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INTERVIEW

November 21, 2003

Jonathan Kellerman has brought his expertise as a clinical psychologist to a number of his bestselling suspense novels, including those that feature psychologist Alex Delaware. His latest effort, THE CONSPIRACY CLUB, introduces readers to a new character --- a dedicated young psychologist named Jeremy Carrier.

In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight team (Carol Fitzgerald, Joe Hartlaub, and Wiley Saichek), Kellerman talks about his decision to depart briefly from Alex Delaware, the working relationship he has with his wife Faye and a memorable encounter he had with one of his fans.

BRC: While Alex Delaware is your best-known character, you have never been reticent to break from the Delaware stories and explore other directions, as you have most recently with THE CONSPIRACY CLUB and Jeremy Carrier. Why did you decide to write about someone new?

JK: I'm always led by the story, and a particular story and set of characters came to me. Actually, this was the rare case of "inspiration." I was relaxing after finishing A COLD HEART, staring out at the Pacific and the idea for what I thought was going to be a short story floated into my mind. Somehow, it became a novel.

BRC: What are your plans regarding Carrier and Delaware? Do you plan to alternate novels involving the two characters?

JK: No specific plans for alternation. I've completed another Delaware, as well as another novel featuring Detective Petra Connor of Hollywood Homicide. I certainly intend to write more Delawares --- in fact, I'm just about to begin one.

BRC: One of the more interesting elements of your novels is that your protagonists seem to be involved in complex emotional relationships that provide an edgy undercurrent to the main plot. They're very real, certainly not the "Nick and Nora" stereotype one frequently encounters. Are the occasional problems that your characters encounter in this regard based on individuals you know, or are they entirely the result of inspiration?

JK: There are two types of crime series protagonists: the Agatha Christie hero, e.g. Poirot, a psychologically static conduit for solving puzzles, or what I prefer --- a dynamic, evolving individual. No disrespect to Dame Agatha. It's just that one of the things I enjoy most about writing fiction is character development.

The characters emerge from my rather twisted mind. That's another enjoyable part of the job: making stuff up.

BRC: What is the most difficult part of writing a non-series title? What is the most rewarding aspect?

JK: The difficult part about writing any novel is transforming ideas into a coherent written communication that engages the reader. I try to create a hypnoidal (hypnotic-like) sense of place that draws the reader out of his/her daily routine. Each novel is harder than its predecessor because I must work harder at not repeating myself. However, I enjoy the challenge. This is the greatest job in the world.

BRC: How much time do you spend researching the book? Do you conduct all of your research before you begin writing, or do you continue researching as you are writing?

JK: Time spent researching varies from book to book. Some novels require months, even years of research, others very little. I try to do most of my research before I begin but inevitably questions emerge during the writing.

BRC: This year saw you publish two books --- THE CONSPIRACY CLUB and A COLD HEART. Was it difficult writing this much in such a short amount of time?

JK: It didn't feel difficult at the time because I was so charged up about both books. Afterward, however, I was pretty tired. In a good way, like after a great workout.

BRC: Have you ever considered writing a book with your wife Faye where Delaware and Peter and Rina Decker meet up?

JK: No imminent plans for a Delaware/Decker hookup. However Faye and I are collaborating on two volumes of a novella series entitled "Double Homicide." It's our first collaboration and it's turned out to be great fun.

BRC: At what point do you and Faye share your work with each other? Do you feed possible storylines for your series characters to each other?

JK: Faye and I share 100-page segments of our books. Fortunately, each of us really admires the other's work, which helps maintain marital harmony. The only problem is I get into her story, and then I have to wait months for the next installment. I do welcome Faye's comments. Having a successful and brilliant novelist around for support and counsel has been a real luxury for me. We don't share storylines, though it's not uncommon for us to read or observe something and to offer it to the other (e.g. "That would be a great Decker/Delaware story.") After 31 years of marriage, raising four great kids, our novels are just about the only pockets of privacy we have left.

BRC: Many bestselling authors have written holiday books about the Christmas season. Have you ever considered doing one that weaves in a story of Hanukkah into the plot line?

JK: No Hanukkah stories in the pipeline. I think Adam Sandler covered that pretty comprehensively.

BRC: Can you share a particularly memorable encounter with a fan?

