tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post4085677735440776342..comments2024-03-19T05:15:25.731-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: William Kent Krueger: A Character Comes to LifeJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-52308503988228259662013-11-12T18:38:00.999-05:002013-11-12T18:38:00.999-05:00I'm off to do a library event with my cohorts ...I'm off to do a library event with my cohorts in the Minnesota Crime Wave. We do our events in costumes appropriate to our genre--me in prison stripes, Carl Brookins in gangster garb, Ellen Hart our gun moll. Always a hoot of an event.<br /><br />So, I'm bidding adieu to the Jungle Reds and to those who follow them on this stellar site. It's been fun! Thanks for having me, and I'd love to visit again someday!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07614524539592147959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-482263717591975632013-11-12T18:09:51.785-05:002013-11-12T18:09:51.785-05:00Rhonda, I approach reading a series in much the sa...Rhonda, I approach reading a series in much the same way as you. I pick up whatever happens to be available when the mood strikes. Yeah, I've stumbled across missing characters, and realized that somewhere between this book and the last I read, a beloved fictional friend somehow bit the dust. I know it's a richer experience to read a series in order. But life doesn't always work out in an orderly way. At least, mine doesn't.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07614524539592147959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-18370130962996180532013-11-12T17:25:15.996-05:002013-11-12T17:25:15.996-05:00My first Cork O'Connor book was THUNDER BAY af...My first Cork O'Connor book was THUNDER BAY after Hank mentioned it a couple of years ago. Frankly, I didn't care that TB was the seventh book in the series. I so psyched to find a hardcover copy this year at Bouchercon so Kent could sign it. <br /><br />FWIW, I'm a bad or atypical series fan. I sometimes skip around depending on the crime/theme I'm in the mood for at the time or dole out books in a series as a special treat. I don't mind backtracking because I like to see how events were set up. (Reverse engineering. :) )I became accustomed to that kind of craziness because bookstores don't tend to stock all the books in a series, so I couldn't scratch the itch of instant gratification by reading them in order. Anyway, I'm blabbering. :) Thanks for visiting Jungle Reds, Kent. Rhonda Lanehttp://www.thehorseyset.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-27798104033782849952013-11-12T17:19:19.129-05:002013-11-12T17:19:19.129-05:00Kent, if you'd heard our Julia at Crimebake, s...Kent, if you'd heard our Julia at Crimebake, she had ideas about quitting her series several books back. But the fans and publisher wouldn't have it--I suspect it will be that way for you too:).<br /><br />On the other hand, I sat next to H.R.F. Keating at a Malice Domestic signing right after I'd heard that my golf series would not go beyond 5 books--some years ago. I was very sad and he was very, very kind--he said he believed most series couldn't and shouldn't sustain more than 7 books--including his. (I think he had around 25 in the Inspector Ghote series:)Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-8871828341423858202013-11-12T16:53:26.969-05:002013-11-12T16:53:26.969-05:00I think Reed is being very brave and very smart an...I think Reed is being very brave and very smart and probably very wise, but OH how I'm going to miss Moe Prager. (I'm such a selfish wench). He's such a great writer, I know his future work will be as successful as his Moe Prager series, and I know I'll always be a fan.<br /><br />I agree that there are some series, some that I once loved, that may have gone on for a bit too long (at least, for me). It's got to be one of the toughest decisions ever for a writer to make. <br /><br /><br /><br />Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Museshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07486129009717476920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-69268194107605739912013-11-12T16:52:48.516-05:002013-11-12T16:52:48.516-05:00Another new series to start, and I too will start ...Another new series to start, and I too will start from the beginning. I enjoy characters that change, grow older (and maybe wiser) through the years.<br />And I get very, very attached, so your question about ending a series is a tough one. I think it is difficult for the readers, but I understand when the author feels they have taken the group of characters as far as they can take them and decides to end the series. Hopefully everyone (readers and the author) will get an ending that they feel is best for the character(s). Vickie Radfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-53829435629445613412013-11-12T16:08:42.918-05:002013-11-12T16:08:42.918-05:00Kent, I heard you talk about your choice of Cork&#...Kent, I heard you talk about your choice of Cork's name at Magna cum Murder, but the possibility of Gar was a new twist.<br /><br />I'm so glad you chose to allow Cork to change over time. I am like most of your fans who come to each new book wondering what challenges Cork will face both externally and internally and how his past will reflect in his present.