Is this a terrible idea?

[Quiver]

This is an idea I've had for a little while now, I just can't tell if it's a case of genius or crass cashing in, so... thought I'd open it up to you guys.

Basically, it's a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, with a slight twist; each story is set in an advancing decade, and is written in a particular literary style or movement associated with the time period. At the same time, there is an overarching mystery running through each of the stories in small ways connecting them (despite the characters themselves not being related at all; each one is the real Holmes and Watson, meaning the backbone is an impossible mystery).

As an example... The first story would be a traditional, Doyle Holmes story, set in 1880's.

The second would be a fin de siècle, Dorian Grey, sensualist tale, with hints of the supernatural and "the love that dare not speak it's name" between Holmes and Watson.

A noir 1920's detective piece, followed by pulp adventure in the 30's, and a propaganda-tale of daring war spying against nazi's during the 1940's.

1950's, Sherlock Holmes in an Agatha Christie style mystery. 1960's, one of Watsons accounts, rendered in the style of Ulysses.

1990's, female!Holmes. 2000's, a story about government conspiracies and cover ups, essentially being Dan Browns Sherlock Holmes...

And leading up to my version of a modern day Sherlock; an internet nerd in the 2010's. A geek, who is inspired to become a detective and wear a long coat because... he's a Batman fan. Which is part of the impossibility of the thing, since... Holmes is such a pop culture giant. He's part of what inspired detective heroes, but now he's inspired by something which wouldn't exist without him. He solves the mystery lingering from the first story, a mystery that couldn't happen since, in 2010-Holmes life, there was no 1880's Holmes. The whole thing is an impossible loop, feeding into and informing itself.

So... Like pop culture itself.

Thoughts?

[Kobold King]

It sounds interesting. I've toyed with the idea of a futuristic Holmes before, but this is something unique I've never heard of before. I'm not precisely sure what you mean by the real Holmes and Watson, though. Care to explain in more detail?

 

Overall I'd say to go for it!

[Shardmancer]

Very intresting.. I would like to see how you would conenct the overall plot of the sotry arch.. But even as sperate individual stories of different Holmes and Watson's would be very cool. Remided me of a Cloud Atlas feel.. which is something really cool if done properly like in the book- and something terrible if not done properly like in the movie. (haha) Anyway I think its very good idea and would love to hear more in the furture.!

[Swimmingly]

It sort of reminds me of that Sherlock and Holmes IN THE FUTURE thing, but better defined. I think that, if you could keep the stories recognizable as containing elements of a proper Holmes mystery as well as the themes and plots of the period aspect, it could turn out quite well. On the other hand, it would be much like lining up a pile each of bowling balls, knives, feathers, and loaded handguns, then promising to juggle them in succession while riding a unicycle.

 

In case the metaphor is not clear, it might not be pretty if you messed up.

 

I would also warn against falling into stereotypes of period pieces, and looking at the kinds of twists you could do with it. Quite a lot of bad fanfiction happens when people take characters they enjoy reading, settings they enjoy reading, and mashing it all together with mediocre writing and very poor themes. Not to cast this in any sort of negative light - I know you enjoy fanfiction - but that is what this boils down to: transplanting characters into new situations. It needs to be done exceptionally to look good.

 

Those issues avoided and your exemplary writing adhered to, it'll kick some serious rock-shelled saddle-backed chull.