John

John asked Erik Larson:

I've read Devil, Beasts and Isaac's and really enjoyed and recommend all the time. I forgot about Thunderstruck and will add to list along with Lusitania. How do you come up with your topics? They seem pretty diverse. Do you stumble across a news item or other writing and decide to dig in further? A history buff? And how long is your current list of books to write? Keep them coming, please.

Erik Larson I think I've addressed the idea part elsewhere--and yes, stumbling is a key part of the process. As to my current list of books to write, it's very short. In fact, there is no list. Which is always a problem. Whenever I finish a book, I always start with a blank slate. I wish, dearly, that I had a nice long list of plummy ideas. So do my agent and my publisher.

More Answered Questions

Rachel Pollock

Rachel Pollock asked Erik Larson:

I'm a huge fan of your books & always enjoy not only your writing & the depth of research evident on the page, but the way you use structure itself (for example, the wild ride of bouncing back & forth between stories in THUNDERSTRUCK just waiting for them to converge in a sort of apex, like a wireless tower.) How do you approach structuring your books on a macro level?

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?

Anne

Anne asked Erik Larson:

Mr. Larson -- I must be destined to read your books, because I serendipitously chose Isaac's Storm and Thunderstruck to read one after another. It was the topics that intrigued me; I did not yet know about you or your writing prowess. I am now updated on both items and looking forward to Thunderstruck and more. What could be better? Your new fan in Oregon, Anne

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