Photo of EJ Wagner, her husband, and Dr. Watson, provided by the author and used with her permission
E. J. Wagner is the author of The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the Real Forensics Behind the Great Detective’s Greatest Cases which was nominated for a 2007 Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America.
Just as Sherlock Holmes had his Watson to help investigate and detect, so does Ms. Wagner have hers to help her research and write –Dr. Watson, Resident Labrador, that is.
I contacted Ms. Wagner to see if she’d have the time to answer some questions about her writing life and how Dr. Watson assists with it. To my surprise, her Dr. Watson isn’t as mild mannered or content to sit in the background as Sherlock Holmes’ was. Dr. Watson, RL ran away with the interview … literally! The responses below are from him on his owner’s behalf:
Courtney Mroch: On your website you have a picture of Dr. Watson, with the caption “registered as Wagner’s the Game’s Afoot.” There has to be a story behind his name (all of them). Care to share?
DWRL: EJ’s book, The Science of Sherlock Holmes, has been nominated for an Edgar. As a result she is too full of herself to write sensibly. We hope this is temporary. In the interim I will do my best.
I bear the name “Dr. Watson” after the good friend of Sherlock Holmes. The phrase “The Game’s Afoot” was one Mr. Holmes often used to announce an approaching adventure or chase. I love adventure–chasing rabbits, for instance. Has a lot to recommend it. If politicians chased rabbits more they would get in less trouble.
CM: What is a typical day for Dr. Watson? (i.e. When is he most productive? In the morning? After a walk? After a nap?)
DWRL: Like the majority of the canines, I am most productive during a walk. That’s why people invented pooper scoopers. My day starts with trying to wake EJ and her husband Bill. They sometimes resist, but I am determined. If they are particularly stubborn, I try to liberate the remote for their adjustable bed. One little tap on the “raise head” button works wonders. Especially if I briskly carry the remote downstairs. Then breakfast, and a trip to Outdoor Bathroom Facilities. (These are, in my opinion, an unspeakable form of anti-canine discrimination.)
After that, I try to arrange a walk. EJ needs several long walks a day, but she is resistant about that too. When off our property, I must keep her on a lead at all times, as she has NO Sense of Direction. Home, snooze, snack, then I must check the perimeter for rabbits or other dangers. When EJ writes, I often lie under the desk as I feel she needs the security.
CM: What part of the book writing process does Dr. Watson favor most: the research or the writing?
DWRL: For the most part, the writing, as prejudicial laws invented by paranoids prevent me from entering a long list of libraries, laboratories, etc. On the other hand, when she researches exterior scenes, I accompany her to make sure she doesn’t get lost. It is a heavy responsibility. But my sire was bred by the Guide Dog Foundation, and guiding is in my blood.
CM: In addition to writing scientific entertainment, you also pen suspense fiction. Does Dr. Watson help with this as well?
DWRL: Certainly. I create lots of suspense, just to keep things perking. It’s great fun to hear her puzzle out loud “Watson, what did you eat?” “Watson, where are the keys?”” Watson, WHAT HAPPENED TO MY HAT?”
CM: Does he ever go on tours or make appearances with you?
DWRL: Rarely. The old prejudice thing again. I usually have to stay home, where my responsibility is to guard the property, keep the rabbits in line, and provide company for the house sitter.
CM: Besides writing and research, what other activities/hobbies does Dr. Watson enjoy?
DWRL: I do favor a romp with my best pal Norman. He is a small beagle, it’s true, but he has a large heart and a great sense of humor. There’s a thing we like to do with the scatter rugs that’s very droll.
CM: What new projects is Dr. Watson helping you with now?
DWRL: On February 22, EJ will lecture at the American Academy of Forensic Science annual meeting in San Antonio Texas on “Trials of the Expert Witness; Lycanthropy, Locard, and the Legacy of Sherlock Holmes”
In April, on Friday the 13, EJ will lecture at Rhode Island University on “Superstition, Science and Sherlock Holmes.”
Then EJ is arranging the Forensic Forum at Stony Brook University. This year it is on April 22. The topic is vehicular homicide, and it’s called “Driven to Death”. Her guest will be Robert Genna, the director of the crime lab in Suffolk County NY. EJ will present a historic homicide involving a horse drawn carriage, and Bob Genna will present homicides by automobile.
I of course, will have to stay home, but I do get to play with her notes.
Then, on April 26, the Edgars are awarded at a banquet. EJ will dither for weeks over what to wear. I vote for her slinky black number. If she stands with her back to the wall, you can’t even see the little mark I made chewing as a pup.