Ask Karin Slaughter - August 13, 2012 discussion

Welcome to the group! Karin will be answering questions on Monday, August 13, 2012. In the meantime if you have a question for Karin or just want to introduce yourself feel free to do so in this thread.

Hello,

My name is Kitty Bullard I run a literary community as well as an independent publishing business. I absolutely adore Karin and have always longed to ask her how she came up with the idea for her characters and where the stories take place. Being a native of Georgia I found it refreshing that her stories were based in that state as well as in some surrounding areas. I would also like to know if she has plans for a certain amount of books in the Grant County series. Thank you so much in advance Karin and keep writing those wonderful stories!

Hi my name is michelle and I have read all of the books karin as wrote and loved them . I was so sad when Jeffrey died . But must say will Trent as just fitted in nicely I'm saving criminal to read on my holiday

I have read all of Karin's books & the recent novella - I loved them all! I'm always antsy for the next one to come out & have yet to find an author of that genre that I like anywhere near as much. I was pretty blown away when Jeffrey died, but I think I love Will Trent just as much, but in a completely different way. I'm about halfway through Criminal & thoroughly enjoying it. I'm curious if you see yourself always writing about the Grant County/Atlanta characters? Thank you Karin for all of the great writing & I can't wait for more!

Hi Karin, I was wondering what made you come up with Will and Sara being together? I had to admit at first I wasn't sure if I would like the pairing or not, but I love both characters and it's so great for Will to have some happiness and good in his life! I LOVED Criminal by far your best book yet and I have read everyone of them. It was so nice to get the background info. Thanks for being such an awesome author!!!

Hi! I've read every book and short story and I still want MORE :) Criminal was a fantastic read and I hope we have more to come!

My questions is : How hard was is it to write Jeffrey's final scene and had it been planned, or was it a sudden 'this feels too right' revelation?

It had me in floods of tears to read it, I can only imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye to one of your own characters!

Also, is Lena's story done now, or will we hear more from her?

Thanks!

Another huge fan here Karin. I am Joy & from Australia. I am a kindle user so have just received Criminal & hope to start it as soon as I finish reading the series I'm reading ATM. I also was devastated when Jeffrey died. I did wonder how Sara would go on. My main question to authors is where their ideas come from. With criminal writing I would imagine much research is needed. Do you enjoy that side of being an author?

Hi Karin,

Love your work. But, how much does it bother you to have some of this awful stuff in your head as you are writing it; for example the child pornography in Kisscut (especially given the ambiguous ending)? I know I can't get it out of my head!

Thanks.

Two excellent questions, Grete.


Grete wrote: "Hi! I've read every book and short story and I still want MORE :) Criminal was a fantastic read and I hope we have more to come!

My questions is : How hard was is it to write Jeffrey's final sce..."

Hi Karin! I'm Joan, a big fan from the Philippines! The first book I read was Faithless, and after that I kept buying your books. I was a bit taken off guard of Jeffrey's death that even today I can't reread the past books in the series. But I really love Sara and Will's relationship. I turn to into a love-sick person when I read their moments.

My question: Will we ever see Lena again? And also with the events that happened in Criminal, will Sara and Will's relationship be tested even more?

Thank you and good luck on your future books ^^

Hi Karin
I love all of your books, especially the Will Trent series and how you intertwine the stories. Criminal is absolutely superb!

What I want to know is are you going to bring back Lena? And can I request a grizzly end for Will's horrible wife.

I can't wait for your next book!
Christine

Hi Karin,
I'm Marion from Germany. Like the others I love your books (in different degrees, but still). I was so mad when you killed Jeffrey that I refused to read the Will series for a while until I saw that Sarah re-appeared. In the contrary to some others here I wouldn't mind never hearing from Lena again; this woman got on my nerves but I fear my hoping that she is history now is in vain ;).
I have to admit something else: since Jeffrey died I check the very last lines in every new book and look if Will and Sarah are still alive, and only then I start to read. (I know, I know - that's a tad crazy but I can't help it.)
My question is: Why did you kill Jeffrey? Because you felt there isn't much new to learn about him or any development left? Or did you already have Will in the back of your mind and wanted to write his character rather than Jeffreys? (Don't get me wrong, I love Will as well.)
Oh, and thank you so much for keeping Sarah in the game.
Fondly,
Marion

Hi Karin,

It has been such a privilege to read your books over the years. Every time a new one comes out I clear my schedule and settle down to read. I read Criminal in a day, on day of release!

