author of WHISKEY SOUR
Joe Konrath has been compared to the likes of Janet Evanovich, Thomas Harris and Robert Parker--for good reason. All mystery/suspense/horror fans will delight in his unique voice, laugh along with his quirky characters and cringe when entering the minds of his criminals.
A graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, Joe wrote for corporate and cable television. He's performed improv comedy on stage, regularly speaks at mystery and horror conventions, and teaches fiction writing and marketing at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Recent short story sales include: "On the Rocks: A Lt. Jack Daniels Novella" to Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, "Finicky Eater" to Horror Garage Magazine, "The Screaming" to The Many Faces of Van Helsing Anthology, and "Redux" to the Spooks Anthology. He also has an article in May's Writer's Digest. In addition, Joe's web page, www.jakonrath.com has comprehensive information for writers, newsletters, contests and excerpts from his novel. His links page alone will keep you busy for hours!
If you live in the Midwest, Joe will be at a bookstore or library near you. Check out his website for more information. But, as a Sunny Sabella fan, you have an exclusive look inside J.A. Konrath--a funny, articulate and one-of-a-kind talent who is an inspiration to every author and an all-around nice guy. If you don't believe me, read the interview!
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Sunny: Several writers are impressed by your self-promotion and accessibility. How do you balance the creative process of writing with the demands of public appearances, maintenance of your website, and your family?
JA: Don't tell the government, but I've managed to clone myself. Right now I'm playing with my six-year-old, working on my third book, and answering this question, all at the same time. I'm also giving myself a foot rub, which #5 isn't enjoying, but I sure am.
Sunny: Give us an example of a day in the writing life of Joe Konrath. Do you stick to a schedule of X amount of hours writing, editing, answering email, etc.?
J.A.: I wake up at 7am, and then work on whatever deadline is pressing, until about noon. After a light lunch of protein (no carbs!), I spend time answering email, updating my site, and working on short stories and articles. Then, some family time, dinner, and I get back on the computer for a few hours before bed at around 2am.
Sunny: How do you create your villains? Do you think up the most evil aspects of people, but still give them character, some good traits? And finally, what influences did you have creating The Gingerbread Man?
J.A.: Even the worst criminal on the planet doesn't think they are a bad person. They all have excuses, have justifications. For the Gingerbread Man, I decided to build on the urban legend of the snuff film--what kind of guy would videotape himself killing women, and how could he live with himself? Once I had a reason for the things he did, the character practically wrote himself.
Sunny: Your 4-page "query" package really amused me, since most agents and editors say nothing turns them off faster than an author who sends them a picture and strays from the clean, precise, business-like query letter. Of course this is leading to the great 'rule' debate. You can't do this, and you can't write that. But it was stepping outside the lines that got many many major authors noticed and eventually published. What are your opinions on the rules?
J.A.: The 'rules' are created by those already inside the system, in order to bring order to the system. New writers aren't part of the system yet, and if they follow the 'rules', they'll get lost in the slush pile. If I played by their rules, I never would have broken in. So I was forced to create my own rules.
Wow, I sound like Dirty Harry.
Sunny: I know several people have asked who your favorite authors are. My question is different. What music do you listen to? Has a song inspired you to write? Do you have a favorite crime show on TV?
J.A.: I love a little known band called The Rainmakers, and will continue to buy anything produced by Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. But I don't listen to music while writing--it's more to relax in my free time. As for TV, I'm addicted to 24, which is brilliant in its use of conflict and suspense. The only comedies I watch are the Simpsons, Family Guy, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
Sunny: If you could collaborate with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
J.A.: It's between Robert B. Parker, author of the "Spencer" series mysteries and John D. McDonald of Travis McGee fame, but I'd have to go with Parker.
Sunny: You've lived in the Chicago Metropolitan Area all your life and a Chicago Police Department badge is prominent on your web site. Did real Chicago detectives influence your characters? And just curious, has any member of Chicago's Finest commented on your novel?
J.A.: Each of my cop friends thinks Jack is based on him or her. They like the novel, but recognize that I take liberties with certain aspects of police life. For example, no cop I know eats as many donuts as Herb does--that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Sunny: You're writing series mysteries; do you find writing subsequent novels easier because you know your characters and how they'll react to situations so well? I've heard this can go either way--because you must live with your characters' previous actions.
J.A.: The longer I write, the easier it gets. I know my characters as well as I know my own family.
Sunny: After reading WHISKEY SOUR, my favorite character, hands down, is Harry McGlade. Any change McGlade will get his own series?
J.A.: Funny you should ask. There will be a Harry McGlade short story featured in Futures Mysterious Anthology Magazine. You can visit them online at http://www.fmam.biz/
Sunny: Besides penning a great novel, what helps a writer land an agent or publisher? Do they really care if you've published short stories in the past, or you were editor of your university's newspaper? I've heard some say it's ultimately the writer's marketability that gives them an edge. True or false?
J.A.: If you write something that someone would pay $22.00 for, they you'll sell it, guaranteed. Publishing is a business, and it's all about salability. Background or prior experience doesn't matter. It's all about the book.
Sunny: Okay, I've saved the BIG question for last: Will Jack find a hot, hunky lover in the next novel?
J.A.: Jack's ex-husband Alan comes back in the next novel, and vies with Latham for Jack's affections. Fireworks ensue.
Sunny: I lied, one final question that only a Chicagoan can appreciate and understand: Cub fan or White Sox fan?
J.A.: As an impartial resident of Illinois, I naturally root for both teams. And if they both wound up in the World Series, I would hope for a tie.
But my money would be on the Cubs...
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J.A. Konrath's next novel, BLOODY MARY, will be available next year.