I’ve been doing a lot of book talks to promote my latest novel, Northwest Angle. Pretty much, I do this with every when it’s first published. Book tours can be grueling, but I have a confession to make. I love to hear myself talk.
I don’t mean I just love to flap my gums. I love to talk about my writing. And the opportunity to do this is one of the greatest pleasures that has come from being a published author.
I’m supposed to be an introvert. At least that’s how I score on a Myers-Briggs assessment. I can see that. I crave the alone time in which I conceive of and execute the stories that I write. And after a book event, I have to crawl into a cave somewhere and regenerate. But when I’m onstage talking about my books, about my writing process, about the creative impulse, I feel like I’m riding some incredible thrill machine, better than the California Screamin’ roller coaster at Disneyland. And I love the personal connections that come from the questions I get during a presentation and the answers—as honest as I can make them—that result.
I don’t know what this says about me. Probably something dismally narcissistic. But there it is. I hope that you have a chance to catch my act some day. Really, I’m pretty entertaining. And enlightening. But mostly I’m just having a good time.
Thank you for coming to St. Cloud yesterday. I had never been to a book signing or “meet the author” event before. I thought they may be cheesy and the people attending would be “groupies.” I guess I watch too much TV. 😉
I enjoyed the small gathering, conversation and the glimpse into your “writer world.” Thank you for sharing your insight — into your craft and your characters. I look forward to catching up and reading the next two books (I can’t believe I missed Vermillion Drift! Once I discovered your books I was always anticipiating the release of the next book. Where was I last fall?!)
I thought it was very interesting that you made a point NOT to have a writing job so that you could save your creative energy for your books. I love to write, and this is why I work in marketing communications. 🙂 The writing is very different than novel writing, so I can’t imagine the amount of WORK it takes to build a story — which you do so well.
You mentioned that you’ve written some short stories…where would one find those?
I have yet to hear you speak at your book signings which I am looking very forward to attending! I would be even more thrilled to catch you entering or leaving a coffee shop in the Twin Cities!
You are a very talented and gifted writer, Mr. Krueger, and I impatiently wait to read your next mystery! God bless!