I loved how you looked back into the past at Amanda & Evelyn's struggles. It was a really special plot with a lot to give - do you have any plans for picking that idea up and running on with it into more novels? I'd love to read more about those two feisty women.

I also think that no matter how many books you write in the Grant County/Georgia series, they always stay fresh and continue to shock me with just how grisly they can be! Do you ever find that in creating scenes of murder which are so shocking, you have haunted yourself?

Finally, I'd like to second the above questions about if we have seen the last of Lena, and bumping off Angie!! (Perhaps you could pit them against each other??? LOL!)

Thanks for all the wonderful books,

Jen

Hello all,

I am a huge Karin Slaughter fan and recently finished Criminal (my first ARC!). It is fantastic! I have one non-spoiler question about it- one of the minor characters is named Hoyt Woody and it immediately made me think of the character Woody Hoyt on the old series Crossing Jordan and I was curious if this was intentional or just happenstance.

Thank you!

I am a Karin Slaughter beginner. Interestingly, I read Karin's first book Blindsighted not long ago, and because I liked it so much I picked up the latest book -- I am reading Criminal right now.

What surprises me is the level of Karin's books. It seems becoming better and better. Oftentimes, writers of book series with recurring characters find the material drying up after several installments, and as a result the book quality drops significantly. This doesn't seem to be the case for Karin's new book, I was drawn to the characters and narration immediately. My question to Karin would be how she maintains the high quality, and keeps the story interesting for new and old fans. Thanks! -Xi

I'm working my way through the Georgia Series and, as a Georgian, I am loving every word of it. I will definitely read them all, including the Grant County Series. Each book is better than the last and the characters/storylines are wonderfully engaging. Thanks so much for sharing your great talent!

Hi Karin,

First off, thanks for all the wonderful books you have written and the support you have given to libraries! We need more authors like you to speak up about the importance of keeping our U.S. libraries fully funded and open to the public. Thank you, thank you!

When I discuss books with my students I always tell them that authors write from what they know. How much of your background lends itself to the creation of the settings, the plot and the characters we so love?

Some authors say that they "hear" their characters in their head and that they just have to write down what they say. Does this happen for you? Is writing dialogue between your characters an easy thing to do?

Keep writing Karin!
Nancy

Hi Karin, I have read all of your books and really enjoy them, I have just finished Criminal, I found it really interesting to read about Amanda Wagner and loved the whole feel of the book, ..... My question is: Will Lena be returning to any upcoming books? I really like her character!

Hi Karin,
I must confess that killing Jeffrey threw me into a rage and I had to take a break from your books (Grant County was the first series of yours I read). I am happy to report I have now started the other series and, while I miss Jeffrey, I applaud you for doing it-things were not resolved and tied with a pretty bow like 99% of the things I have read. It took me awhile to appreciate it.

My question is: Did you ever consider NOT killing Jeffrey-and if you did-where did you envision his and Sara's story going??

Hi, I would like to inform you that your books are not available in Jamaica. Will you do something about this?

Hi. I actually just started reading your book. Good reads recommended The Will Trent based on my reading history.

I was wondering if you plan to continue the series? If there are more books coming out? Or if you plan to take off in a new direction? maybe catch up On Leena and her evil shellfish ways.

I would LOVE to see when Angie finally goes off the deep end and becomes the villain in the next book.

Hi Karin, my name is Alice & I'm from southside Chicago. Your writng is incredible! I have read & totally enjoyed all your books; each one in both in print & audio.

Will Trent is a very special character for me as I have a highly intelligent high functioning dyslexic son. My question is: Did you choose dyslexia for Will Trent based on real life interest in learning disabilities? Whatever the answer thank you for presenting such positive awareness. You Rock!

Hello, my name is Denise Whelan and I just love reading your books! I find them to be very insightful, thought-provoking, and very enjoyable to read. When I was first introduced to Ethan White, at first I thought he was a young man who was trying to overcome all he grew up with to be a better person. How did you come up with making him the evil person he is with Lena?

