The Dog Days of Writing!
By Lynn McPherson
I love my dog. I’ve had all sorts of pets in the past and dogs are my favorite. Cats aren’t far behind (of course!) but there is nothing like a canine companion. Today I’m going to share my top three reasons for having a dog in your mystery.
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| Sydney, Lynn’s adopted rescue dog! |
1. A Nose for Trouble!
Dogs have a way of sniffing out trouble. Often in books, a curious dog is a great way to get your character somewhere they shouldn’t be–like the scene of a crime. If a dog smells something interesting, they often want to find the source of the scent.
2. Expand Your Character’s Social Circle
People from all walks of life have dogs. Maybe your dog has a sweet spot for the fancy poodle up the street–the one owned by the man whose wife mysteriously disappeared last week. What if your dog loves to play with the furry mutt belonging to the ex-con with a story to tell?
3. A Reason to Explore
Nothing gets an owner out for a walk faster than a dog who needs to relieve itself. At least twice a day, a responsible dog owner has its dog out for a wander. Often, dog walks take place in the early hours too–a great time to discover a dead body or see something important through an open window in a lit up room while strolling on a quiet street after dark.
There are so many fun ways to incorporate a dog into a mystery, I’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg. Dogs are always good judges of characters and an easy way to lighten the mood. The toughest decision might be choosing a breed and a name for your lovable companion.
Do you have a pet in your stories? What’s your favorite thing about them?
Lynn McPherson has worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, ran a small business, and
taught English across the globe. She has travelled the world solo where her daring spirit has led her to jump out of airplanes, dive with sharks, and learn she would never master a surfboard. She now channels her lifelong love of adventure and history into her writing, where she is free to go anywhere, anytime. Her cozy series has three books out: The Girls’ Weekend Murder and The Girls Whispered Murder, and The Girls Dressed For Murder.
Wonderful post, Lynn. First off, I love your dog's sweet eyes. Hard to tear my eyes away from those–it must be hard for you to write. I agree that dogs make great characters. I have them in all of my books, except Detective Parrott has a pet cockatiel named Horace. (He's away too much to be able to take care of a dog.)
Thanks so much, Saralyn! I love your all your series, especially the ones with Horace!
Thanks so much, Saralyn. Sydney can be a distraction for sure! I love that you have Horace the cockatiel in your Detective Parrott books–and they're so good!
Thank you Saralyn. I love Horace!
Dogs are some of my favorite people.
Great stuff, Lynn. Another marvelous plus of having a dog in a story is that it creates an instant emotional bond with animal lovers, who, of course, are legion. Write on!
Wonderful post. The photo of Sydney melted my heart! Who could not love that dog! I used to have a dog who would sit in my lap when I wrote. Each of my two protagonists have dogs. Kate, in my animal-rights series, has a rescue greyhound she acquired in Run Dog Run. Kenya is assisting in the next book, Eagle Crossing.