Here's a fascinating story about Amanda Barnett, a teenaged deputy coroner in Indiana. She's 18, and works for her father, the elected coroner of Jay County. I think this is an idea with fantastic series potential (for some talented YA author, not ham-fisted ole me): the family dynamics of having dad for a boss who empowers her, but still wants to protect her, balancing schoolwork and what has to be a stressful, demanding job; seeming so weird to the other kids...
I'd read it, and give it to my nieces- in a few years.
It's this kind of far-out premise that, if you were merely pitching the idea, editors might argue no readers would accept. Ah, truth, always surprising me just when I think I've got you figured.
May I also take this moment to mention the Crime Lab Project? Go to the CLP Forum blog for the most current stuff. This initiative comes from within the world of crime fiction to help make actual labs as well funded, equipped, and staffed to provide the timely, accurate, and just results we all like in our reading and viewing. Backlogs and budget constraints are the reality, not the exception, and ambitious Amanda deserves a good place to land once she graduates.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Criminal Inspirations: New YA Heroine?
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2 comments:
Your piece is most timely - loved the idea of a YA coroner and all the strings attached with working for Dad while still so "innocent."
And, The May 7th NEW YORKER has a piece by Jeffrey Toobin, "The CSI Effect: the truth about forensic science. (page 30+)
One stark reality mentioned is that a top-notch "hair and fibre" forensic expert "working quickly" examined more than a hundred pieces of evidence in a cop killing case.
It took her two and a half years to complete the examination so she could testify at the trial. And, what could she say?
"My conclusion is that all of those questioned fibres could have originated from the interior of the Nissan Maxima, from the seats, and/or backrests."
COULD HAVE? Yep! In reality, "the strongest association you can say (for her type of forensics, at least) is that 'it could have come from'" an element from the crime scene.
I guess forensics is an evolving study!
Too bad, Clare, that neither of us feel capable of writing the series!
Write ON!
I have a relative in Forensic Pathology who just groans at the CSI effect as people want expensive, backlogged DNA tests done for things like fender benders: Well, if you can't prove I was at the wheel with DNA...
About our heroine, maybe someone will realize they'd have at least 2 guaranteed readers in us and take the chance, ya think?
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