Kacey Kowars Show

Poetry Out Loud- Part Two (X J Kennedy)

2012-01-29T06:44:00.000-06:00

Here is part two of Poetry Out Loud, featuring X J Kennedy. This is a rarity for me. I listened to Mr. Kennedy do a poetry reading at Sewanee in 2006. It was the most entertaining reading I have ever witnessed. The next he sat down and did the same performance for my audience- so this interview has a brief introduction by me, followed by a reading by X J Kennedy. It is one of my favorites!

Peace,
Kacey
kowars.blogspot.com
kaceykowarsshow.com

Listen to the interview here:
http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/kennedy/WM_Broadband.wma kaceykowarsshow.com

Here is Mr. Kennedy's bibliography:

In the early 1970s Kennedy and his wife Dorothy co-edited the influential journal, Counter/Measures, a precursor in the New Formalist movement to The Reaper and The Formalist. He also served as poetry editor of The Paris Review. Kennedy's poetry has been published in The New Yorker, Poetry, and The Hudson Review. He became a freelance writer in 1978.
Kennedy is most recognized for his light verse, and was the first recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Michael Braude Award for Light Verse. His first book, Nude Descending a Staircase, won the 1961 Lamont Poetry Prize of the Academy of American Poets, and his dozens of books have won awards including Guggenheim and National Arts Council fellowships, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bess Hokin Prize from Poetry magazine, and a Los Angeles Times Book Award for poetry (in 1985 for Cross Ties: Selected Poems), the 1969/70 Shelley Memorial Award, the Golden Rose of the New England Poetry Club, honorary degrees from Lawrence and Adelphi Universities and Westfield State College. Kennedy received the National Council of Teachers of English Year 2000 Award for Excellence in Children's Poetry. He received the 2004 Poets' Prize for his work, The Lords of Misrule: Poems 1992-2002.
Kennedy also wrote a series of children's poetry books ("Brats"), translated Aristophanes' Lysistrata into English and edited the anthology Tygers of Wrath: Poems of Hate, Anger, and Invective (University of Georgia Press, 1981). Kennedy edited several editions of the textbook anthology Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. With his wife Dorothy and scholar Jane E. Aaron he is the editor of The Bedford Reader, a collegiate literature textbook also used for teaching to the AP English Language and Composition test.
Kennedy and his wife Dorothy have five children and six grandchildren, and reside in Lexington, Massachusetts

Poetry Out Loud- Part One (Philip Schultz)

2012-01-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

This month kicks off Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide program sponsored by the NEA, that features high school students from across the country reciting poetry in their classrooms. Each class selects a winner and then has a school-wide competition that must fit within the program's guidelines. The website is poetryoutloud.org. The school winner then moves on to the state competition. Each state selects a winner, who receives an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for the national competition.

The program, which began in 2006, was the brainchild of Dana Gioia, the former director of the NEA. I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gioia on several occasions, and he has been a guest on my website. Mr. Gioia has done more than anyone else I have met to promote poetry in the United States. The goal of Poetry Out Loud is to create a national competition that has similar goals as the National Spelling Bee.

I have the privilege of teaching juniors at a high school at The First Academy, a high school located in Orlando, Florida. My classes, and my school, have participated in this program for three years now. It is amazing to see the look on students faces as they watch their classmates stand alone at the front of the classroom and read and interpret a poem from memory. It prepared from them for real-life presentations and gives them confidence to stand in front of a group. They also understand the importance of hearing 'poetry out loud'.

Over the years I have interviewed several of our country's finest living poets. I will post a new blog each week over the next month featuring a poetry interview I have done. One of my goals with my website was to create a forum for poets to read their work to a large audience. It brings me great joy to bring these interviews to you. Teachers are welcome to use any of these interview without my permission. Just spread the word. Poetry is still alive! Enjoy.

My first guest will be Philip Schultz. This interview features Mr. Schultz reading and discussing FAILURE, a book of poems that won the Pulitzer Prize.

Here is what I wrote when the interview was first broadcast in 2008:

FAILURE is a brilliant new book of poetry by Philip Schultz; his first new collection in fifteen years. Failure is something we don't like to talk about, yet it is something that most of us know a lot about.

There is nothing wrong with failure (hopefully we learn from it). Mr. Schultz's collection is thought provoking and wise. During the interview he reads four poems aloud.

One of my goals when I started this venture was to offer poets a venue where listeners could listen to them read their work. I believe it is the best way to experience a poem.

LISTEN TO theinterview

Peace,

Kacey

www.KaceyKowarsShow.com

Luis Alberto Urrea- Part One (THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER)

2011-11-21T04:23:00.001-06:00

This week's guest is Luis Alberto Urrea. Mr. Urrea is a major American writer, of Mexican descent. I first discovered his writing in 2005, when I read the galleys of THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER (Kindle editon). That novel was, and continues to be, one of the most creative works of fiction I have ever read.

Mr. Urrea is a gifted storyteller. He is an excellent writer, to be sure, but the scope and magnitude of his imagination is what makes him unique. I am doing a three-part series on the interviews I have done with Mr. Urrea.

We will begin with the THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER interview I did in July, 2005. This was my first interview with Luis, and we discuss his body of work leading up to, and including, THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER.

The second interview will feature THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY, Mr. Urrea's non-fiction story of the Mexican-American border. THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2006. That interview is available in both English and Spanish.

During the third interview Mr. Urrea and I will discuss QUEEN OF AMERICA, his brilliant sequel to THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER.

If you are looking for a writer who writes books that completely capture your imagination and take you to a different time place you need to discover the world of Luis Alberto Urrea. His writing is magical. Enjoy!

LISTEN TO the interview

Peace,
Kacey
http://www.kaceykowarsshow.com/

New Interview- James Lee Burke (FEAST DAY OF FOOLS)

2011-10-04T22:33:00.002-05:00

James Lee Burke

LISTEN TO the interview

FEAST DAY OF FOOLS (Kindle Edition) in an important American novel. Mr. Burke's prose powers have reached new levels of sophistication. I truly believed that after his 'trilogy' of books that included PEGASUS DESCENDING, TIN ROOF BLOWDOWN, and JESUS OUT TO SEA that he had fulfilled his mission as a writer; the the strand of DNA that has flowed through Burke's writing had found its ultimate expression in his chronicling of the nightmare that was Hurricane Katrina.

