My Time with William Kent Krueger

William Kent KruegerI host a program at the Edina Art Center in Minnesota called, The Author’s Studio.  I interview local authors from a variety of genres.  It’s great fun for me and great for the audience because they get to meet many writers.  Recently, I interviewed best selling mystery writer, William Kent Krueger.

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


Comments

My Time with William Kent Krueger — 2 Comments

  1. I just finished “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger our current book club choice. I will try to find the archived taping of your interview.

    John Staloch

    • John– How nice to hear from you!! Of course, I remember you. Your smile looked more like Jack Nicholson than he did himself! You could go to YouTube and key in Edina Art Center, The Author’s Studio. Scroll down until you find my interview with Kent. I’m happy to her you’re doing well. I’m on phased retirement and writing more than ever. If you’re ever interested in talking to me in your book club, I’d be flattered to visit. Thanks for the nice comments, John. Would you mind if I kept your e-mail address in my data bank in order to keep in touch with you? Thanks, Colin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *