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Award-winning mystery author Neil S. Plakcy discusses his home life, writing process, and upcoming books in an interview with Kings River Magazine.
In the interview, Plakcy shares that he resides in a townhouse in Hollywood, Florida, halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. His life is largely centered around his two older Golden Retrievers, whom he frequently cooks meals for, such as boiled eggs for breakfast and sweet potatoes for dinner. This canine duo serves as a source of inspiration for Plakcy's "Golden Retriever Mysteries."
Discussing his greatest accomplishment, Plakcy mentions his debut novel, "Mahu," which combined the gay mystery genre with a coming-out novel. He has been grateful for the awards he has received throughout his prolific writing career and attributes his success to the enjoyment his stories bring to readers.
Plakcy tackles challenges such as creating new murder investigations in small towns, striving to avoid the "Cabot Cove" syndrome where seemingly every violent crime happens in one small locale. He reveals that he structures his writing with a four-part framework, beginning with an inciting event and proceeding with loose ideas for plot points.
Addressing the topic of continued, serialized characters, Plakcy explains that they gradually undergo changes and personal growth from book to book, evolving in various aspects of their lives, as reflected in the "Mahu Investigations" series.
When asked about dealing with homophobia in his books, Plakcy shares an incident where he was warned of potential antagonism from fans at an event in Alabama, due to his gay-themed writing. He postponed participation until his works became more mainstream-friendly.
Plakcy explains that reading mysteries since childhood fostered his passion for the genre, while his experiences as a gay man inspired him to write mysteries for the same group. He names Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, and Jimmy Buffett as his literary influences, while John Morgan Wilson and Joseph Hansen are his role models for writing gay mysteries.
Plakcy details his upcoming release, "Blood Code," the 14th book in the Mahu Investigations series, which is scheduled for release on June 2. The story revolves around the death of an AI tech entrepreneur and Kimo's exploration of fatherhood as he and his partner take on parenting duties. In the months following, Plakcy will release "Dog of Deliverance," a Golden Retriever mystery that unfolds at a Purim carnival.
The recent selection of Plakcy's books in Kings River Magazine's 15th birthday mystery book giveaway is also mentioned, along with the availability of his books for purchase on various online retailers and in print, including at local independent bookstores.
Plakcy's residence in Hollywood, Florida, reflects his lifestyle centered around his two Golden Retrievers. He published a debut novel, "Mahu," that blended gay mystery and coming-out elements. Plakcy credits his success to the enjoyment his stories bring to readers, and he has structural writing habits with a four-part framework.
In his works, Plakcy's characters undergo changes and personal growth, such as Kimo's exploration of fatherhood in the upcoming book, "Blood Code." He addresses homophobia in his writing and has experienced obstacles, like postponing an event in Alabama due to potential backlash.
Plakcy's literary influences include Jack Kerouac, Ernest Hemingway, and Jimmy Buffett, while John Morgan Wilson and Joseph Hansen influence his approach to gay mysteries. He will release "Dog of Deliverance," a Golden Retriever mystery, shortly after "Blood Code."
Plakcy's books, including his newly released mystery novels, can be purchased online or at local independent bookstores.
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