I felt that his writing had reached a fever pitch that was influenced by his love of New Orleans (and the people of New Iberia). The short story titled JESUS OUT TO SEA captured the essence of Katrina in a few pages. How could he top that? What could be more important and relevant to our world than to have James Lee Burke write about Dave Robicheaux's outrage at what took place?

I was wrong. Burke was far from finished. I have had the honor of interviewing him eight times, the most recent interview took place last week. Mr. Burke and I talked for over an hour and you can hear the interview in its entirety at the bottom of the review by clicking on the link. If you only read one book this year read FEAST DAY OF FOOLS. If you only listen to one of my interviews, listen to this one.

Here is what Michael Connelly wrote about the novel:

"You know what is rare? A veteran and prodigious writer who never lets you down. Who, with each book, and I’m talking about a lot of books, makes you feel like you have discovered something new, learned some hidden truth about human behavior and society. James Lee Burke is one of those rarities. Book to book he keeps it going, never disappointing. Last year's masterpiece is just prelude to this year's new masterpiece.

It flat out astounds me. I can count the names of other writers in this category on one hand. There is no magic formula for this. It's something that comes from within, an indeterminate mixture of craft and wisdom and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It comes from knowing deep in the bones that life is about reconciliation and redemption. Burke's books carry these truths in spades.

About twenty-five years ago I picked up a book called The Neon Rain in a bookstore simply because I liked the cover. I read the flaps and read the first page and went to the cash register. Soon I was into my first ride with James Lee Burke.

The Neon Rain was that year's masterpiece. This year, we have Feast Day of Fools and my survey of Burke books in between concludes that he remains the heavy weight champ, a great American novelist whose work, taken individually or as a whole, is unsurpassed."

FEAST DAY OF FOOLS is an allegory. It was a medieval practice that began in the 1200s and was eventually abolished. The serfs and peasants were given two days to do whatever they desired, nothing was too profane. After two days they were given absolution and returned to work. Burke takes us deeply into the society we live in and turns a mirror on us. It is not a flattering view.

Hackberry Holland is on a mission to catch Preacher Jack Collins and bring him to justice. The Preacher is the most evil and dangerous characters that Burke has created. He is complex, he is vicious, yet he has a genuine respect for Sheriff Holland. Burke's use of juxtaposition with these two characters is breathtaking.

The plot centers on the Narco trafficking that takes place on the Texas border. It also discussed the campesinos and the coyotes that comprise the illegal immigration problem on our Mexican border.

On page 58 Burke writes, "But as John Steinbeck had said long ago, we had come to fear a man with a hole in his shoe." This level of insight infuses the pages of the novel, giving the reader the sense that we are in the hands of a master: Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Faulkner, or Hemingway.

On page 200, when Hack is confronting his mortality, he writes, "Death was only bad when you had to face it knowing you had failed to live during the time allotted you, or that you had lied to yourself about the realities of the world or willingly listened to the lies of others." Hack's view of mortality is closer to him now, its presence is palpable. Mr. Burke and I discuss this issue at great length during the interview.

Temple Dowling represents the elite and landed gentry of Texas. He is a politician who belongs to the local country club. Here is how James Lee Burke describes the club and its members: "one had the sense that the club was a place where no one died, where all the rewards promised by a benevolent capitalistic deity were handed out in this world rather than the next."

His discussion of the 'hijacking of religion in America is spot-on and frightening. The Biblical references that Burke uses sent me to Google on many occasions, and each time it was worth the clarification. Burke's knowledge of theology and the dangers of war are encyclopedic. No one avoids his gaze in FEAST DAY OF FOOLS. This is what makes it a classic.

There is a tenderness and a feeling of melancholy that the reader develops for Hack Holland (and Mr. Burke).On page 462 he writes, "But if a man tries to put all of the lessons he has learned on a road map for others, he might as well dip his pen in invisible ink."

Mr. Burke is 75 and has written 30 novels. His face belongs on the walls of Barnes & Noble. He has earned it. Like Michael Connelly I can count on one hand the authors I believe will be relevant in 100 years. James Lee Burke will be one of them.

I am proud to call him a friend.

LISTEN TO the interview

Peace,

Kacey

www.KaceyKowarsShow.com

George Pelecanos- THE CUT (new series)

2011-09-13T02:22:00.001-05:00

This week's interview is with George Pelecanos. We discuss THE CUT, Mr. Pelecanos' new novel published by the Regan Arthur imprint of Little, Brown. THE CUT is the first entry in a new series featuring Spero Lucas, a veteran who has recently returned from active duty and is struggling to fit into the forty hour work week.

He starts a 'recovery service' for people that need his services. The plot is complex and interesting, and the cast of characters that surround Lucas are fully developed. Lucas was adopted into a loving family; his brother teaches English at a local high school, and Pelecanos has planted the seeds for what will become a popular new series.

During the interview we discuss his rational for starting the new series and his plans for the future. George Pelecanos deserves a large audience of readers. His dialogue is crisp and intelligent, and his knowledge of Washington D.C. add to the flavor of the novel. I highly recommend THE CUT.

LISTEN TO the interview

Peace,
Kacey

KaceyKowarsShow.com

James Lee Burke- Part One (PEGASUS DESCENDING)

2011-08-26T23:00:00.004-05:00

This is the first edition of a six part series of interviews with James Lee Burke. I will begin with our interview done in 2006 when we discussed PEGASUS DESCENDING. (KINDLE) You can read what I wrote about the book in 2006. My feeling that Mr. Burke is an American master have increased. I am nearly finished reading FEAST DAY FOR FOOLS, the new Hack Hackleberry novel (publication date 9/27). FEAST DAYS continues Mr. Burke's string of classic novels. I do not use that term lightly.

I continue to believe that James Lee Burke's body of work has achieved the level of 'classic literature'. His books will be read (and studied) 100 years from now- if we have bookstores. It pains me to think of reading Mr. Burke's work electronically. If you have not discovered his work do yourself a favor. Buy THE NEON RAIN and get started.

The series will culminate with a live discussion of FEAST DAY FOR FOOLS shortly after its publication.

I will interview George Pelecanos next Friday to discuss THE CUT. I will feature that interview next week.

So go ahead and get started with my discussion with James Lee Burke regarding PEGASUS DESCENDING. Enjoy!

