Author's Note

VERY IMPORTANT

YOU KNOW YOU NEED TO READ THIS

So this story is basically just to amuse me. It focuses on a similar storyline as the movie, but there is a secondary plot including Shelley. I will be cutting the musical numbers, mostly out of laziness (I don't really feel like fiddling with the lyrics so that they match the time/setting/race changes).

Language: This is set in the current year, so the language will be currently used. There is some offensive language used, and I want it known that this is only to further the story. I would never condone the use of such language in real life, and will use it only in a way that shows how truly despicable I think it is. You'll note that after it is used, a character is reprimanded for using it. This is how I am in real life, and I wouldn't expect less in my writing.

Setting: I am taking the story out of Baltimore, which is a rather large city and wouldn't work to well with the general plot, and moving it to a small town in New Hampshire. It is near impossible to recreate the racial tension in the 60's, and this is as close as I can think of. I have had experience with this sort of thing, so I feel that the writing portrays the situation accurately.

The Corny Collins Show: I'm in love with the dancing and style on the show, so I've been thinking of using it as sort of a throw-back show. It's a show that kids are a part of that like to dance and sing, and in a bigger city, they would probably be the geeks. But because the city is smaller, they are seen as cooler, because no one else has a better claim to fame. The school sports teams are all terrible (sorry to those who live in small towns, but from my experience, that tends to be true), so the only thing the town really has to rally around is the show. I will also be using it as a showcase for live music, so there will be occasional performances on the show, but most likely none of the songs from the movie/musical.

Mistake/Typos/etc…: I'm the worst editor ever, and don't have a beta. I promise I won't bite anyone's head off if they point out mistakes. In fact I would prefer if they are pointed out, because if I did it once, chances are I will do it again. Also, if for whatever reason my writing is jumbled or doesn't make sense, tell me. I have no qualms about going back and editing. I just know the feeling of having to wait for ages for a new chapter, and want to give you the new ones as soon as possible.

You control…well, some of the story: While my plan was to have this fic follow the plot pretty closely, I'm always open to ideas, especially in a few areas, which I have left pretty open. In particular…

Shelley's love interest: I was playing with Link and Seaweed for a while, but I can't see them anyone but Tracy and Penny. I'm open to just about any suggestions for this little mini-plot, and I seriously mean any. I've got a vague idea, but I really want to see what you all think.

Shelley's past: I know in a lot of fics here Link has a miserable past, and I have one that could work for Shelley, but I'm asking the reader's if they want it or not. I'm perfectly fine with leaving Shelley a bit happy-go-lucky, though I'm not sure how it fits with her plot.

Protest or Lawsuit?: So the whole racial plot is the same, though in this day and age, you can't really tell someone they can't do a show like Corny Collins because they are of a certain race. I've been toying with the idea of keeping the protest march OR having Maybelle and her crew file a lawsuit against WYZT for discrimination. This one is up to you guys, because I have no real preference.

Music: There will be a few songs/bands mentioned on the show and off, and I was wondering if I should keep the 60's music theme or try and incorporate modern music. Again, I've got it planned both ways, so whichever you all choose.

Wow, this turned out longer than I thought. Okay, so you all digest that, and I will prep chapter one!!