Mystery writer Joyce Lavene and her new puppy, Rudi. Rudi is about 3 months old, male and no one is quite sure what breed he is. He looks part boxer and part something else.That's Jim Lavene with Quincy in the other photo [below, left].
What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?
We have coffee every day when we write. Jim has a nice espresso machine and he makes awesome mocha lattes. Rudi is starting to know the sound of the machine and that it is time to go in and write! He'll be a mystery loving pooch in no time!
What's brewing?
Jim has a double shot latte, whole milk, no foam, 2 Splendas. Joyce has mocha latte with soy milk. YUM!
Any goodies to go with the coffee?
Not usually. We try not to eat and write. Bad habit. It happens sometimes though.
Any treat for Rudi on this occasion?
Rudi gets his dog biscuit made by Debbie Clineff at Uwharrie Books and Café.
How did Rudi come to be united with you?
We got him last Monday from the Stanly County Animal Rescue people. He was abandoned in the park. He's still a little nervous when we take him outside but he's adapting.
How did he get his name?
His name is short for either Rudolph the red nosed reindeer or ex-Minnesota governor Rudy Perpich. We're not sure about that yet.
How is Rudi getting along with Quincy?Quincy ignores him for the most part. Rudi likes to run up to him and make little growling noises. It's become a game for them.
Squeaky-toy, tennis ball, cherished keepsakes...?
Green pull rope with ball on it, green and white fish toy. He loves his bed!
Squirrel, postman, birds...?
Not yet though he did learn to bark yesterday.
Did Bear, your previous dog who died in 2008, have any influence on your writing? How about Rudi?
Bear was always in the office with us when we were writing. It was part of the ritual. We hope Rudi will feel the same.
What's an ordinary day like for Rudi?
He gets up with us at about 6 am, we go outside then we have breakfast. He plays for a while then takes a nap. Then he goes outside and plays for a while and takes a nap. There's a pattern developing here. His favorite time is when we are sitting down and can hold him. One of us holds Quincy and the other holds Rudi. Then we switch off.
What's Rudi's best quality?
He's very laid back. I think that's why Quincy adjusted so quickly.
What's Rudi's proudest moment so far? His most embarrassing?His proudest is probably actually walking in the house on his leash from outside for the first time. His most embarrassing is probably falling on the floor when Quincy hissed at him. He recovered quickly.
Joyce and Jim Lavene are really two people who write together, not just one disguising herself with two names. They have had over 40 books published, including the recently released Ghastly Glass from their Renaissance Faire Mystery series.
View the Ghastly Glass trailer, and learn more about the authors and their work at Joyce and Jim Lavene's website and the Carolina Conspiracy blog.
--Marshal Zeringue
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