Peace,

Kacey KowarsShow.com

LISTEN TO the interview

Week of July 19, 2006 | James Lee Burke

Make no mistake; with PEGASUS DESCENDING Mr. Burke has joined the ranks of our country’s finest authors. We read the classics to learn how authors viewed the era during which they lived. We learn about Russia by reading Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. We read Jane Austen, Ernest Hemmingway, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Eudora Welty for the same reason.

In a perverse form of serendipity, Dave Robicheaux has emerged as the man who tells us what it’s like to live in the United States in 2006. I normally use my book mark to tell myself where I stopped reading the book I’m involved with. My bookmark got a workout with PEGASUS DESCENDING because I simply had to stop and savor the power of Mr. Burke’s prose on numerous occasions.

PEGASUS DESCENDING is an important book and deserves to be read. I am often asked who my favorite writer is. Up until Andre Dubus died in 1999 the answer was an easy one. Since his death the answer to that question has changed from time to time. The answer now is James Lee Burke.

We should all feel lucky to be alive while he is writing at the top of his literary power, and I hope PEGASUS DESCENDING begins making it onto summer reading lists for students. Let’s educate young readers who are old enough to handle the material in Mr. Burke’s novels to read his work.

We lose a lot of young readers by making them read books they have no interest in. Some of the scenes in PEGASUS DESCENDING are disturbing, there’s no arguing that. I turned on the news after re-reading the novel and what I saw on television disturbed me much more than any of the scenes in PEGASUS DESCENDING.

BLOG HOP! Visit the Blog Hop to find out about other book blogs. This week's question is

“Non-book-related this week!! Do you have pets?”

My dog Karma is still with me in spirit.

Last Call by James Grippando

2011-08-19T16:43:00.000-05:00

My guest is James Grippando, one of my favorite thriller writers. We discuss LAST CALL, featuring Mr. Grippando's popular series character Jack Swyteck.

Jack Swyteck is a criminal defense attorney in Miami. Many years ago Swyteck saved Theo Knight's life. Theo had a rough childhood, to put it mildly, but he has turned his life around thanks to Jack Swyteck's help and encouragement. He owns a successful bar in Miami.

One night an escaped convict from Theo's old neighborhood shows up at his bar and asking Theo for help. In return, he will give Theo the name of the man who killed his mother, a murder that took place twenty years ago. Theo refuses to help him, but he ends up becoming pulled into a legal quagmire anyway.

Jack and Theo must work together to solve the puzzle. The people involved in the murder of Theo's mother now have a lot to lose- and they don't want to be caught. LAST CALL is a
brilliant thriller, complete with revelations that you won't soon forget. It's the perfect read for a cold winter night.

James Grippando lives in Florida, where he was a trial lawyer for twelve years. LAST CALL is his fourteenth novel. Enjoy this interview from 2008!

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Peace,
Kacey
www.KaceyKowarsShow.com

BLOG HOP! Visit the Blog Hop to find out about other book blogs. This week's question is

“What’s the LONGEST book you’ve ever read?”
(Note: I’m putting one caveat on this question. You aren’t allowed to say the Bible, Torah, Qur’an, or other religious/spiritual text.)

"Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams" by Lyle Leverich 644 pages (Volume 1)

Sandra Brown - Play Dirty

2011-08-12T14:10:00.000-05:00

The wayback machine is set to 2007 and an interview I did with Sandra Brown. Ms. Brown and I discuss PLAY DIRTY, her novel published by Simon & Schuster.

Griff Burkett, the protagonist of PLAY DIRTY, had it all. He was handsome, he was the star quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, and the fans loved him. He gets involved with the wrong people and ends up throwing it all away.

PLAY DIRTY is the story of his attempt to put his life together again. Ms. Brown has a worldwide audience of readers and they will love PLAY DIRTY, it has all of the elements of a Sandra Brown novel; great characters, a fast-moving plot with plenty of twists and turns, and a passionate love story.

LISTEN TO the interview

Peace,
Kacey
www.KaceyKowarsShow.com

I decided to add a Friday blog so I could participate in a really fun book blogging event that takes place each weekend. It is called a Blog Hop and introduces readers to new blogs when they follow the Blog Hop link. I think I may be the only guy participating! Each week I will answer a book related question.

BLOG HOP! Visit the Blog Hop to find out about other book blogs. This week's question is:

“Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two (or as many as you like!) titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! If you can’t find any, feel free to find one on the internet!”

Of course these are all on my bookshelf!

The Hummingbird's Daughter- Luis Alberto Urrea

In the Electric Mist With Confederate Dead- James Lee Burke

The Last Good Kiss- James Crumley

George Pelecanos- Part Two (THE WAY HOME and THE WIRE)

2011-08-11T23:25:00.000-05:00

This week I am featuring my second interview with George Pelecanos. We discuss his novel THE WAY HOME. We also discuss his work on the award winning HBO series THE WIRE. I think you'll find our discussion about the collaboration on THE WIRE of interest.

I am featuring Mr. Pelecanos this month because on August 29th the Regan Arthur imprint of Little, Brown will publish THE CUT, a new series written by Pelecanos that introduces a new character, Spero Lucas. THE CUT should bring Mr. Pelecanos the audience he so richly deserves. I'll admit it, I am a huge George Pelecanos fan. I began reading him in the early 90's and I've been a fan ever since.

Great writers have a gift: with Elmore Leonard it's dialogue; with Michael Connelly it's attention to detail; with Anne Tyler it's the characters and her portrayal of Baltimore. Peleconos' gift is the way he integrates music into his stories. He is the master of this.

Go ahead and pre-order THE CUT. You will love it. I will be interviewing Mr. Pelecanos in the next couple of weeks and will feature that interview the week of publication date. In the meantime enjoy this interview that we did in 2009.

LISTEN TO the interview

Peace,
Kacey
KaceyKowarsShow.com

George Pelecanos- Part One (DRAMA CITY)

2011-07-24T21:21:00.001-05:00

I spent part of mid-July in New York. I visited with publicists from the major New York publishing houses, saw two great Broadway shoes, and spent time with Charlie Rogers, the Editor In Chief of bookish.com, and with Paulo Lemgruber, the CEO of bookish.com. I visited their offices and was impressed with their mission and with the level of activity I observed. This 'buzz' carried over to my visits with the publicists. You can sign-up for bookish.com by logging on and entering your email address. It should roll out around Labor Day. I hope to play a small part in their long-term goals.

