DC: There are many different kinds of mysteries. Challenging mysteries like Agatha Christie's, intelligent mysteries like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, comfy-cosy mysteries like M.C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth, gritty mysteries like Ian Rankin's and light-hearted mysteries like yours. Why did you choose this style of mystery?
CB: I think that, to a large degree, a writer's natural style dictates the kind of books she writes. We write the way we write, and we can't really do it any other way - at least, not convincingly. In fact, I've tried to write thrillers and simply haven't been able to pull it off. I like humor, in literature and in life. I've always been someone who never knew the response that a "normal" person would give so I've ended up saying something funny instead! Quirky things just seem to come out of me, and people often have no idea what I'm talking about. For example, my husband and I were redoing our bathroom, and in a plumbing supply store I saw faucets that were short and squat and round, like eggs. I pointed to them and said, "Look at those! They look like little Eskimos!" He had absolutely NO idea what I was talking about! In my writing, however, I can find a socially-acceptable outlet for my odd way of looking at things. (I do have to make sure that I'm making sense, however!) Given the way I like to write - and naturally write - I couldn't convincingly create a tough, hard-boiled protagonist who gets into really serious situations. I have to create a world that's largely fantasy, one in which my characters can play and my dialogue can (hopefully) be humorous and fun.
DC: Okay, it's time to talk specifically about your novels. A veterinarian as the central character in a murder mystery is unusual. What motivated you to make your heroine a vet? She's also no ordinary vet; she is terrified of reptiles, especially snakes, which I find unusual for someone who is supposed to love animals. Writing instructors always tell students that their characters have to make sense. Is it a good idea for writers to give characters incongruous traits?
CB: I love incongruity, which is why I made Jessie have a weak spot - her dislike of snakes. (I pretty much share that dislike. I use to live with snakes. They were supposed to stay in their tanks. They got out all too often. They would hide in the house for days. I was afraid to open closet doors or lie in bed at night, knowing they like warm places. They now live elsewhere.)
