Joseph Finder

Joseph Finder asked David Baldacci:

Your characters all have way more exciting jobs than anything I was ever offered in Washington, back in the day—I can imagine you get great feedback from people who work at the CIA and the Secret Service. What kind of feedback do you get from your CIA/FBI/Secret Service readers? Do they write in with plot ideas? (Not that you need them….)

David Baldacci Hey, Joe! The feedback has been very positive. I think they like the fact that I do my research and try to get it right even though I don’t always present them in a favorable light. What they don’t like are writers who put them in stories and just make up how they do their jobs. I politely decline all plot ideas with a legal disclaimer. (Note to readers: Joe's newest novel, SUSPICION, published last week. Don't miss it.)

More Answered Questions

Tracy Grogan

Tracy Grogan asked David Baldacci:

Hi David -- You have a history of developing a large number of three-dimensional characters and providing deep understanding of sub-cultures to which most of us are not exposed; yet your stories never get bogged down in the details. What are your litmus tests for how much detail to provide, how to spread them out so as not to lose momentum and at what point to let the plot begin its final stretch run?

Randy

Randy asked David Baldacci:

David, Long time reader, fan of the Camel Club and Puller. In our club there have been comparisons between the Puller series and the Reacher series. I wonder if there are other styles that you try to emulate when writing new series, or if the settings and scenes just come to you. In other words, who do you read and admire?

Gloria

Gloria asked David Baldacci:

Love your books!!! I was all excited over a year ago when I saw a TV ad about a new TV series based on your books with the King & Maxwell characters. I keep waiting for it. Did I miss it? Would appreciate knowing if it ever got started or if not, the anticipated starting date. I know it will become a favorite TV series of mine. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Gloria Maturi Whitehouse Station, NJ

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