While in New York I picked up a suitcase full of galleys and have begun reading them. The book I am most excited about is QUEEN OF AMERICA, Luis Albert Urrea's long-awaited sequel to THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER. It will be published on December 7, 2011. I love what I've read so far. I will do a three week feature on Mr. Urrea in late November/early December. The feature will culminate with an extensive interview on QUEEN OF AMERICA.

I also picked up the galleys to James Lee Burke's new Hackberry Holland novel, FEAST DAY OF FOOLS. Simon & Schuster will be publishing the novel this fall. So you have a new Burke novel to look forward to. I'll be doing a feature on Mr. Burke in September. This will be Mr. Burke's eighth appearance on the show.

Now, for this month's featured author, George Pelecanos. I love Pelecano's work- it's hard to appear objective. I just like everything he writes; whether it's his essays, his novels, THE WIRE, or TREME, the guy has just got it.

Mr. Pelecanos is writing a new series for the Reagan Arthur imprint of Little, Brown. The new series, featuring Spero Lucas, will hit the shelves on August 29, 2011. Spero Lucas is a great character and this series will be a hit. I read it in three sittings and I hated to put it down. I think this is the best novel he has written and I know you'll enjoy it.

This week I'm featuring an interview I did with Mr. Pelecanos in 2005. We discuss his novel DRAMA CITY, which went to win many awards. Beneath the link to the interview I will post what I wrote back in 2005, the first time he and I talked.

If you've not read Pelecanos get ready for a trip to the bookstore. He has an extensive backlist (16 novels) and they are all good.

Listen to the DRAMA CITY interview from March 2005

Week of March 30, 2005 | George Pelecanos

This week's guest is George Pelecanos. I discovered Mr. Pelecano's work in the mid-1990's. His crime novels take place in Washington D.C., and he writes about the city with a style and a flair that is uniquely his own.

When I read a George Pelecanos novel I keep pen and paper handy, because I know that I'm going to be buying some new CD's as I read the book. He uses music as an integral part of his stories, and he does it effectively. We're the same age, so I always get a stroll down memory lane with his musical references.

DRAMA CITY, recently published by Little, Brown, is Mr. Pelecanos's latest novel. It features Lorenzo Brown, a man recently released from spending eight years in prison. The story follows Lorenzo as he adapts to life on the street. He works in animal control, and I found the book to be a wonderful look into the life of an ex-con who is trying to make a better life for himself and his family after his release from prison. It is a fascinating look into a side of Washington D.C that other writers ignore, or don't know exists. You will meet some interesting dogs along the way as a bonus. There is also a strong female character in the novel, Rachel Lopez.

After you finish this one you can go back and read RIGHT AS RAIN, with the wonderful characters of Derek Strange and Terry Quinn. Next you can read THE BIG BLOWDOWN, a noir classic that features Nick Stefanos, and the fascinating characters that frequent his grill. During our conversation Mr. Pelecanos and I discuss THE SWEET FOREVER, a novel of heartbreaking beauty and grace.

If you have not read George Pelecanos you are in for a treat. Don't forget to read KING SUCKERMAN. You can also watch THE WIRE on HBO. Mr. Pelecanos started out as a writer for the show, and now he is a producer. The fourth season starts in 2006.He is also working with Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg on a project with HBO that is similar to A BAND OF BROTHERS, but the locale is the Pacific Theater.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mr. Pelecanos. I know I did.

Summer Reading Recommendations- Part One

2011-07-07T08:47:00.001-05:00

Summer vacation is here and readers are once again faced with the eternal question of what to read on vacation. Some of you will be flying and downloading your books. Some will be toting paperbacks to the beach; and still others want a new hardcover book to relax with.

I have compiled a short list of recommendations to accommodate all of your reading needs.

1) Scott Turow- INNOCENT

INNOCENT is the sequel to PRESUMED INNOCENT and I loved it. I believe that Mr. Turow is one of our country's finest writers and the book is now available in paperback.

Click here to listen to my interview with Mr. Turow that we did when the book was published:

2) Jennifer Haigh- FAITH

Ms. Haigh is a gifted writer. I have enjoyed all of her novels. FAITH is currently available in hardcover. I first met Ms. Haigh in 2005 when she published MRS. KIMBLE. I highly recommend her books.

Click here to listen to the MRS. KIMBLE interview that we did in 2005.

3) Robert Crais- All of them :)

Robert Crais is now a best selling writer. His books debut at #1 on the NYTBR list now and he has earned this popularity. The quality of his writing continues to improve. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are now in 'mystery duo' hall of fame. If you have not read Mr. Crais you are in for a treat. He has a back list filled with excellent work. Start with THE MONKEY'S RAINCOAT (an original paperback issue) and go from there.

Click here to listen to an interview Mr. Crais and I did in 2007 when his novel THE WATCHMAN was published. THE WATCHMAN was the first Joe Pike novel.

L.A. REQUIEM is one of my favorite novels of all time.

So now you have three authors and plenty of books to read. You can also listen to the authors discuss their work before you read the books. I hope your summer reading is off to a good start. I'll be back next week with more recommendations.

Peace,

Kacey

KaceyKowarsShow.com

Lee Martin- Part Two (Break the Skin)

2011-06-23T06:11:00.000-05:00

I'm delighted to bring you the BREAK THE SKIN interview with Lee Martin. The novel is getting rave reviews, including this one from The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/20/books/break-the-skin-by-lee-martin-review.html?_r=2

Our interview took place live at VoiceCorp in Columbbus, Ohio. Chuck Adkins, as always did the editing. I always enjoy interviewing Mr. Martin because he answers my questions thoughtfully and honestly. I am thrilled that BREAK THE SKIN is receiving the recgnition it deserves. Lee writes about the people we drive by in our cars and barely notice. He tells us about their lives.

Sit back, relax, AND ENJOY THE INTERVIEW!

Peace,
Kacey
http://www.kaceykowarsshow.com/
kowars.blogspot.com

Click here to listen to the interview:

http://www.kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/martin2/WM_Broadband.wma

Lee Martin- Part One (The Bright Forever interview)

2011-06-12T07:31:00.000-05:00

One of the joys of writing this blog is the ability it offers me to give readers a look back (and forward) at the most enjoyable and interesting interviews I have done over the past seven years. This interview with Lee Martin fits perfectly into this category. This interview took place in the kitchen of my house in Columbus, Ohio in May 2006.

