hand, a lack of
any female presence, even an annoying one, may be a turnoff.
Most writers don't want to look like they are hanging a "no
girls allowed" sign on the clubhouse. Of course, it's a case
by case basis as I know plenty of women who are crazy about
"Oz" (and it ain't 'cause of Rita Moreno).
Personally, I don't give it a lot of thought, though I like
to see some reflection of reality (ie, a modern day courtroom
drama without a single female judge or attorney is
potentially suspect, as is a cop drama where the force is 90%
female.) Any writers come to mind who have created series
that are actually or essentially all-male? (Or all female?)
Any of them recent?
Carrie
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