Each day leading up to the 32nd annual Minnesota Book Awards announcement, we’ll be featuring an exclusive interview with one of our 36 finalists.
Interview with William Kent Krueger, author of This Tender Land, part of the Novel & Short Story category, sponsored by College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University
How does it feel to be a Minnesota Book Award finalist?
It’s always an honor to be recognized by the reading community here in Minnesota. And it’s a thrill that never gets old.
Tell us something about your finalist book that you want readers to know?
This is a novel whose seed was planted when I was eleven years old, in the spring in which my fifth grade teacher read to our class The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and I discovered Mark Twain. After that, I read and so loved Huckleberry Finn. Ever since, I’ve wanted to write an updated version of that great American classic. This story came as straight and true from my heart as any I’ve ever written.
Share something about your writing process and preferences. For instance, where is your favorite place to write?
I rise at 6:00 a.m. every morning, seven days a week, go to a coffee shop, and spend the next two hours writing. Imagine waking up every day and the first thing you do is what you love most in the world. Talk about a blessed life!
Minnesota has a reputation as a state that values literature and reading. In your experience, what is it about our state that makes it such a welcoming place for writers and book creators?
Quality education has long been a priority in our state, and that means lots of folks here grew up being encouraged to read. That love of stories, that appreciation for the value of the written word and for the arts in general, has resulted in Minnesota being one of the most supportive environments for artists of all kinds, not just writers. I’m proud of the people here and the priority they place on our cultural achievements.
What is something you are good at that few people know about?
I’m a pretty decent tennis player.
What do you love about libraries?
What’s not to love? They’re quiet, welcoming, and they hold the whole world on their shelves.
William Kent Krueger is also the author of the Edgar Award-winning Ordinary Grace and the bestselling Cork O’Connor mystery series. He lives in Saint Paul.