Mr. Martin lived two or three miles away so we decided to do the interview 'live'. THE BRIGHT FOREVER had just been published, so this interview was done months before the novel was announced as a finalist for The Pulitzer Prize. I urge you to listen to this interview- it is rare to hear an author discuss his craft in such an understandable way. If you are a writer you will benefit from his wisdom; if you're a reader you'll be fascinated by his thought process while writing the novel. This is one of my favorite interviews.

In 2008 Mr. Martin and I did an event at the Barnes & Noble Easton bookstore. The store was packed and we sold a lot of books. The event was done in a different fashion from a 'traditional' book signing. I interviewed Lee and we discussed the book for 20-25 minutes before opening the discussion for questions. The questions were insightful and the evening was a great success.

We must not throw in the towel on the 'hopelessness' of book promotion. It can be done. There is a market for it. I've been doing it for seven years and will not stop doing it. I'm meeting with the editor-in-chief of a new venture, Bookish.com. I mentioned the website in my rant during my David Baldacci rant. I will be visiting their office in New York in July to learn more about what they are doing. You can already subscribe to their website (just go to Bookish.com and enter your email address). Please subscribe, it will help them build the demographic base they will need to be successful (as always I'm not being paid to promote them). This will be an independent site for readers to visit to learn about new books. It is backed by publishers, but will operate independently.

I will be interviewing Lee Martin this Wednesday. We will discuss his new novel BREAK THE SKIN, published by Crown. It is a wonderful novel filled with interesting characters. It's a winner. It deserves a wide audience. I will post the interview next Sunday (the book will be released on June 15th).

So sit back, relax, get a cup of coffee and listen to one of the best writing professors in the country discuss his craft.

Peace,

Kacey

http://www.kaceykowarsshow.com/

Click here to listen to the interview:

http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/martin/WM_Broadband.wma

May 2006

Lee Martin is my guest this week. We discuss THE BRIGHT FOREVER, his new novel which has recently been published by Shaye Arehart Books.

I discovered Mr. Martin's work in 2000 when I read his memoir FROM OUR HOUSE. I was, and continue to be, impressed with his prose. He is a natural storyteller who sets his stories in small town America. His characters are people you know and grew up with.

THE BRIGHT FOREVER is a different type of book for Lee. It is a thriller, but not strictly a who-dunnit. The novel explores 'why they dunnit'. This, I think, is what separates the novel from its competitors.

I read the book in two sittings, then read it again a couple of weeks later. The first time through I just wanted to find out what happened. The second time through I read it with an eye on the structure Lee used.

It is told from differing points of view, along with third person narrative. The novel's structure leads to its suspense. It is a novel that you should read. Lee is an English professor at The Ohio State University, so the interview took place at my house. I hope you enjoy it.

Lawrence Block- Keller the HIt Man (Part Two)

2011-06-05T18:13:00.000-05:00

This week features a return visit from Lawrence Block . We discuss his new novel HIT PARADE,, published by Morrow. HIT PARADE features John Keller, Block’s lovable hit man. This interview took place in 2006.

It is an entertaining read and Block fans will love it. We also discuss the screenplay Mr. Block is writing titled BLUEBERRY NIGHTS. The film will star Norah Jones, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Rachel Weisz.

Update: The film we discuss BLUEBERRY NIGHTS was released in 2008 and is avaiable on DVD. It is a fine movie and well worth watching.

Mr. Block hit the best seller list with A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF this week. For long-time fans of the series it has everything you want in a Matthew Scudder novel. The regular cast of characters are in the book and it feels like a trip to a family reunion. The novel focuses on Scudder's first year of sobriety, and as he always does, Block portrays the perils of sobriety accurately. If you've not read the Matthew Scudder series you owe it to yourself to read EIGHT MILLION WAYS TO DIE (but please don't watch the movie). Then move on to WHEN THE SACRED GINMIILL CLOSES.

Above all, novels like HIT PARADE and A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF are great mysteries. Mr. Block is a master- he makes it look easy. Enjoy!

Peace,

Kacey

http://www.kaceykowarsshow.com/

Click here to listen to the interview:

http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/block2/WM_Broadband.wma

Lawrence Block- Matthew Scudder (Part One)

2011-05-29T20:36:00.000-05:00

I first met Lawrence Block in March, 1984 in Indianapolis, where he was doing a seminar titled "Write For Your Life". I have been a fan ever since.He is the author of the Matthew Scudder series, one of the finest mystery series ever written. His Matthew Scudder novel, ALL THE FLOWERS ARE DYING, was published on March 1, 2005 by William Morrow.
   Mr. Block is the writer of the popular Bernie Rhodenbarr 'Burglar' series. He also writes a series featuring Keller, a hit-man for hire. Other series characters include Evan Tanner and Chip Harrison.
Larry has written several books on the craft of writing; two of my favorites being TELLING LIES FOR FUN AND PROFIT and SPIDER, SPIN ME A WEB. Both of these books are still in print.
Mr. Block's newest Scudder novel is A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF, published by the Mulholland Books imprint of Little, Brown. More about it next week.
   Mr. Block has won the prestigious Grand Master award from the Mystery Writers of America. In May, 2004 he was awarded the Life Achievement Award by the Crime Writers Association in London.
This interview took place in December 2004 at The Trump Plaza in Manhattan. It originally aired on January 5, 2005. Enjoy!

Peace,
Kacey
http://www.kaceykowarsshow.com/

Click here to listen to the interview:
  http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/block/WM_Broadband.wma

David Baldacci- Part Four THE WHOLE TRUTH

2011-05-22T20:06:00.000-05:00

David Baldacci makes his fourth appearance on the show this week. His new novel, THE WHOLE TRUTH, published by Grand Central, debuted at #1 on The New York Times best seller list in 2008. THE

WHOLE TRUTH is a return to the traditions political thriller; of which Mr. Baldacci is a master.

THE WHOLE TRUTH is a fascinating look at today's world. In 2007, while discussing STONE COLD, Mr. Baldacci talked about the re-emergence of the Soviet union as a threat to our nation's security. This theme is one of the key plot lines of THE WHOLE TRUTH.

