Julie
asked
Erik Larson:
I am as fascinated & intimidated from a writing POV as I am with the final product of your instinct, craft & dedication-both unique. My question is from reading you & answers you've given here about your research & writing. Does your brevity, obligation to accuracy, interest in telling those personal stories, as well as your overall discipline have a hook back into your journalistic past? Julie Shankle
Erik Larson
Yes. Very much so. My years at The Wall Street Journal really helped me develop an eye for detail and drummed into me the need for accuracy and the necessity of over-reporting--that is, the need to keep researching and reporting until you have far more than you actually need. Only then can you be assured that you'll have the very best material in hand.
More Answered Questions
Amy
asked
Erik Larson:
Dear Mr. Larson, I just read "Dead Wake" and felt like to understood the political situation surrounding the Lusitania and World War I for the first time. I was captivated by your portrait of our somewhat distracted president at this time. When researching for your books, how do you decide which historical players to include and which to leave out? Amy Smitter
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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