Interview with Sara Paretsky
Sara Paretsky is the award-winning creator of the V I Warshawski detective novels. You may remember V I as the tough-talking detective who uses her brains as well as her strength to get things done. Sara first introduced her to the world in Indemnity Only in 1982. She is credited with revolutionizing the portrayal of women in mystery novels. In a genre where women were primarily either victims or vamps, Sara created one of the first female investigators who was neither—she was both smart and tough. Since then, Sara has been quite a celebrated writer who has many honors and awards under her belt. Notably, The British Crime Writers Association awarded Sara the Cartier Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement as a crime writer. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages, a testament to her widespread appeal. To see some of Sara's books, click Books by Sara Paretsky Sara has also been involved in giving back to the community. To that end, she has formed the Sara and Two C-Dogs Foundation, which primarily supports girls and women in the arts, letters, and sciences. To see further details on Sara's books, accomplishments and biography, please see her official website . In addition to writing and mentoring, Sara has also been busy with her other passion, her Golden Retriever Callie. Find out what Sara had to say...
The Interview
I knew I wanted to work with a hobby breeder, and the Iowa Golden Retriever Society put me in touch with a wonderful woman named Charlene Wilson who breeds on a very small scale, but works with her Goldens on agility training. Callie's mom was just about to deliver the week that I called Charlene, and with amazing generosity, Charlene let us have our beautiful gal even though Callie was the only pup in the litter.
V I's dog, Peppy, has impeccable manners and reflects the behavior of my very first Golden, Capo. Capo came into our lives when she was five. We were her sixth family, but the attachment was passionate and complete on both sides. Somewhere along the line, someone had trained Capo impeccably. Callie and I have gone to school and we work together, but Callie is very high energy and even now, with her seventh birthday only weeks away, it is just about impossible to get her to heel. I don't think an urban dog should be walked off-leash, but plenty of my neighbors do. Peppy and Capo definitely could be off leash, though, but Mitch and Callie, never. However, the total love and empathy that exists between V I and her dogs is true for me and Callie, too.
Callie comes with me when I'm within driving distance of Chicago. I will say that's a bit of a challenge since she has a formidable bark and does not believe other people should pass the hotel door without being warned off. When she doesn't come with me, either my husband or a good friend will stay in the house with her.
As with all good relationships, the roles shift depending on the situation. I will say that she's done a great job of training me. I can interpret her expressions and her array of sounds way better than she can interpret "heel," "not for you," or "no jumping."
I don't know that I'd say admire, but I love her playful spirit and her high energy.
Swimming in Lake Michigan is our number one favorite activity together. We also love to start our day in the back garden. We need to figure out a new routine there: Callie's newly diagnosed but very advanced osteoarthritis means she shouldn't race around the garden playing fetch, which is what we used to do every morning.
They are perfect dogs for every mood and every season!
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