Authors talk at library about books, life

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | midnight

Fans of mystery writer David Rosenfelt may have known about the seven books he has published since 2003, and they may have understood his writing style.

What they may not have known about before his Sept. 19 talk at the Paseo Verde Library were the rescued 27 golden retrievers that live at his home.

As part of the occasional Carr Chat series of talks with authors, Rosenfelt was interviewed at the library by Henderson author Robyn Carr and talked about a variety of subjects, including golden retrievers and his past career as a movie executive.

Rosenfelt displayed a self-deprecating sense of humor and candor which often left the audience chuckling.

"I know so little about writing and the writing process," he said.

Rosenfelt started writing his first book, courtroom drama "Open and Shut," while waiting on feedback for a script he was writing.

"The whole process from sending it to an agent, to writing to the time it was bought took seven weeks," he said. "I didn't know it was a mystery until (Warner Books) told me they were releasing it through their Mysterious Press imprint."

He also told the audience he lacked artistic integrity. As an example, he pointed to a book he wrote set in Wisconsin, which involved crossing the Canadian border. When he finished the draft, he consulted a map to check for town names. It was then that he discovered Wisconsin did not, in fact, share a border with the U.S.'s neighbor to the north.

"I don't do any research," Rosenfelt said.

Carr was startled by the admission, noting she fact-checks incessantly.

"I'm scared to death (of making an error)," she said.

Rosenfelt also shuns outlines, letting the story evolve as he writes. He takes eight or nine weeks to write a book, which he does twice a year.

"So do the math," he said. "I've got a lot of time on my hands."

Part of that time is spent rescuing golden retrievers. Five years ago, Rosenfelt started the Tara Foundation, which has rescued more than 4,000 dogs, mostly golden retrievers, and found them homes. Their own home became a sanctuary in the process, with dogs too sick or old to be wanted by others.

Rosenfelt additionally gave the audience a peek at the movie business, which he repeatedly ridiculed. He rose to the position of marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures before trying his hand at screenplay writing.

He recalled one scene in a movie "Deadly Isolation" that appeared on Lifetime. A dog was supposed to be drowning in an icy ocean, but due to budget constraints the canine was filmed in an aqueduct about the width of a desk, and was seen in the movie swimming happily.

"It's such a stupid business," he said.

Audience members like Marilyn Hodges said they were heartened that his sharp wit was as evident in person as it is in his books.

"His sense of humor is so delightful," she said. "I think he's brilliant."

While Hodges attends all the Carr Chats, it was a first for Cookie Benson. She was giddy to see one of her favorite authors.

"He's so humble and so successful," she said. "I was hoping to find out he was not married."

While Rosenfelt, who is married, autographed books for fans, Karen Wilbur was one of the few present who had not yet read his books. She attends Carr Chats regularly.

She said Rosenfelt's talk was more casual than other authors', which have been more scripted.

"He was speaking off the top of his head, like a living room chat," Wilbur said.

Carr said that was the intent behind the launch of the chats four years ago.

"The idea is to bring the author, book and community together," she said. "You never know what you're going to get, so it's fun."

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or [email protected].