David Rosenfelt: New Tricks
Book Club Discussion
August 10, 2009. David Rosenfelt discusses his most recent novel,
New Tricks, with Queenie C.
Book Club Discussion: Interview with David Rosenfelt
So,
it seems that your books revolve around dogs. Why is that? What made you decide to write mystery books with dogs being a main character?
Like
most of the things I write, it sort of just happened. Dogs have become increasingly important in the books as I've gone along, partly because my
readers really seem to like it, but mostly because I feel comfortable writing about them. They say write about what you know, which unfortunately
doesn't leave me with many options. I chose dogs over politics and sports.
Book Club Discussion: Interview with David Rosenfelt
You
have a definite knowledge about the strategies of an attorney. Did you attend law school?
No,
I have no law training whatsoever. I've always loved the setting however, and I've followed trials as a bit of a courtroom junkie. It is inherently
dramatic, especially the moment when the verdict is delivered. Courtroom dramas have always been my favorite books and movies, and I finally decided
I should write them.
Book Club Discussion: Interview with David Rosenfelt
The
Tara Foundation is mentioned in New Tricks. Do you support your local rescue shelters?
The
Tara Foundation is also a real-life organization, founded and operated by my wife and I, and named after the real Tara, a wonderful golden retriever
who died in 1993. To date we have rescued over 4,000 dogs, mostly golden retrievers. If a dog we rescue is too old or ill to be wanted by someone,
they come to our house as our pets. We always have between 20 and 40...right now we have 27. In case you haven't guessed, we are dog lunatics.
At
one point in the story, Laurie asks, "Andy, would you like to know what is going to happen before it does?" My question to you is the same and
why or why not?
Definitely,
as long as by knowing I could change, or at least reshape, what was going to happen. Think of all the terrible things that could be prevented, and
the great things that could take their place. Besides, I'd win a fortune betting on football.
Book Club Discussion: Interview with David Rosenfelt
Marcus
is one of my favorite characters. He reminds me of what a woman would call a big teddy bear, meaning he is big and strong but has a caring
sensitive side. How did he come into existence?
I
wish I knew, but I really don't have any idea. I like superhero type characters, and he just came into my mind. I made him virtually silent, because
I didn't want to understand too much about him; I wanted to accept him for what he was. But if he has a caring, sensitive side, it's pretty well
hidden.
Book Club Discussion: Interview with David Rosenfelt
Will
there be any more Andy Carpenter stories?
Yes.
The next one is already written, and will be out next summer. It's called Dog Tags.
BCQ: Can you tell us anything about your current writing projects?
DR: I'm working on a stand-alone thriller right now, as well as a TV pilot for what will hopefully become an 'Andy Carpenter' TV series.
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