1.  You will meet and talk with wonderful Minnesota authors.

Who are they?

William Kent Krueger visited in December to talk about his new book, “Ordinary Grace,” which won the Edgar Award this year.  Lorna Landvik entertained us with her humor and hilarious stories of growing-up Scandinavian.  Jonathon Odell was passionate about stories from the Deep South.  He is the best story teller I’ve ever met in person.  He wrote “The Healing.”  Minnesota Book Award winner Julie Kramer told how her work experience at WCCO TV provided material for her mystery series.  Erin Hart “took” us fro the Author’s Studio to Ireland and the peat bogs that play such a big role in her stories.  Or how about Beth Dooley who has written several cookbooks with tasty recipes and photos so gorgeous you could display her books—as art–on your coffee table!

2.  You’ll be introduced to new writers from different genres.

Are you anxious to expand your reading?  Why not come to The Author’s Studio in February, 2015 and actually meet Kristin Makholm?  She’s written a book about the art of Minnesota painter, George Morrison.  Or come to hear three editors from Nodin Press who will introduce you to nineteen (!) new authors included in the anthology of crime writers called, “Festival of Crime” to be published in September, 2014.

3. What a wonderful place to watch the show!

The Edina Art Center is an eccentric and lovely place packed full of displayed artwork.  Before and after the program, be sure to wander the nooks and crannies to view some of the finest art in the Midwest.  Tour the gift shop for art, jewelry, and the guest author’s books.  All art sold is from local artists so you can “shop local.”

4.  It’s fun!!

When Beth Dooley was the guest at the Author’s Studio, she talked about her cookbook.  The highlight came when Beth passed out food to sample and cut open a watermelon radish.  She held it up to reveal the luscious, pink interior.  The color was so intense, people gasped.  Lorna Landvik told stories that were so funny the interview had to stop until people quieted down.  This coming October 11, you’ll hear live blues music to accompany Dean Alger’s biography of a blues guitarist.

So come for the kick-off event on October 11 @ 10:00 at the Art Center.  All other shows are the second Saturday of each month at 10:00.  Watch for notices in this magazine about upcoming programs.  Be sure to get to the Art Center early as seating is limited and the audience is growing.

See you there!

The post New at The Author’s Studio! appeared first on Colin T. Nelson.

Here’s a link to a recent article in the StarTribune about the program.  Check it out!!   http://www.startribune.com/local/271112701.html

Better yet, if you live in the Twin City area, come to visit.  We meet the second Saturday of every month at 10:00.  The Author’s Studio kicks-off for this season on October 11.  I will interview Dr. Dean Alger about his new biography of Lonnie Johnson, a pioneer blues musician.  There may even be live music.  See you there.

The post Why Should You Come to The Author’s Studio? appeared first on Colin T. Nelson.

His popular series stars Cork O’Connor and they usually take place in Northern Minnesota.  But he’s also written a new book called Ordinary Grace, which was an Edgar winner in 2014.  Here is some of my interview with him:

Me:  Why did you write a book without your great character, Cork O’Connor?

WKK:  I’ve always wanted to try something different.  It took me three years to complete this story.

Me:  It must have been thrilling to see: Edgar Award winner: William Kent Krueger.

WKK:  Thanks.  I put everything I know about storytelling into the book.  I think it’s my best.

Me:  Very few writers win that award.  How did you feel?

WKK:  Wonderful, of course.  But I’m most appreciative for all the readers over the years who have supported my writing.

Me:  Is there anything we don’t know behind the writing of the book?

WKK:  People don’t realize what a big risk it was.  A risk for my publisher and a risk for me—what if readers weren’t happy with it and wanted Cork back?

Me:  Ordinary Grace reminds me of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”  Your story is also told from the viewpoint of a young boy.  It’s a mystery, but it’s also a coming-of-age story.

WKK:  (Smiling)  Well, Harper Lee’s book is one of my favorites.  I’ve often said it’s a good example of a “perfect book.”

Me:  What about our old friend, Cork O’Connor?  After all those books, how do you keep him fresh?

WKK:  All characters go through an arc of change and Cork is no exception.  It’s just that his changes are over a longer period of time.  His family and his environment also change.  That keeps every story fresh and different.  And, like all of us, Cork get older!

Me:  You also do a lot of research on Native American customs that play such a large role in your books.  Are they accurate?

WKK:  I’m happy to say that members of the Native American community have told me that “I got it right.”  I’m very proud of that.

Me:  You are a full time writer who actually makes a living at it.  Tell us how you started.

WKK:  Years ago, I was working in a lab with the dream of writing full time.  I have a wonderful wife who offered to work full time while I pursued the dream.  The deal was I’d try one book and see it I could make it.  I had dozens of rejections for the first one but finally sold it.  And it sold well enough for me to write a second and here I am today.

Me:  And the dream came true.

WKK:  And now my wife is retired and also very happy.

See out full interview at The Author’s Studio:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az8Cwbx0ARw

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