<br /><br />I'm generally a fan of quitting while you're on top. For writers that means each work must bring something new to the reader. When it's the same old, same old I lose interest and move on. However, having heard you speak at Magna, I have a suspicion you have many more topics to discuss with your readers through Cork's trials and tribulations or through new standalones.<br /><br />~ JimJim Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15090252530437277145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41545879752704109902013-11-12T16:08:03.441-05:002013-11-12T16:08:03.441-05:00Kent, that's fantastic. I admit I'm new to...Kent, that's fantastic. I admit I'm new to the series, but now can't wait to start at the beginning. My mother-in-law and I have a bit of an informal book club going, and I'm sure she'll be thrilled to find a new favorite author as well!Susan Elia MacNealhttp://www.suaneliamacneal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-39894419059703799822013-11-12T15:19:50.775-05:002013-11-12T15:19:50.775-05:00Just a note about series protagonists. Reed Farre...Just a note about series protagonists. Reed Farrel Coleman, author of the excellent Moe Prager series, has indicated the next book will be the last. As he put it, he would rather go out a book too early than a book too late. You know what he means. What do folks think about ending a series whose central character(s) are beloved by readers? And how does one know when the right time has come?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07614524539592147959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-14109791643692000262013-11-12T14:40:08.681-05:002013-11-12T14:40:08.681-05:00Back from my workout at the YMCA.
Lisa: Mostly, I...Back from my workout at the YMCA.<br /><br />Lisa: Mostly, I'm obligated to write Cork O'Connor novels. But with the success of Ordinary Grace, not a part of my series, my publisher has been more than willing to let me branch out. So, I have deadlines for two more Cork books and the companion novel for Ordinary Grace (which is titled This Tender Land). It's the deadlines these days that dictate the focus of my work.<br /><br />Kaye: I'd love to see you with an armload of my books at Killer Nashville!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07614524539592147959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75149151546818724012013-11-12T14:13:54.613-05:002013-11-12T14:13:54.613-05:00a p.s. to Kent - I look forward to seeing you in N...a p.s. to Kent - I look forward to seeing you in Nashville in August where you'll be one of the Killer Nashville Guests of Honor. I'm bringing all my unsigned books for you to sign!Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Museshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07486129009717476920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41940515832827155552013-11-12T14:12:00.508-05:002013-11-12T14:12:00.508-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Museshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07486129009717476920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-29118133787206921512013-11-12T13:59:14.756-05:002013-11-12T13:59:14.756-05:00Tammy and Hank, you both are doing NOTHING to help...Tammy and Hank, you both are doing NOTHING to help me stay on track for the blog. ;) With those recommendations, I am ready to tear into the Cork novels immediately. <br /><br />I am going to take Kent's recommendation and start with Thunder Bay, if only so that I can pretend I am doing the reading I am supposed to be doing for the blog. ;)<br /><br />Something tells me it won't be long before I am going back to the beginning and reading them all. Kristopherhttp://www.bolobooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-54827364995961288162013-11-12T13:48:29.443-05:002013-11-12T13:48:29.443-05:00I saw a review for Iron Lake 3-4 years ago, loved ...I saw a review for Iron Lake 3-4 years ago, loved it, and now have read the 1st 8 books with the next 4 sitting on a book shelf. I grew up in Duluth in the 50s and live in Bloomington so I do enjoy all the references to familiar locations. Keep writing - please!Karen Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14635176445301771127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-55276371853648551102013-11-12T13:29:53.144-05:002013-11-12T13:29:53.144-05:00Well, I hope you didn't name his brother Walle...Well, I hope you didn't name his brother Walleye. I lived in Minnesota for 6 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll pick up the first Cork story and read it soon!Pat Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-25123574404595745542013-11-12T12:13:51.565-05:002013-11-12T12:13:51.565-05:00This is a treat, Kent. Last year, I asked my books...This is a treat, Kent. Last year, I asked my bookseller buddy at Murder by the Book (since closed, :-() to suggest authors. He pointed out VERMILION DRIFT, which I loved. Somehow, I didn't realize the book was part of series! It stood on its own so well.<br /><br />Well, now I'm thrilled. Can't wait to read the rest of your novels!<br /><br />How do you decide whether you'll work on a standalone or the Cork series? Or does that come more from the publisher?