L A Joye is the pseudonym for mythological fiction writer, Lauren Sleeman as she ventures into the world of writing crime fiction, another long-time passion of hers. Many of the themes in her books reflect the insight and experience she gained in her work as a Jungian Psychotherapist.
Born in Southland and proud of her southern roots, Lauren wrote Wrongdoings as a homage to the influences of the south she grew up with. After spending some years living in both Sydney and Auckland, she moved back to her childhood holiday home in the picturesque location of Wānaka, Aotearoa New Zealand where she writes fulltime. Lauren talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about your novel.
Wrongdoings is set in 1943 in Southland where an American Marine is found murdered on the banks of the Ōreti River. Detective Inspector McBride, who heads the investigation, is a WW1 veteran struggling with shellshock. He and his team encounter hostility and red herrings from the tight-knit southern community along with having to manage the combative American commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Warren determined to protect the reputation of his Marines. A string of broken- hearted young women and tales of contraband activities add to the complex case.
What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write an easy-to-read story of my beloved birth province, Southland which encompassed old-school, colloquial humour, attitudes and history.
What research was involved?
It’s been fascinating to research the effects of both WWI and WWII on individuals and families in Southland and nationwide, including the impact of American servicemen stationed in Aotearoa New Zealand at the time. The Hyde railway disaster in 1943 which was another significant event in southern New Zealand history in an already fraught time.
Other topics researched related to my work as a psychotherapist such as PTSD (shellshock) and family violence. I also interviewed former members of the New Zealand Police Force (Ngā Pirihimana O Aotearoa) regarding police procedures at the time. A local Kaumatua, Cyril Gilroy, cast his eye over the Tangata Whenua aspects of the story to ensure respectful authenticity.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
I like to exercise in the morning, often walking, during which time I would reflect on the story to date and where to go next with the characters and plot. Then I would write for the rest of the day where possible. Questions related to historical context meant that I referred to my research sources regularly in order to represent the era as accurately as possible.
If a soundtrack was made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
I mention the song ‘Red Sails in the Sunset’ in the story, and imagine other war-time songs, along with some older country and western music, very much fit with the era. I can also hear classics like ‘Māori Battalion’, ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ and many Glen Miller and Andrews’ Sisters numbers being songs that my characters loved and sang along to.
If Wrongdoings was made into a movie, who would I like to see playing the lead characters?
It would be so great if that were to happen! With so many characters in the story, a large number of Kiwi actors would need to be involved! Who would best suit each part is a decision best left to someone with more knowledge than me, but it would be great to see lots of our wonderful talented people in the movie version of Wrongdoings.
What did I enjoy most about writing this novel?
I loved writing all the characters! They came alive each time I sat down to write. They would surprise me sometimes, make me laugh, and make me sad. I loved the whole process!
8. What did I do to celebrate finishing this book?
Heaved a sigh of relief. The writing of the book is a disciplined but very creative process. The editing not so much!
What is the favourite book I have read so far this year and why?
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. What a masterpiece. The characters. The research. The weaving together of it all. I absolutely loved it and was bereft when I finished it.
What’s next on the agenda?
DI McBride and DC Abercrombie, along with Mrs MacBride and Matron Urquhart, have not yet retired and another story with these delightful characters is percolating…