Mandy Hager is a multi-award-winning writer of fiction for young adults. In 2019, she was awarded the Margaret Mahy Medal for lifetime achievement and a distinguished contribution to New Zealand’s literature for young people.
Author of thirteen novels and two non-fiction titles, her historical novel for adults, Heloise, was longlisted for the Ockham Book Awards. Mandy talks to NZ Booklovers about her new novel Strays & Waifs.
Tell us a little about your novel.
The first in a new thriller/mystery series for adults based on Aotearoa’s beautiful Kāpiti Coast, Strays and Waifs features 30-year-old climate activist and cli-fi writer Bella Goodfellow, and 70-year-old psychic empath Freyja Jespersen. Thrown together reluctantly, their odd-ball alliance evolves into a secret force for good when Freyja has a terrifying vision of an unfolding crime that proves to be true.
What inspired you to write this book?
This is my old-age project, devised during the lockdowns. I wanted to create characters I could travel with, whose passions and quirks mirror my own closely enough that their unique qualities provide an ongoing opportunity to express the things dear to my heart. And the thriller aspects add an extra layer, based on topical issues often swept under the carpet, such as domestic violence, conspiracy theories and the Sovereign Citizen movement, and blatant abuses of power.
While each book in the series focuses on a discrete mystery/thriller plot, the two main protagonists Bella and Freyja are the constant; two very different women at very different phases of their life, outsiders thrown together reluctantly, but both big-hearted enough to forge a relationship based on love and respect that enhances both their lives. And this love spreads, embracing others as they come into contact with them, building a community of good people who proactively work to better the lives of those around them. This matters to me. I wanted to show loving, healthy relationships on the page, sick of the social media/reality TV meanness that seems to have leaked into all our social interactions. It also gives me the opportunity to touch on climate change issues, the nature of activisim, and the many ways people deal with grief and loss.
What research was involved?
I interviewed a local psychic, as well as digging into the research on clairvoyance, mediumship, auras etc. I also tapped into my local neighbourhood, trying to take note of the things that make Kāpiti such a special place to live.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
Once I decide to start a book, I spend around 6 weeks to 3 months researching and making notes before I start to write. Once I’m ready, I write from around 8.30 to 3pm each day, and then edit in the evenings.
If a soundtrack was made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
Hinerakatauri (goddess of Music) by Oceania
The Ballad of the Witches’ Road (Sacred Chant Version) by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez
Te Hiva by Te Vaka
Lotus Slumber (Loop)
If your book was made into a movie, who would you like to see playing the lead characters?
Thomasin McKenzie for Bella
Carmel McGlone for Freyja
What did you enjoy the most about writing this novel?
I really love these characters and enjoyed the way their relationship slowly developed. I also had a lot of fun thinking about Freyja’s relationship to her three rather wacky spirit guides.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
Had a little rest and then started on the next one!
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie. Fascinating to read about a Hiroshima survivor and the politics of India’s partition.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I have a sci-fi/speculative fiction novel for young adults in planning, plus number three in this series.
The Cuba Press