THE GIRLFRIEND MOM (a memoir)
Submision Type
book
Logline
Dani fell in love with a divorced father of two and reluctantly became a quasi-parent. Then, when she couldn’t imagine life without the kids, she's dumped for a natural blonde. Dani won’t be ignored, love won’t be denied, and she and the kids won't break up.
Genre
Memoir,Funny,Comedy,Family
Short Summary
"You're not very maternal," my boyfriend Julian said, backing out of his ex-wife's driveway, after dropping off his kids. I stayed in the car and waved good-bye. I thought, "Maybe the next time we have the kids, I'll whip out a boob and breastfeed them. Would that be maternal enough for you?"
Setting
New York, New Jersey, Dubai
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Internal Journey/Rebirth,Other
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age,Meaningful Message,Philosophical Questions
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity
Main Character Details
Name: Dani
Age: 40's
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Charming,Clumsy,Complex,Sexy,Empathetic,Selfless,Engaging,Faithful,Funny,Romantic,Sarcastic,Educated,Strong Moral Code,Insecure,Unapologetic,Naive
Additional Character Details
Name: Julian
Age: 40's
Gender: Male
Role: Antagonist
Key Traits: Masculine,Aggressive,Narcisstic,Charming,Confident,Sexy,Blunt,Romantic,Educated,Manipulative,Funny
Additional Character Details
Name: Nicole
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Badass,Confident,Blunt,Outspoken,Funny,Insecure
Additional Character Details
Name: Nicole
Age: 13
Gender: Female
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Badass,Charming,Outspoken,Funny,Insecure
Genre
ROMANCE, DRAMA
Brief
The story of a modern woman who used to put career first, and suddenly saw herself having a solid relationship with her ex's kids.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: FAIR
Accuracy of Book Profile
Not completely. There are two Nicoles there, and I believe the author should add Marie to the profile.
Draw of Story
The writing style. It's engaging and easy to follow. The protagonist is also interesting, and her voice in the first person helps us to connect with her.
Possible Drawbacks
It's long and only based on the same narrative line: Dani builds a relationship with her ex's kids. I understand that developing these connections takes time, but I still believe it could have subplots.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
This idea that, sometimes, you plan your life in your own head, but fate comes and changes it all. And in the end, these changes are positive.
Fanbase Potential
I don't say a large fanbase, but the protagonist is somewhat inspiring.
Awards Potential
If the story focuses more on the beautiful and unexpected relationship between ex-girlfriend and the kids, I believe it could become an attractive drama.
Envisioned Budget
LOW BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
STEPMOM: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NEW GIRLFRIEND, THE EX-WIFE, AND THE KIDS; THE SOUND OF MUSIC: THE GOVERNESS OF THE HOUSE OF A WIDOWED CAPTAIN, WITH SEVEN CHILDREN, WHO BRINGS LOVE AND LIGHT TO THEIR HOME.
What’s New About the Story
I believe the author could intensify the drama. The conflicts are already there, but, sometimes, the story is told sarcastically (which is acceptable since it carries the protagonist's voice).
Lead Characters
The protagonist is very honest with the audience. We know her fears, struggles, and goals from the very beginning.
Uniqueness of Story
Not a rare gem. The plot of the woman struggling to choose between a career and kids, between having her own life, independently, or following her heart and staying by the kids' side is very powerful. I think this plot should be developed with more intensity though.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
The style is efficient, and the narrative is powerful. It touches the audience who can connect easily to the protagonist's struggles and doubts. This woman in her 40's feeling forced by society to become a mother, and her own struggle to reach high levels in her career and still feel fulfilled as a woman is very powerful and credible. It's a type of story that can sound clichè, but it's still very important to be told. It talks directly to a lot of women who still feel forced to make decisions. The best part of this narrative, though, is the fact that the storyteller didn't try to force a happy ending full of expected resolutions. In the end, the protagonist stays by the kids' side, it doesn't matter if they are her ex-boyfriend's kids. If people believe she should have her own kids. It's her choice, it makes her happy, and this is what makes the story more unique. The writing style is intimist, makes us feel connected to the protagonist, and the pace is effective. The story has some problems to be fixed. I believe the emotions could be more intense, the conflicts more punchy. Since the protagonist tells the story more amusingly, it loses a little of the powerful drama it could present.