David Baldacci is one of the most gracious authors I have had the pleasure of interviewing. Please visit his website to learn more about the amazing philanthropic programs that he and his wife are developing. They are heavily involved in helping distribute books to those in need.

Peace,
Kacey
http://www.kaceykowarsshow.com/

Click here to listen to the interview:
http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/baldacci4/WM_Broadband.wma

David Baldacci- Part Three STONE COLD (and a rant)

2011-05-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

This week I continue my series of interviews with David Baldacci. We discuss STONE COLD, the third novel in the Camel Club series. It was during this interview that I began developing a rapport with Mr. Baldacci. The first time that I interview an author they expect the standard "Who is your favorite author?" type question, followed by "Why did you write this book?"

When I began my website seven years ago I promised to never go through the motions with an interview. I have recorded several interviews that I did not use because the author was 'going through the motions'. It works both ways. The time demands on an author are tremendous; they often teach to supplement their income. Once their books sell in numbers that alllow them the freedom to write full-time they are barraged by people like me asking for their time.It is a vicious cycle.

The near disappearance of independent bookstores and the problems at Borders have made the path to publication even more difficult than it was before for aspiring writers. I read an interesting article last week that showed some much needed creativity on the part of publishers. Here is the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/books/publishers-plan-a-joint-one-stop-book-site.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=books

Perhaps desperation will make publishers come up with ideas to make the marketing of books more successful. My background is in business, I started my website to help authors reach a larger audience after Oprah changed the format of her book club (thanks to Jonathan Franzen). I have been less than impressed with the way that most publishers market their books and their authors. I'm delighted to see ideas like the one mentioned above take root. The future of the bookstore depends upon it.

I'm all in favor of ebooks- I've stopped fighting that battle. What concerns me is how will readers be able to discern a good book from a bad book? There are differences; ask any editor or agent the difference. The number of books being written is increasing, at times it seems that more people want to write books than read them. What will serve as a filter if readers depend upon an ipad to select their books? Editors, agents, and reviewers perform a critical task. I have come to fully apprecaite their roles over the past seven years.
I have a few editors that call me from time to time and tell me they're sending me a book that they think I will like. Often times I do.

Enough of my ranting (for now).

There is one publishing company that has consistently provided me with excellent service. That company is Hachette and their subsidiaries. Little, Brown (and Grand Central) provided me access to Michael Connelly and David Baldacci when their careers were taking off. Miriam Parker (now with the Mulholland division of Hachette) put a copy of THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER, written by Luis Albert Urrea, in my hands seven years ago and said, "You have to read this." I interviewed Mr. Urrea when THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER (you must read it if you haven't already) was published six years ago, and again in 2006 when THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY was published. I cannot wait to read the sequel to THE HUMMINGBIRD'S DAUGHTER this fall. All of this because of a publicist that knew my taste in literature.

Back to Mr. Baldacci. He has always been generous with his time. That is one of the reasons he is succcessful. He is also a genuinely nice guy. He always takes the time to chat for a few minutes after our interviews to talk about my website. He is interested in seeing books and their publication continue.

So here is my third interview with him. Enjoy!

Peace,

http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/baldacci3/WM_Broadband.wma

David Baldacci- Part Two THE COLLECTORS

2011-05-08T15:27:00.001-05:00

THE COLLECTORS is the second book in The Camel Club series. Here is what I wrote in October 2006.

Mr. Baldacci and I discuss THE COLLECTORS, published by Little, Brown. THE COLLECTORS is a sequel to THE CAMEL CLUB, last year’s best selling book that introduced readers to a fascinating group of characters that live in and around Washington DC .

THE COLLECTORS is a fast-paced read that offers readers the chance to learn more about Oliver Stone, one of the members of the Camel Club. The plot is an ingenious way of figuring out ways to pass along information in today’s world of high technology and increased security.

Readers are also treated to a rare look at the inner-workings of The Library of Congress. This is Mr. Baldacci’s second appearance on the show and I think you’ll find some of the things we talk about to be of great interest.

Peace,

Kacey

Click here to listen to interviews:

http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/baldacci2/WM_Broadband.wma

David Baldacci- Part One THE CAMEL CLUB

2011-05-01T17:35:00.000-05:00

David Badacci hit #1 on the NYTBR bestseller list this week with THE SIXTH MAN, published by Grand Central. I interviewed Mr. Baldacci for the first time in November 2005 when he published THE CAMEL CLUB, the first entry in that popular series featuring oliver Stone and his cronies. He had no idea at the time that the series would become a hit.

I was impressed with Mr. Baldacci. He is a thoughtful writer; his success is well deserved. I continue to be impressed with his committment to our nation's food banks and the foundation he runs to promote literacy. You can learn out about his philanthropic missions on his website, http://wishyouwellfoundation.org/, and
http://feedingbodyandmind.com/.

I hope you enjoy this interview- there will more interviews with Mr. Baldacci to follow in the coming weeks.

Peace,
Kacey

Click here to listen to the interview:
http://kaceykowarsshow.com/audio/baldacci/WM_Broadband.wma

MIchael Connelly- Part Five NINE DRAGONS & Q&A

2011-04-25T08:02:00.001-05:00

This is the conclusion to the series I have run featuring Michael Connelly. There are two parts to this blog. The first interview is the formal NINE DRAGONS (Kindle edition) interview with Mr. Connelly. This was done in front of a live audience. The second part is a live Q&A on the writing process that took place after the NINE DRAGONS interview.

The interviews took place on October 14, 2009. Mr. Connelly drove from Tampa to Orlando to spend the day at my school. He taught two of my classes, had lunch with students that attended his reading in 2008, and then stayed after school for the interview. My school (The First Academy in Orlando, Florida) rolled out the red carpet. We had Mr. Connelly's name painted on the wall in the lobby, the school library looked like a Michael Connelly bookstore, and my students prepared posters for the visit.

Mr. Connelly was gracious with his time, patient with the students, and tired by the time he left. He answered a lot of questions. My students still talk about the visit. When THE LINCOLN LAWYER hit the big screen they went to see it and were able to tell their friends that they met the writer. That is what makes teaching such a joy. Michael Connelly touched many lives that day. Who knows what students met him and said to themselves, "I can do that too."

