Kylie (LitwithKylieJo) asked Erik Larson:

Hi Erik, I've recently become a fan of your work after reading The Devil in the White City and I'm completely fascinated with narrative nonfiction. I wonder, what is your process when finding and researching a topic? How do you know when you have a winning story, one that will have enough information to carry you through an entire book? Thank you. I am anxiously awaiting your new book! Kylie Sebert

Erik Larson Hi Kylie. It's very hard for me to find ideas for books. To write the kind of history I like to write, a lot of things have to fall into place. First, I have to have a deep interest in the subject. Second, the story has to have a built in narrative arc--a logical and compelling path. Also, the story has to be supported by a deep and textured trove of archival materials. Finally--my publisher has to like it too!

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