Hi, my name is Anita and I'm a librarian from Los Angeles. Ditto on all the appreciative things said by others. I'd like to know your sources about the Atlanta Police Dept in the 1970s, the attitudes of and toward police women, the racial divides, the politics. It read like fact-based history. Thanks!

It's me again. Since my question about Jeffrey has already been answered in a letter to your fans (thanks for the hint, Lisa)I'd like to pose another one: After reading all your books and watching the videoa about Criminal I was wondering whether you do all the research on your own.

Marion

Hi Karin,

Another huge fan from Germany! I'm right now reading Criminal and have to confess that I'm stuck, as I'm not a fan of the 'old' storyline. As I'm at the beginning of the book, I hope I'll get over that soon:) Well, I love all your books, was rather devastated when you killed off Jeffrey, but was very surprised and now very happy with the merging of Grant County and Will Trent books. How did that happen, was it planned long ago? I'm with the other commenters - please get rid of Will's wife and if possible, of Lena as well. Oh - and thanks for the short story - it shortened the waiting time for Criminal and gave some additional background.

Anke.

ETA: Just finished reading Criminal and I loved it! After some chapters I got into the alternating storylines and couldn't put it down. But now we have to wait another year:(

Hi Karin,
I am Shelley from Canada and I first discovered you with Triptych and loved your writing so much I went back and read everything I could find. I really want to be able to read Like a Charm but it is not available unless I go thru Amazon which I cannot. Will you be able to re-release it as an e-pub? Keep up the good work writing. You are fantastic!!!!

Hi Karin,

I am a huge fan of your writing and also had been picked to be an ambassador for you. I passed out all of the copies of Triptych and I am just waiting to hear back from those people who I gave the copies to. I made sure to inform them that it was a book in a series and that you had another series that you write and that they overlap a little bit. I was wondering if there will be other chances to do something along those lines as a "Karin Slaughter" ambassador with maybe one of the newer books?

Hi Karin!
I love your writing. I have read all your books and have Criminal here to read..
I was wondering how I can bribe you to come to South Fl (specifically the Ft. Lauderdale area) to sign all my books?

Bello there! My name is Sylvia From Rotterdam in The Netherlands.
Just like all of you I have read all the Karin Slaughter Books as well.

Hi Karin,
I am a huge fan of your books! I like the way that you write about your characters and their awkward moments and idiosyncrasies because I recognize those things in myself and others. I find Will Trent interesting in that he had a bad childhood but he’s not a serial killer. Are your characters based on people that you know?

Hi Karin
I am a big fan and I love the Will Trent character. I was devastated when you took Sarah out of Grant County and would love to see more of Lena, perhaps as a herone of her own book. She was a very flawed character and had a tremendous backstory.

Hi Karen, my name is Minga. I am one of your fans on your facebook page. I love love love all your books. I guess my question for you would be about Sara. I love her. I also noticed that you don't write her needing to being rescued by someone else. She never seems to be the damsel in distress that NEEDS to be rescued. Is it because of the rape she suffered many years ago? I only ask because me as a woman love the whole white knight thing. But I also love the I don't need a man to rescue me but I would love for one to anyway. Will our beloved Mr. Trent be rescuing her anytime soon?

I admire your work immensely, Karin. I am currently writing my first novel, a psychological crime thriller and interested whether you write an outline for all of your novels first, or if you forego the outline process and kind of write-as-you-go. Having tried, I do not seem to be able to get anywhere without the outline written first. Do you ever get a mental block (not writer’s block) on a character’s path in the story, deciding what next?

(well, I'm still deciding on my question, but I did want to let my fellow slaughter fans know that there's a karin slaughter group that could use some new members! check it out, please!

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...)

Hi, Karin. I am a big fan of yours. I want to thank you for the many hours of great enjoyment I have had reading your books. I have a question concerning Will Trent. I have read all the books in the series, but I cannot recall how Will got all those scars except for the self-inflicted one. Did they occur when he was living at the children's home or when he lived temporarily in foster homes? Or did some injuries occur from when he was living on the streets?

Love your books. Especially appreciate the characters and their development! Would love to know who your favourite authors are.