He told the story of the librarian in Fort Lauderdale who put a book in his hand and made him read. He grew up in Fort Lauderdale and played baseball in the summertime. As I have learned since my move to Florida three years ago- it gets hot down here in July. While cooling off in the library the librarian handed Connelly a copy of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD; and he was hooked. He eventually tried to find out the lady's name, but could never find her. He dedicated one of his books to her as a tribute.

My favorite story of that day is a small event, but it touched me deeply. My school allowed 7th and 8th graders to attend the interview (it was held in a large auditorium). The students attending were the top readers in their class. They had reserved seating up front. Their teachers wrote their names on a piece of paper and put it on their folding chair.

One little girl, I do not know her name, asked me, "Mr. Kowars, I'm not old enough to read Mr. Connelly's books, but do you think he'll sign my piece of paper?" I was a bit concerned, I had told Mr. Connelly that I would limit the number of signings that he would be asked to do. I also knew that he had a daughter about this girl's age. I said, "Sweetheart, why don't you just ask him and see what he says." She said, "I'm too nervous."

I smiled, remebering the awkwardness of youth and the fear of approaching celebrities. I said, "Well let me introduce you to him." I walked over to where Connelly was standing and introduced them. She said,"I'm not old enough to read your books- but if you sign this paper I promise I'll read all of them when I'm old enough." Connelly smiled and reached for the paper, and soon there were 40 students lined up with their papers in hand. I cringed, but he smailed. "Don't worry, Kacey," he said, "it's a pleasure." He proceeded to make eye contact and sign every one of the students' papers.

Successful authors work hard. The demands on their time are non-stop. This simple act of kindness showed me the other thing I admire about Michael Connelly. He is a nice guy. He appreaciates the success he has acheived. He is arguably the hottest writer in the world today. And I truly believe the best is yet to come.

LISTEN TO the NINE DRAGONS Interview :

LISTEN TO the Student Q&A:

Next week we'll move on to another author.

Peace,
Kacey

MIchael Connelly Part Four- THE OVERLOOK

2011-04-17T18:33:00.001-05:00

This was Michael Connelly's fifth appearance on the show. Mr. Connelly and I discussed THE OVERLOOK (Kindle Edition) published by Little, Brown. THE OVERLOOK began as a serial installment in The New York Times Sunday Magazine in 2006. Mr. Connelly discusses the challenges of having to meet a 2,500-3,000 word count each week.

When the sixteen week period was finished, Mr. Connelly took the story and fleshed it out into a new Harry Bosch novel. THE OVERLOOK is a page turner and is difficult to put down. Harry Bosch has a new partner in THE OVERLOOK. I continue to be amazed at the body of work Mr. Connelly is creating.

We also discuss two of Mr. Connelly’s Hollywood projects. The first is the film version of LINCOLN LAWYER (Kindle Edition), the bestseller novel featuring Mickey Haller[this interview took place four years prior to the release of the film]. The second is a screenplay that he is writing with Terrill Lee Lankford based on the 1980’s TV show THE EQUALIZERS. Enjoy!

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Peace,

Kacey

Michael Connelly Part Three- ECHO PARK (Harry Bosch)

2011-04-10T18:26:00.003-05:00

In Part Three of my series of interviews with Michael Connelly we focus on ECHO PARK. (Kindle Edition) After writing THE LINCOLN LAWYER (Kindle Edition), Mr. Connelly returned to Harry Bosch in ECHO PARK. The story is about the disappearance of a young woman, Marie Gesto. Her case was never solved and her file ended up in the "open-unsolved' division of the LAPD, where Harry Bosch takes it on, revisiting the crime scene with the advantage of new technology that had been developed since 1993, the year Marie disappeared.

The case also gets under the skin of Jerry Edgar, Bosch's partner. Together they re-interview the suspects and the families and work hard at solving the case.

During the interview Mr. Connelly discusses the break from Harry Bosch that THE LINCOLN LAWYER provided him. He also discusses the motivating factors that make Harry Bosch tick. This is one of my favorite interviews I have done with Mr. Connelly. ECHO PARK is also one of my favorite Bosch novels.

I hope you enjoy the interview!

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Peace,
Kacey

Academy Awards Week- "Winter's Bone" is the dark horse

2011-04-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

Next Sunday we will know who has won the Academy Awards. The year produced some remarkable films, a fine year for Hollywood. "The King's Speech" will probably take home several of the top prizes and deservedly so.

Lost among the also rans could be "Winter's Bones", the adaptation of Daniel Woodrell's fine novel. The film, a small independent production, was quickly in and out of theaters; but it managed to garner four Academy Award nominations. And they are major nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly), John Hawkes for Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

I loved the novel when it was published in 2006 and interviewed Mr. Woodrell in August of that year. I began featuring the interview on my website this summer after I saw the film. It is encouraging to see a writer like Daniel Woodrell receive some well deserved acclaim. He has been writing wonderful novels for many years.

In fact, Mulholland Press will be re-issuing three of Mr. Woodrell's novels in a collection titled "The Bayou Trilogy" on April 28th. I highly recommend it.

Even if the movie does not win any awards --it should give all of us hope that good writing can still find a place in the market. I encourage you to listen to our August, 2006 interview prior to the awards show.

I have an excellent line-up for the spring. Here is my schedule of upcoming interviews (subject to change).

March- Andre Dubus lll (TOWNIES)
April- David Baldacci (TBA)
April- Michael Connelly (THE FIFTH WITNESS)
May- Lawrence Block (A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF- A Matt Scudder novel).

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Peace,
Kacey

MICHAEL CONNELLY- Part One (The Closers Interview)

2011-04-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

Michael Connelly is arguably the hottest living writer in the world right now.

THE LINCOLN LAWYER is a successful film, his new novel THE FIFTH WITNESS, will be in stores on April 5th, and he will have another novel out in the fall.

I am lucky and privileged to have interviewed Mr. Connelly seven times over the past six years. He came to my school, The First Academy, in Orlando, Florida in October 2009 and spent the day with my students. He taught two of my AP English Language and Composition classes (an experience my students will never forget). Mr. Connelly is a generous man, always encouraging aspiring writers. He deserves the success that he now enjoys.

