Susan McKinnis, English instructor at Allen Community College, did Iola proud Tuesday evening when she interviewed author Erik Larson on the Bowlus Fine Arts Center stage.
For the better part of an hour, McKinnis peppered Larson with thoughtful questions that often led to colorful and wide-ranging responses.
It was clear that McKinnis was not only familiar with his work but also the inherent challenges of being a professional writer.
Larson was happy to oblige, shedding light on a routine that includes a painfully early 4 a.m. start to the day, equipped with strong coffee and one Double Stuf Oreo.
The cookies are otherwise off-limits, stored in his wife’s desk.
“She knows I’ve had a bad day if I come back that evening for a second.”
Larson described the sting of defeat.
His first book, “The Naked Consumer,” failed to catch fire.
“I thought it was a good book,” he said, chalking it up as a learning experience.
His only recourse, he said, was to stick with it.
After all, he said jokingly, “it’s the only thing I know how to do.”
It worked. Six of Larson’s books have become New York Times bestsellers.
Like many successful artists, he said the key is to practice his craft every day, even if tossed the next.
Larson said he limits his writing to the first half of the day and uses the rest for research.
Though he’s now a prize-winning author, Larson began as a journalist, most notably for the Wall Street Journal.
