Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

PART TWO

Someone asked how they plot books, and whether they use experts. MC says he doesn’t want a boss, and using an outline would be like having a boss. He never uses one. He knows the crime when he starts and he knows how it’s going to turn out and that’s it. The adventure is how he gets to the end. He uses a computer, which makes editing and changing course easy. MC quoted Ernest Hemingway: If you outline a book you’ll know where it’s heading, and so will the reader. MC also gives his finished product to lawyers, police officers, etc., to make sure that he gets it right.

GP also does not outline, it is more fun when you don’t know where it’s going. He doesn’t use researchers, does it himself, that is the fun part of writing a book.

MC talked a bit about his response to the movie version of Blood Work (including giving away a major plot point of a later novel … ouch! to anyone who hadn’t read it) He says for the most part he’s been delighted with the experience because of the benefits of having a movie out there – more readers introduced to the character/series, the book re-released, etc. GP is trying to produce one of his books – I think it said it was Shoedog – and got a laugh when he asked the audience if anyone had money to contribute.

Speaking of spoilers, MC gave away another spoiler to the The Lincoln Lawyer/ The Brass Verdict series in response to a question about how far he plans in advance, and did he know early on [enter spoiler here:]. Note to self—do not get too far behind in Connelly books and go to a book signing. Come to think of it, he named (but didn’t say who) a major event in his upcoming Bosch book, but I won’t tell you what it is. He also said that in an upcoming book, can’t remember if it’s the next one, he will explore the relationship between Harry and his daughter.

Someone asked MC how he keeps his LA street smarts when he is now in Florida and he says that he reads the LA Times every day, also several online papers. He also has a few local people read his manuscripts so that he ensures they remain authentic. He also goes back all the time. He thinks being away makes him do a better job of it. When he was in LA he would say “I know this place” and just write about it without visiting the site; this way he goes back often to make sure he’s got it right.

In response to “Do you set goals?”: GP’s goal is to be a better writer, to continually improve. He now knows how to construct a mystery or thriller, now the challenge is to be a better writer.

Barry asked a question of both of them about the CDs they have each provided with their books – “we know what your characters like. What do you like?” Barry, would you be so kind as to recap the answer, if you remember it? People are probably tired of hearing from me.

Someone asked if they storyboard. They do not. Then we got on the interesting point of character names. MC uses real people’s names because it helps him picture them and makes them more real to him during the 10-11 month process of writing a novel. GP says you can waste 30 minutes trying to come up with a name so now he picks them out of the death notices in the paper…. the first name from one and the last name from another. This amused us all.

Final comments:

GP – yes, Derek Strange is coming back. Nick Stefanos also.
MC – October release date for the new Harry Bosch. Nine Dragons.

Carol: I have to laugh a bit at your spoiler revelations, I would have hated that some things were revealed too, but would have loved getting an opportunity to see them in person! Thanks for the tip on the new Bosch book!

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "PART TWO
Note to self—do not get too far behind in Connelly books and go to a book signing. .....
MC – October release date for the new Harry Bosch. Nine Dragons. ."

great job, carol. i almost felt like i was there, again! lol

in case any one was wondering we ate dinner at a great little deli called zaftig.. and found out barry is a fan of celtic women. well of free tickets to a celtic women concert anyway ;)

Sherry wrote: "in case any one was wondering we ate dinner at a great little deli called zaftig.. and found out barry is a fan of celtic women. well of free tickets to a celtic women concert anyway ;)"

Right. And I learned that these southern Connecticut-ers were starving for a good Jewish deli! Glad we could accommodate.
I also learned that Alfie is an American Idol junkie. Who woulda thought?

Loved the reports, Carol! You do such a great job for us.

Jan O'Cat

Thanks for the report Carol! Sounds like a great time was had by all. Personally, I prefer when the authors don't do readings since I am going to read the book anyway.

Sandi said: "Personally, I prefer when the authors don't do readings since I am going to read the book anyway. "

I know what you mean, Sandi, but I also enjoy hearing author's read. Sometimes they lend a cadence or a tone that I otherwise wouldn't have "heard" as I read the book.

Jan O'Cat

Barry asked a question of both of them about the CDs they have each provided with their books – “we know what your characters like. What do you like?” Barry, would you be so kind as to recap the answer, if you remember it? People are probably tired of hearing from me.

Pelecanos gave a good reference. He said if you read King Suckerman, one of his early books, all the music in that book was the stuff he loved. Since the book revolved around a concert hall, there was lots of music, and it was all stuff that resonated in the 70s era.
Connelly was more of a surprise. His CD, and book references all used jazz of various stripes. Personally, he expressed a love of rock, but felt that he wanted Harry to be sadder, so he gave him sadder music, and looked to what his father listened to to define Harry.

Barry wrote: " Barry asked a question of both of them about the CDs they have each provided with their books – “we know what your characters like. What do you like?” Barry, would you be so kind as to recap the ..."

Thanks for the report, Carol! I love the way Pelecanos uses music to set the tone, time and place in his books. I still play the CD that was given away at his signings for
. Nothing better than that sweet soul music!

Barry:
How interesting! I wish we could have all been there, it seems like it was full of insights. I am number 92 on the list for The Scarecrow . Argghh. Good grief, there are over 500 editions of Michael Connelly books to search through to add a book link!

Barry wrote: "Connelly was more of a surprise. His CD, and book references all used jazz of various stripes. Personally, he expressed a love of rock, but felt that he wanted Harry to be sadder, so he gave him sadder music, and looked to what his father listened to to define Harry. "

Barry wrote: " Connelly was more of a surprise. His CD, and book references all used jazz of various stripes. Personally, he expressed a love of rock, but felt that he wanted Harry to be sadder, so he gave him sadder music, and looked to what his father listened to to define Harry.
..."

Yes, I was surprised by that also. Harry has such a love for and knowledge of jazz that I was sure he came by that through Connelly's preference. Connelly said he was more of a rock guy, if he had to name his favorite artist of all time it would be Eric Clapton.

Ann wrote: "Barry:
How interesting! I wish we could have all been there, it seems like it was full of insights. ..."

It is so great to be able to hear from the authors. We wish you all could have been there as well.

Stay tuned for my report on the Lee Child event Barry, Sherry and I attended today at Mohegan Sun. More fun!

Oh boy!!! I am number 14 on the hold list for Gone Tomorrow

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "Stay tuned for my report on the Lee Child event Barry, Sherry and I attended today at Mohegan Sun. More fun! "

Stay tuned for my report on the Lee Child event Barry, Sherry and I attended today at Mohegan Sun. More fun!

very fun and entertaining- especially when carol won almost $300 at the slots. i lost $20..lol
barry lost a little too- not sure how much, but carol made up for it!