<br /><br />Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-48283032772245725562013-11-12T11:32:11.714-05:002013-11-12T11:32:11.714-05:00Looking forward to reading them, my home state is ...Looking forward to reading them, my home state is Minnesota which will make them even more interesting. Thanks to Jungle Red Writers for recommending these books!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04565021625998453568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-70818727268575811202013-11-12T11:23:36.862-05:002013-11-12T11:23:36.862-05:00Thanks, Deb, for that little bit of immortality fo...Thanks, Deb, for that little bit of immortality for my lovely wife. She is so thrilled!<br /><br />A big hello and warm thank you to all the Jungle Reds for the invitation to visit. I'm enjoying this immensely.<br /><br />By the way, in my initial thinking, Cork was going to have a brother named Gar--a dark guy who loved swimming in murky waters. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07614524539592147959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-48696105487982283532013-11-12T11:01:05.884-05:002013-11-12T11:01:05.884-05:00Hi Kent!!! Waving!! And laughing at Hallie. Ston...Hi Kent!!! Waving!! And laughing at Hallie. Stone? So glad you named him Cork...<br /><br />I love your series, and found this essay so interesting because I made exactly same choice regarding "static" characters when I started mine. I had no idea what I was doing, or if that first book would sell, much less become a series, but on that one thing I was very clear.<br /><br />Can't wait to read the new book! I just have to finish writing mine first...<br /><br />--A fun note. If any of you readers have noticed that Gemma's new boss in the last couple of books is named Diane Krueger, she is indeed named after Kent's lovely wife. Kent won the naming rights in a charity auction, bless him!Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11519514786198185277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-69446340630108897882013-11-12T10:23:49.934-05:002013-11-12T10:23:49.934-05:00Yes, Kris, Tammy is right. (As always.) Drop every...Yes, Kris, Tammy is right. (As always.) Drop everything. Kent is extraordinary.<br /><br />And I am sitting in my office, alone, laughing. I NEVER realized that about the name Cork. Perfect.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-75572308843182606732013-11-12T10:23:04.379-05:002013-11-12T10:23:04.379-05:00I'm a huge fan of Kent's books, and it'...I'm a huge fan of Kent's books, and it's the family slash personal drama that hooked me. Really people. Dealing with what life throws at them. And by the way, solving a murder mystery. I've got to say, the setting is so compelling as well.<br /><br />Cork! I never thought about the significance of the name. Cool. Would've been a whole different thing if you'd named him Stone.Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-18625024586319551832013-11-12T10:03:34.909-05:002013-11-12T10:03:34.909-05:00(Not sure if this will be a duplicate posting; if ...(Not sure if this will be a duplicate posting; if so, I apologize; a little difficulty on my end)<br /><br />First, thanks to everyone who is already familiar with my work and who have said nice things here.<br /><br />Now, to answer a few questions.<br /><br />Susan: Readers have been wonderful about embracing the growth and changes in Cork and the O'Connor clan. Many tell me it's one of their favorite elements of the series.<br /><br />Kristopher: I always recommend Thunder Bay, a mid-series novel. It's one of my personal favorites.<br /><br />Tammy: I'm finishing up the manuscript for Windigo Island, #14 in the series. It will be out next August. Also at work on a companion novel to Ordinary Grace.<br /><br />KentAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07614524539592147959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-84150529424188337412013-11-12T09:45:01.477-05:002013-11-12T09:45:01.477-05:00Kent Krueger lives on my "Auto Buy" list...Kent Krueger lives on my "Auto Buy" list and I have never been disappointed. I adore Cork O'Connor and his family and friends, and tap my toe impatiently while waiting for the next in the series. That said, I do think Ordinary Grace is one of the best books I've read.Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Museshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07486129009717476920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-48431378323740677872013-11-12T09:44:29.976-05:002013-11-12T09:44:29.976-05:00Hi Kent! So pleased to see you here and what terri...Hi Kent! So pleased to see you here and what terrific books you write. <br /><br />You are so right that series readers have to feel that the main character is someone they know and care about, who struggles with life just like them.Rhys Bowennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-65336287938855642102013-11-12T09:18:12.003-05:002013-11-12T09:18:12.003-05:00Kris, drop everything and read them now. You won&#...Kris, drop everything and read them now. You won't be sorry you did so.<br /><br />Kent, hello! (*waving from California*) Loved the new book.<br /><br />So what are you working on next? Another standalone? The next Cork?Tammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01033264133869966636noreply@blogger.com