David Baldacci has thrilled readers with his fast-paced mysteries ever since the release of his first novel, "Absolute Power." This November, Baldacci releases the third novel in his Camel Club series, entitled “Stone Cold.”
On Monday, November 12th at 10pm ET, Baldacci will reveal his favorite true crime story on Court TV’s “Murder by the Book.” The episode will detail a horrible multiple-murder in Georgetown and the years-long effort by Washington D.C. law enforcement to catch up with the killer.
I will be interviewing Mr. Baldacci this Monday, October 29th. If there is something you would like to ask this talented and prolific author about his writing, books, charity, or the Court TV series, please leave a comment with your question below, and I will do my best to pass it along.
DAVID BALDACCI
Born in Virginia in 1960 and raised in Richmond, Baldacci received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. He practiced law for nine years in Washington, D.C., as both a trial and corporate attorney, before becoming a full-time writer. The tremendous success of his first novel, "Absolute Power, which was adapted into a major motion picture starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman, turned Baldacci into an instant household name. Baldacci’s thirteen bestselling novels (ABSOLUTE POWER, TOTAL CONTROL, THE WINNER, THE SIMPLE TRUTH, SAVING FAITH, WISH YOU WELL, LAST MAN STANDING, THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN, SPLIT SECOND, HOUR GAME, THE CAMEL CLUB, THE COLLECTORS, and SIMPLE GENIUS) can be found on bookshelves in millions of American homes, as well as in motion picture studios, on top journalists' news desks, and even in the Oval Office. Earlier this year, Warner Books published a re-packaged edition of the Baldacci gem, WISH YOU WELL, and the latest thriller in his popular King/Maxwell series, SIMPLE GENIUS, which became a New York Times bestseller its first week on sale. Now the newly named Grand Central Publishing will publish STONE COLD, the third installment in Baldacci's popular Camel Club series, in November 2007.
Baldacci lives with his wife and their two young children in his native Virginia.
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Comments: 41
On a serious note: does Baldacci enjoy writing book series or the stand alone thriller? And why? The WINNER AND SAVING FAITH are my favorite stand alone books, and I agree in both books forwards he does quite have the imagination.
Goeff, ask him what his children's teachers had to say about THE WINNER, especially.
I'd like to ask him: I'd love a Christmas Train sequel. Have you given it any thought?
Thanks for being so thoughtful about including us, Goeffrey. If I had heard of Gather when I interviewed John Grisham, it would not have crossed my mind. Kudos to you ; D
What a fantastic opportunity. I am embarassed never to have read the book, but Absolute Power was a phenomenal film and extremely intreaging concept.
On that note, I'd be interested in knowing David's process. How he takes a raw idea and molds it into a full-length novel. What is his physical process as well in writing. Does he get up and write at 6 am? Does he do a full first draft then rewrite or does he rewrite pages over and over until he gets them right? Stuff like that....
I loved that movie. The scene where Eastwood catches the guy trying to off hyis daughter and feeds him the syrum...awesome!
Sheesh. I gotta teach you everything...
LOL
I look forward to reading your interview, Geoffrey. Well wishes too for Fire Bell in The Night's long-time success.
Pat
So I will return with mine soon, in till than have a wonderful week-end. Congratulations on being featured on the homepage, so well deserved, wishes of good luck with Fire Bell in the night.
Mysteries are such a popular genre - interesting - because the genre says a lot about human nature.
David, what made you write mysteries? Were there any interesting cases from your law practice that inspired you? Do you have anything particular to point to as inspiration? Or did you just love mysteries since you were a child?
Thank you.
Is the writing process easier or less challenging in some ways now than it was as a newer writer? If so, how? If not, why? What continues to be a challenge, from finding ideas to making time to write? What particular habits does he have as a writer, from using a favorite desk to typing on a typewriter or writing longhand (some writers do these things, some don't) Also, his routine, whether it is writing "x" hours a day or whatever.
Some books get read and given away, or placed away somewhere else.
David Balducci's books are here in my office, on the bookcase with Stephan King's works, Ann Rice and John Grisham. Wonderful story teller's all.
You all are right, Clint Eastwood did an excellent job with all that great material, and "Firebell in the Night" would also make a great movie. I have thought that from the beginning, Morgan Freeman comes to mind, as does Denzel, who is a fabulous actor. I am looking forward to this. Ellen B
I'd be interested to know what he does to find balance in his work and life -- I am sure, as with all of us, there are many demands always.
also, what sort of music does he listen to?
enjoy the interview...thanks for doing it.
Jeff - how did you get this opp to interview him? How exciting!
A question is how does an average joe get that info from people like his contacts when the average joe does not have that connection?