Kim Martin

Kim Martin asked Erik Larson:

Dear Mr. Larson, What can you tell us about efforts to bring any of your works to the big screen? I would think your stories would translate very naturally and effectively to film, and, according to a search of IMDB, there are a couple of projects in development. Understanding the complexity of such translation, is this something you would welcome and feel can do justice to your books?

Erik Larson Two of my books have been optioned by film--Devil, by Leonardo DiCaprio, and Beasts, by Tom Hanks. Both options remain live. Apart from that, there's not much to tell. I'd love to see both turned into films. I'm curious as to how screenwriters will approach each. I won't be involved, however. I feel cinema is an art unto itself, and am quite content to leave it all to the experts.

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Kylie (LitwithKylieJo)

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

Jen

Jen asked Erik Larson:

I loved, loved, loved devil in the white city almost as much as I love Chicago. What in the world drew you to major in Russian history? What is your craziest international incident? Mine was being attacked by a bat in my hotel room in Tianjin, China. I'm convinced bats can see.

Robin Dilks

Robin Dilks asked Erik Larson:

I am a newer fan, impressed with your ability to show the beauty of history. You are able to weave stories that often involve several characters, long timeframes and in-depth facts. Your ability to do so aside from being extremely fascinating I am certain involves extensive research. Do you do most of your own research or do you have an assistant and how do you settle on a specific place and time in history?

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