Authors in Conversation: Diane Kelly and Elizabeth Penney

Elizabeth: The Paw Enforcement series features a police officer as the main character. Can you tell me about how you developed the character of Megan and any background research you did? Do you find it a challenge to write from a law enforcement POV rather than amateur sleuth?

Diane: When I began writing, all I knew was that I wanted to write about strong women. While intelligence and determination are a woman’s most effective traits, giving the heroine a badge and weaponry opens additional possibilities for entertaining plot points. After launching my Death & Taxes series, which features a female IRS agent fighting white-collar criminals, I was eager to write another law enforcement agent. To learn more about police work, I attended my local Citizens Police Academy.

Law enforcement officers and amateur sleuths each pose different opportunities and challenges. On one hand, a cop has the legal authority to detain suspects, as well as training in takedown techniques and weapons. On the other hand, peace officers must follow established procedures and can’t perform searches and seizures without probable cause or a warrant. Their actions are subject to scrutiny by superiors and the public. Ironically, a civilian often has more leeway when attempting to gather evidence or spy on a suspect. The fact that amateur sleuths are generally unarmed and untrained in self-defense heightens the suspense when they go head-to-head with a potential criminal. Also, an amateur sleuth might have specialized training or unique knowledge that is critical to solving the case. An amateur sleuth might also have a personal stake in seeing the criminal brought to justice.

While there are pros and cons to each type of character, both are a blast to bring to life on the page.

Diane: I love the idea of vintage aprons for your protagonist’s shop and the center of the book, Ruffles & Bows. My husband inherited a big box full of lace that his two grandmothers had made by hand years ago. Although I used some of the lace in our china cabinet as accent pieces, the rest has been sitting in a closet waiting for me to figure out what to do with it. I’m now thinking it would make great trim for an apron! How did you come up with this idea? Do you sew?

Elizabeth: With so many great cozies already in print, it can be difficult to find a new theme that is relatable plus broad enough to carry a series. I’d been brainstorming for a while before the idea popped into my head.

For a while, I’d been noticing that aprons are enjoying a surge in popularity. Coming across a cute ruffled pinafore in the aisles of a big box store really brought it home for me. If big box stores are carrying aprons, then they are definitely in the mainstream again. To me, this was a good indication that the idea of an apron shop might work as a cozy mystery series. In addition, aprons are a rich part of domestic history and there are many great examples of vintage ones—with associated stories. I love incorporating historic subplots in my mysteries.

I sew a little, but prefer to knit. My English mother, however, is an expert seamstress. Not only did she whip up our little dresses, she made pinafores for me and my sisters, and we had to wear these “pinnies” at every meal. At the time, it was another of what I regarded as her eccentricities, since none of my schoolmates certainly ever donned anything as dorky as an apron. Now I wish I had a few of the lovely ones she made for me.

And yes, you should use that lace on a homemade apron.

Diane: Of course, we have to talk about the animals, your cute tabby Quincy vs. my K-9 shepherd Brigit. Are you a cat person? Is Quincy based on a real-life cat?

Elizabeth: Pets are a must-have in cozies, I’ve noticed. They’re cute and fun and often lend their support or help in solving mysteries. I am a cat person, although dogs like me. I’ve owned one dog, a golden retriever mix named Jack. He loved to go hiking and cross-country skiing with me.

And yes, Quincy is based on a real cat, sadly gone now. Quincy was a great cat, smart and inquisitive and cuddly, like the fictional Quince. One of his best tricks was playing fetch with a ball of yarn.

Your Brigit is a great character. K-9 dogs are amazing.

Elizabeth: I grew up in Maine and often visit the coast, so placing a series there gives me an opportunity to share all I know and love about the state. Your series is set in Fort Worth, Texas. Tell me what is special about Fort Worth and why you thought it would make a great setting.

Diane: I lived in the Fort Worth area for many years, and I’ve loved bringing the city to life in my Paw Enforcement series. Fort Worth is a city of contrasts—its personality is based in the past, but it has also embraced modern culture. During the days of cattle drives, the legendary Chisholm Trail ran through the city, giving rise to its nickname “Cowtown.” Fort Worth features a touristy Stockyards area that pays homage to its western heritage with museums and honkytonks, while the Will Rogers coliseum regularly hosts horse shows. While retaining its country character, Fort Worth has evolved into a sophisticated city. In the cultural district, you’ll find great art museums like the Kimbell and the Modern, as well as the latest Broadway hits showing at Bass Hall. The city’s distinctive sites provide perfect backdrops that I’ve used in my stories, including the Trinity River, the Botanic Gardens, the Stockyards, Colonial Country Club, and Forest Park. Local readers tell me they love seeing their city spotlighted in the series.

Diane: In your new book, Iris mentions a rock climbing trip she has planned with her friend and love interest. She’s hesitant due to her fear of heights, which is a fear I can totally relate to! Are you leery of heights, too? Are you a rock climber?

Elizabeth: Probably like every writer, I draw from life when I create my characters. While Iris isn’t exactly like me, she does share some of my traits. She loves vintage garments and good food, she’s somewhat introverted, and yes, I’m also afraid of heights. I haven’t tested it lately but I tend to freeze up when I’m in certain situations, like climbing a fire tower for example, where you can see the ground through the frame. I have done a little rock-climbing and this fear definitely comes into play. My climbs have been short and I can’t imagine scaling a cliff that requires multiple rope lengths. On the plus side, I enjoyed making the movements up rock, often surprising myself with my agility. Spending time at cliffs, even at the bottom, is a wonderful experience too. I’ve also done a lot of hiking in the mountains and getting out into the woods is a great de-stressor and inspiration for me.

Elizabeth: My character Iris Buckley drives a ’63 Ford Falcon named Beverly. I noticed that your Officer Megan Luz’s love interest, firefighter Seth Rutledge, drives a ‘72 Chevy. Are you a fan of classic cars, too?

Diane: I am! Especially the muscle cars of the 1960’s and 1970’s. My family had a Ford Falcon like your Beverly when I was a kid. Rust ate through the floorboard on the passenger side and my practical parents covered the hole with plywood. Those were the days! Firefighter/bomb squad hero Seth from my Paw Enforcement series drives a classic blue Chevy Nova with orange flames painted down the sides and a license plate that reads KABOOM. I based the car on my granny’s ’72 Nova. The car had a bench seat in front and only an AM radio, but what an enormous engine! When we were teenagers, all of us grandkids would fight over who got to run errands for Granny just so we could drive her car. You’d barely touch the gas and VROOM!