Interview with J.A. Konrath (June 2004)
Author of Whiskey Sour (2004)
June 28, 2004
J.A. Konrath, who sometimes goes by the name of Joe, is one of the funniest new writers in the crime fiction genre. Somewhat surprisingly, his work is also among the scariest! Konrath currently lives in the Chicago area with his gorgeous wife Maria and several of his children.
Q. What made you decide to start writing mysteries?
A. The Judas Goat by Robert B. Parker, which I read when I was nine years old. I'd been previously reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary, so you can guess what an eye-opener it was to go from Ramona the Pest to Spenser and Hawk. Since then, I've been hooked on reading mysteries. Writing is just a natural extension of that.
Q. Were you hesitant about making the protagonist in Whiskey Sour, Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels, a woman? How did you learn to write a female character so well?
A. A little hesitant -- I didn't want Jack to be unrealistic or forced. Rather than write Mike Hammer in a bra and panties, I tried very hard to make Jack feminine, even though she can take a punch. My wife, mom, agents, and editor are all women, and they read everything I write. If I ever step out of line, they pounce.
Q. Whiskey Sour combines laugh-out-loud comedy elements with gruesome depictions of murder and mayhem. (I'm still not quite sure how you made that all work, but you did.) Were you concerned about doing that while writing the book?
A. I had some concern, going from hot to cold and back to hot again. But I think there's a very close relationship between fear and humor -- just as many people laugh in a haunted house as scream. Some people are very put off by the violence, but I think the funny/scary combination is what many people like about the series.
Q. You've written a lot of horror in addition to your work in crime fiction. How do you approach the different genres as a writer, and do you have a preference?
A. I probably like mystery more -- I don't think I'll ever write a full length horror novel. When writing either, I try to focus on the story, rather than the genre. What is my goal? To frighten? Amuse? Titillate? Inform? Upset? I decide beforehand what I want the story to do, then write towards that.
Q. The latest issue of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine contains an excellent short story featuring Jack Daniels. Do you enjoy writing short fiction, and will we see more of it from you?
A. I love short fiction. (I have another story in next months' Ellery Queen, plus many other stories up for publication). It's like snacking before dinner. Who doesn't like to snack?
Q. You're doing at least 2 more books in the Jack Daniels series. How many alcohol-related names can you come up with?
A. I'll do it for as long as they let me, though the proposed fourth title, Sex on the Beach, has been shot down by my editor. Perhaps Slow Comfortable Screw?
Q. Do you read reviews of your books?
A. Yes. I like to read reviews and hear from readers. It lets me know what I'm doing right, and doing wrong.
Q. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
A. Never give up! I had 450 rejections before my book deal.
Q. What are your thoughts about Hollywood adapting your work?
A. That would be a lot of fun. Do you have Angelina Jolie's number, by any chance?
Q. What excites or distresses you about the mystery genre today?
A. I love the mystery genre today. There are so many books being published, so many great new authors, that it's thrilling to be a reader.
Q. What's the last book you read?
A. The Hundredth Man by Jack Kerley. What a great book! Jack's gonna go places. [Read our review of the book]
Q. What's next for you?
A. Bloody Mary, the second Jack book, is finished, and I'm working on Rusty Nail. I'm constantly adding new content to my website, and I'm doing some touring to promote Whiskey Sour.
If you find me somewhere on the road, feel free to introduce yourself. I'll probably buy you a drink. I didn't name my hero Jack Daniels for nothing...
Posted by David J. Montgomery in Interviews | Permalink
