Rodney Strong is a New Zealand author, primarily of cosy mysteries. He has been writing all his life and decided in 2016 to pursue a full-time career in creating worlds. His most popular character is a 98-year-old retired con artist, but he loves all of his characters, even if some of them don't do as they're told. He has published a total of 17 books and delights in freaking people out by telling them that he essentially kills people for a living but that it was alright because he’d made the people up in the first place. Rodney talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about Three Dogs, Two Murders and a Cat.
Three Dogs is a cozy murder mystery featuring 33-year-old Nicolette Briggs. Nicolette is an animal detective, specialising in cases in the Wellington area involving animals. When she is hired to find out if a cat has been poisoned she finds herself embroiled in not one, but two murder investigations. All while sparring with her teenage daughter, police detective brother, and avoiding her mother as much as possible. Despite her reluctance to get involved with a murder investigation, when someone breaks into her house and one of her dogs is hurt, Nicolette is determined to find out what happened.
What inspired you to write this novel?
I love the cozy mystery genre, as it has all the traits of a regular murder mystery, but they are generally lighter in tone, which suits me just fine. The novel really started with the idea of Nicolette and grew from there. She is loosely based on a friend who has a cat, and when I was searching for an idea I thought how she would make a great advocate for animals, and so Nicolette Briggs was born. There are many champions of animal rights in New Zealand, and I wanted to honour them by writing a story where animals and how they are treated is central to the story. Nicolette will do anything, including skirting the law, to make sure those without a voice have someone on their side. Although as she says, it doesn’t pay that well.
What research was involved?
Tricky to say too much without giving away plot details. Needless to say my google history had some interesting things on it. What I can say is having spent most of my life in Wellington I was very familiar with the geography and it was fun putting in areas and landmarks that locals would be able to recognise.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
I get up, go to the gym, then go to a local café and write for an hour. It might sound funny but there are less distractions surrounded by people than there are at home where I might be tempted to answer emails or do some house work, or rescue cicadas from one of the cats. I then come home, catch up on emails and non writing things, then write some more. I tend to set word goals for the day. If I can get 1,000 words down then it’s a good day.
Some writers carefully plan their book before writing it, but I tend to just write and see where the story takes me. It does mean a bit more re-writing once the first draft is done, but the spontaneity suits me.
If a soundtrack was made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
Fight Song by Rachel Platten as it’s about not giving up when facing big obstacles and that’s what Nicolette wants for her daughter, and her dogs.
I’m Standing Here by Guy Sebastian, as it’s about being there for someone which Nicolette has to be for her daughter, and for her dogs who are all rescues and have had trauma in their lives.
If your book was made into a movie, who would you like to see playing the lead characters?
I think Emily Bett Rickards would make a perfect Nicolette. She was in Arrow and portrayed a smart, resourceful woman, just like Nicolette. Raegan Revord for Chloe. She was on Young Sheldon and has the perfect amount of attitude and vulnerability. Jarod Rawiri from The Brokenwood Mysteries would be perfect for Dominic.
What did you enjoy the most about writing this novel?
It would have to be relationship between Nicolette and her teenage daughter Chloe. Because it’s always just been the two of them, they understand each other, and compliment each other, yet Chloe is just starting to understand about the real world like financial pressures and so she’s beginning to worry about her mother. It was fun writing that changing dynamic.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
I’m terrible at celebrating when I finish a book. Usually I just jump straight into the editing process or writing the next book because my mind is always thinking of the next idea. With this one though I did take a week away from work and just relaxed.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
The Big Empty by Robert Crais. His two main characters are private investigators in Los Angeles and I’ve really enjoyed the series of books so far. He creates complex stories that keep you turning the page.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I am writing the seventh book in the Silvermoon Retirement Village series, then I’ll begin book 2 with Nicolette. I already had a broad idea of what it will be about and I’m really looking forward to getting back into her world. My daughter has also been urging me to write a book with her as a main character (since I did one for her brother a few years ago) and I may have to finally get that one done.