Hey! I'm Sandra, a sweet 2nd grade teacher with a passion for grisly murders!
I've read all of the Slaughter books. I loved Criminal! The ending absolutely blew me away! I imagine the next book beginning with additional struggles for Will & Sara, & it saddens me. I want Will to be happy! I despise Angie, but I don't wish her dead, because I love having someone to hate!
I am in the same boat as the others who have mentioned the heartbreak of losing Jeffrey! He had become my fantasy man, & I took the loss hard!
I'm excited to be a part of this group!

Hello, Karin. Thanks so much for doing Q&A. I have read all of your books from the beginning of the Grant County series. You are a fabulous author and I love everything you write - even when it is almost too brutal to read. Your books just draw me in completely.

My question is did you ever consider killing off Sara instead of Jeffrey? I was so angry when he died that I really wished you had done that instead (and nearly stopped reading your books). I had no interest at that point in reading about Sara without Jeffrey -- Jeffrey without Sara, I think I could have handled better. But, I couldn't resist seeing where you planned to go so I did keep reading, and I am very glad that I did. I love Will's story and his connection to Sara now.

Can't wait to read Criminal!


Kimberly H.

Christine wrote: "Hi Karin
I love all of your books, especially the Will Trent series and how you intertwine the stories. Criminal is absolutely superb!

What I want to know is are you going to bring back Lena? And ..."

I agree! Wouldn't it just be a kick in the head if somehow Angie hooked up with Leena? I mean, Angie's body count is getting up there and Leena has a couple of hits too.

Karin, do you think they would ever team up to punish Sara and Will?

Hi Karin,
I love your books but discovered with "Thorn in my Side" that you also have a wicked sense of humor. Any chance of more stories like that one?

Hi, Karin.
I am a huge fan of your work. I'm wondering if there's any chance of hearing more about how Amanda became the woman we all love to hate...Or is it hate to love after reading Criminal? I think there is definitely more to the story and would love to find out if I'm right! Thanks so much for writing such flawed, wonderful characters. I love them all...Well, except for maybe Angie. :)

Beanse wrote: "Christine wrote: "Hi Karin
I love all of your books, especially the Will Trent series and how you intertwine the stories. Criminal is absolutely superb!

What I want to know is are you going to bri..."

Yes! I've been thinking a Lena/Angie pairing could be an interesting one for sure!

Hi Karin. Thanks for all the wonderful reads over the years. Really love your books. I'm curious if you always planned to have Jeffrey die and to have Sara move on. I think it's great that she and Will have connected but wonder if you planned it out from the start or if the storylines just worked out that way.

Hi Karin - your development of Will is so great - nuanced and kind. How did you, and do you think about the development of this character?

thank you - I enjoy your books so much

Dear Karin, One question has hounded me since you started writing Will Trent: I adore the character, and the series, but is it realistic to think that someone with a learning "disability" as severe as Trent's could rise to the position he has in law enforcement? I guess what I'm asking is, do you know of any real-life example of such a person, or is Trent completely fictional and requiring a willing suspension of disbelief (which I will continue to be happy to grant).
Thanks!

Hello Karin,

Was wondering when you might be coming back through Colorado? ** I "lost" the pic I had taken with you** :)

Hi Karin, I receive your newsletter and see that you have a very playful sense of humor. It is very entertaining and I always look forward to reading it. Is it difficult writing such serious material in your books? Do you ever wish you could let loose and inject more humor into them, or do you see yourself writing something else in the future that allows you to be as amusing as you like?

Hi Karin, I love your books. You and Chelsea Cain are my favourite crime fiction novelists. I wanted to ask how you came up with the character of Will Trent?

Karin,

I'm a huge fan (almost obsessed)! I've got a couple of questions....

1. I understand a TV series is going to be made about the Grant County series. Do you have an approximate date when the pilot will air? I won't miss it for anything!

2. How difficult is it to adapt the books to a TV script? Do you think the stories will be more or less relatable?

3. Is the series planned to start with Blindsighted?

I'm an avid reader, but I have to say that your characters seem to be the most real to me. I'm so very impressed that as the series have evolved, you had managed to make them more intense and addicting.