Get to Know Author William Kent Krueger

William Kent Krueger, who goes by Kent, is a New York Times bestselling author. While he writes some stand-alone novels, he's most well-known for his long running Cork O’Connor mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. Spirit Crossing, Krueger’s most recent book & the 20th in the series, follows Cork as he and the tribal officers work to uncover the circumstances leading to the death of a young Ojibwe woman. Cork's grandson discovered her body in a shallow grave. At the same time, a local politician's daughter has disappeared. As officials investigate each case they discover a connection between the two. To make matters worse, Cork’s grandson may be the killer’s next victim.  

His journey to being an author

"When I was 12 years old, a wonderful librarian who understood the attraction a good adventure story might hold for an adolescent boy suggested I read The Count of Monte Cristo," said Krueger. "With that first captivating Dumas novel, she launched me on a journey of reading that has led to where I am today."

Krueger grew up in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon with a consistent dream of becoming a writer. Before becoming a full-time author Krueger logged lumber, worked in construction, tried freelance journalism and also researched child development at the University of Minnesota. 

Full time writing

Krueger has received many awards throughout his writing career including the Edgar Award for one of his stand-alone novels Ordinary Grace. His work has also received the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barrey ward, the Dilys Award and the Friends of American Writers Prize.  

When asked what makes a great story, Krueger said, "Plot draws us in. The narrative elements make us care, seduce us into investing our hearts. And it’s only when we’ve invested our hearts that we truly fall in love with a story."

Meet the author

You can meet Krueger Wed, April 16, 7pm here at the library. Make sure to register (registration opens March 17) so you don't miss out! Seats will fill up fast. Round Table Bookstore will be onsite with a selection of Krueger’s books available for purchase. Following a moderated discussion, be sure to stick around and have your book signed by the author.

To learn a bit more about Krueger before the event I asked him some questions and his responses did not disappoint. Read on to see more of what he said.

Full interview with Krueger

What’s a book you remember loving as a kid? 

When I was 12 years old, a wonderful librarian who understood the attraction a good adventure story might hold for an adolescent boy suggested I read The Count of Monte Cristo. I loved that book, and also the others she subsequently suggested to me—stories by H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson and many others. With that first captivating Dumas novel, she launched me on a journey of reading that has led to where I am today. The good work that librarians do for us all begins so early in our lives. God bless them!  

How long is your TBR (To Be Read) list?  

You mean how tall is my TBR stack? Well, how tall is the Empire State Building? I’m asked to read a lot of galleys of new books with an eye to offering a dust jacket quote. Add to that the new releases I intend to read, and to that, all the old friends in literature that I’d love to revisit, and sometimes it feels as though my TBR stack reaches to the sky.  

Would you rather not be able to read any new books OR not be able to reread any books ever again?  

That’s like asking would I rather lose my heart or my lungs. I’m sure I couldn’t survive losing either of them.  

If you could create the most perfect reading spot, what would it look like?  

I already have this. My living room sofa. It’s where I do all my reading. It’s comfortable, well lit, familiar, and my wife knows not to bug me while I’m reading there.  

What makes a great story?  

For me, a great story is one in which a solid plot is surrounded by dynamic narrative elements. A solid plot is the firm skeleton of a story. The narrative elements are what give that skeleton humanity. By narrative elements, I mean rich characterization, a profound sense of place, powerful language, important themes. Plot draws us in. The narrative elements make us care, seduce us into investing our hearts. And it’s only when we’ve invested our hearts that we truly fall in love with a story.  

What was an early experience where you learned language had power?  

I was blessed in that my father was a high school English teacher. I grew up with great stories and story poems, which he read to me and my siblings when we were put to bed. I didn’t need to be taught the idea that words have power. It was offered to me as a gift every night.  

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym, why?  

Very early on, before any possibility of ever publishing was on the horizon, I thought that if I did get a novel written and if I decided to use a pseudonym, it would be T.M. People. This was because I was a fan of schlock monster movies as a kid, and one of my favorites was a pretty bad film titled The Mole People. Happy to say, I decided to use my own name.  

What is your writing fuel?  

Coffee. Every morning while I’m writing, I fuel my brain and creative synapses with a couple of mugs of strong brew.