I am doing a multi-part series of blogs featuring our interviews. The first novel Mr. Connelly and I discussed was THE CLOSERS (May 2005). The interview is 45 minutes long and in it Connelly discusses the genesis of Harry Bosch. I am also posting the introduction below to the interview that I wrote in 2005. Next week I'll feature THE LINCOLN LAWYER interview and discuss the screen adaptation. I saw the film yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. But that's for next week. In the meantime enjoy this interview.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Peace,
Kacey

May 18, 2005 Interview with Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly's latest Harry Bosch novel, THE CLOSERS, will be released this week. It was a pleasure for me to interview Michael because of my long fascination with the mystery fiction genre.I was twenty-eight years old when I discovered the world of mystery fiction. Richard Kitchen, a good friend of mine, was my first mentor. The year was 1985.

Richard introduced me to the work of Elmore Leonard, Lawrence Block, Ross Thomas, James Crumley, Jonathan Valin, John D. MacDonald, and many others. I soon discovered the masters; Ross Macdonald, Raymond Chandler, and Dashiel Hammett. I fell in love with the work of Ross Macdonald (Kenneth Millar). I became fascinated with the world Lew Archer, Macdonald's protagonist, created.

These three masters all set their stories in California, providing them an ever-changing landscape that reflected the best and worst society had to offer Twenty years have passed, and my love of the mystery novel has grown and deepened. The genre has achieved a credibility it previously lacked. Best seller lists are filled with crime novels of all types; legal thrillers, serial-killer novels, police procedurals, and many novels involving cats.

Michael Connelly burst onto the mystery scene in 1992 with the publication of THE BLACK ECHO. His protagonist, Harry Bosch, is a member of the LAPD. Michael Connelly has now joined the list of the masters.

Harry Bosch has become one of crime fiction's best developed characters, and he continues to get better with each book. Michael Connelly is a young man. Raymond Chandler began his publishing career late in his life. It will be interesting to see how far Michael Connelly takes Harry Bosch, he is already in rarefied air.

Michael writes stand-alone books as well the Bosch series; novels like THE POET. One reason he does this is to give Bosch a break between books.

John D. MacDonald, the author of the Travis McGee series, did the same thing. He alternated McGee novels with other novels he wrote to keep the character and the stories fresh. MacDonald and McGee told us of the world of Florida, long before the state was overrun with mystery writers. Connelly and Bosch are explaining the world of Los Angeles to us. It is a fascinating world, a world that Connelly captures with a photographer's detail.

It is a privilege to watch a modern master at work. Too often we read an author's best work after they've died. My interview with Michael lasts forty-five minutes, and focuses on the character of Harry Bosch.

I hope you enjoy it. Please tell your friends that read Michael Connelly about it, it is a rare glimpse into the creation of the series and the changes Michael has made as the series has matured. It was great fun for me to ask questions that have been in my head since 1992. Listen to the interview, then go buy a copy of THE CLOSERS, you won't be sorry.

Michael Connelly Part Two- THE LINCOLN LAWYER interview

2011-04-03T15:27:00.002-05:00

This picture was taken at Urban Think bookstore in downtown Orlando in October 2009 (an independent bookstore that is now closed- it was Orlando's last indie bookstore). The owner asked me to introduce Mr. Connelly that night; he was in town promoting THE SCARECROW. Several of my students accompanied me to the reading that night; a fact that surprised Mr. Connelly, he was unaccustomed to having high school students attend his readings.

I had introduced my AP students to THE LINCOLN LAWYER that year, and they loved it. They stayed after the reading asking intelligent questions about the novel and its protagonist, Mickey Haller. Mr. Connelly was so impressed that he told me that if he could make time the next school year that he would drive from Tampa to Orlando to spend time speaking to my students (which he did when NINE DRAGONS was published).

I interviewed Connelly about THE LINCOLN LAWYER in October 2005, shortly before its publication. I loved the novel and Mickey Haller. I was amazed that after writing so successfully about Harry Bosch that he would take the risk of starting another series (if indeed Haller became a series character). Not only has Haller become a success, but Connelly has now interwoven the lives of Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller in ways not even he could imagine at the time.

To me this is the mark of a gifted writer. Connelly has written stand alone novels before and my guess is that he will continue to do so. After interviewing him seven times, and spending time with him, I am convinced that he begins each new book unsure of where it will lead him. He has no fear of taking risks as a writer, that is what makes him so good.

Now THE LINCOLN LAWYER is a success on the big screen and the movie has been a boon to Matthew McConaughey's career. The cast is impressive; Marissa Tomei, William H Macy, Michal Oena, and Frances Fisher do a fine job bringing the novel to the screen. Connelly's dialogue is used extensively in the film, a wise choice by its screenwriter, John Romano. A sequel seems inevitable given the film's success.

But that is not what excites me as a reader and a reviewer. I'm excited that Mr. Connelly has bought back the rights to Harry Bosch (after a long period of litigation) and that he now has control over what happens with the film rights to Bosch (or television for that matter).

I watch several TV series that have much better writing than most movies I see. Several years ago it was THE SOPRANOS, SIX FEET UNDER, and THE WIRE that revolutionized TV (primarily shows written for HBO). Now I watch episodes of CRIMINAL MINDS, THE MENTALIST, and BLUE BLOOD and marvel at the quality of the writing. Who knows where Harry Bosch will appear?

Connelly took a risk when he wrote THE LINCOLN LAWYER. He spent years covering the crime beat in Los Angeles for the L.A. Times (his book CRIME BEAT is worth reading), yet he had no formal legal training. In the interview he talks about how pleased he was when Scott Turow wrote a 'blurb' for the back of the novel. Here is what Turow wrote:

“Michael Connelly is fully at home in the world of a criminal defense lawyer. All the qualities that have brought him a legion of readers are on display here: brisk pacing, clever twists, artful writing, and an atmosphere of complete authority. Another terrific book from a terrific writer.”

Nobody does legal novels better than Scott Turow, so that is high praise. The interview I did with Mr. Connelly in 2005 is the most-listened to interview I have ever recorded. I am delighted that he continues to receive the acclaim he so richly deserves.

I saw the movie last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. THE LINCOLN LAWYER is #1 on the New York Times Book e-book list (the e-book list was added a month or so ago). Not bad for a book published six years ago! Just click on the link below to listen to the interview I did with Mr. Connelly in October, 2005 on the Lincoln Lawyer.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Peace,
Kacey