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

The post My Time with William Kent Krueger appeared first on Colin T. Nelson.

It’s a sequel to my first book, Reprisal, with many of the same characters involved in an exciting story.  Here’s what it’s about:

…He’s your average, ordinary neighbor, but he’s going to kill you.  He’s the home-grown fanatic next door with a plan and a group of true believers prepared to do the unthinkable–mass murder–to bring about a new world of peace and justice.  A county prosecutor, attempting to convict a murder suspect, stumbles upon the conspiracy.  Sounding the alarm to the authorities, no one believes her.  She risks everything–even her life–to expose the plot.  Will she be able to prevent annihilation?

New York Times bestselling author, William Kent Krueger, had this to say about the book:

“In Fallout, Colin T. Nelson has cooked up a fast,paced plot line with a little something for everyone.  Part international intrigue, part courtroom drama, part police procedural, this is a terrific thriller, with Minnesota itself in the cross hairs.  Once again, Nelson proves himself a master at conjuring the kind of nightmare that might actually come true.”

For readers of this blog, you’ll enjoy the courtroom maneuvering that the prosecutor must do to win her case as it falls apart day by day.  I give a peek at what goes on in the backrooms behind the courtrooms.  Hope you enjoy the new book!!

The post Fallout–My New Book appeared first on Colin T. Nelson.