JK: Since I'm a psychologist I do encounter some eccentric fan mail and the like. One of my most pleasurable fan experiences was signing a book for a quiet, courteous gentleman who turned out to be Warren Zevon, the brilliant songwriter/singer. Subsequently, Warren and I became friends. Sadly, he passed away this year. His loss is significant.

BRC: What are you working on now, and when can we expect to see it?

JK: The next Delaware, THERAPY, will be published this summer. The Petra Connor novel, TWISTED, will be published in November 2004.

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PAST INTERVIEW

December 15, 2000

Jonathan Kellerman transports readers yet again with his new chilling and intellectual thriller, DR. DEATH. Join us as our resident Kellerman addict, Senior Writer Joe Hartlaub, delves inside the novel's doctor and author. Get a hint at what's in store for his popular recurring character, Alex Delaware, and much more in this interview.

TBR: DR. DEATH has a "real world" immediacy on a number of levels, dealing not only with a Dr. Kevorkian-type character but also with a character somewhat similar to Dr. Michael Swango, the physician who recently pled guilty to murdering hospital patients in a number of different cities. What originally drew you toward assisted suicide --- both voluntary and involuntary --- as the underlying theme of DR. DEATH?

JK: I can't really say what draws me to a specific topic. Though I avoid writing a "message book," I do find that many of my novels tend to feature so-called "social issues." Probably because I like to wrestle with things that bother me. That probably also explains my choice of psychology as a profession. I'm also drawn to complex issues, such as assisted suicide, because I find questions much more interesting than answers. At root, all fiction is about surprise and when I write I like to explore and to surprise myself. That way, hopefully, the reader will be engaged, as well.

TBR: What are your own thoughts about assisted suicides and doctors like Dr. Kevorkian?

JK: As I said, it's a complex issue and I don't profess any great wisdom. I do feel that we need to be aware of slippery-slopes and to use whatever credo it takes --- either religion or some secular code --- to explicate and buttress the sanctity of human life.

TBR: One of the more interesting elements of DR. DEATH is that it involves the investigation of the murder of Dr. Eldon Mate whose involvement in assisted suicides made him quite unpopular. While never explicitly stated in the novel, DR. DEATH very nicely demonstrated the premise that even an unpopular victim has the right to posthumous justice and closure. Was there any specific inspiration which drew you toward this premise?

JK: At the risk of appearing evasive, I really can't comment on the specifics other than to reiterate that pat issues should be the province of CNN and episodic TV, not novels. I like to say that as a psychologist I was concerned with the rules of human behavior. As a novelist, I'm concerned with the exceptions.

TBR: Another element that makes DR. DEATH  more authentic was the interplay between Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis --- both characters are driven, working toward a common goal, yet occasionally at cross-purposes. The friendship was able to ultimately survive, but only because both of them were willing to work toward that goal as well. Are we going to see any more shifts in the friendship between Delaware and Sturgis in the future?

JK: I chose early on to create series characters who evolve --- in contrast with Agatha Christie's Poirot, for example, who is basically a static figure against whom events bounce and whose sole purpose is to solve puzzles. This is not to detract from Christie's genius. I simply opted to do it differently because, though I do invest a lot in plotting, my first love is creating characters. I walk a thin line --- parceling out the details of Delaware's personal life very stingily, because in most of the books, he isn't the story, he's the vehicle for telling the story. However, to me a crime novel remains a novel and I want to write it as richly as I can.

TBR: On a similar note, I've noticed that you are not at all reticent about changing the dynamics of Delaware's personal life. Do you have any plans for major changes in Delaware's life over the course of the next few Delaware novels?

JK: In terms of what changes I plan for Delaware in the future: You can't really think I'm going to tell you!

TBR: Do you have any plans for taking Alex Delaware out of his southern California environs, or for a novel which does not involve Alex Delaware in the future?

JK: I took AD out of California for THE WEB and that was great fun. Looking back, I think I did it because Faye and I had just welcomed a new baby to the family, and I couldn't travel much, so I vacationed vicariously through Alex. The book sold great but I did get a lot of cranky comments about the change of venue. Of course, that wouldn't influence me, if I came up with a story that lent itself to let's say...Paris?  Tahiti?  Hmm...so far though, Alex stays in LA. The series is, at root, wedded to LA.

TBR: Are there any plans, however tentative, to introduce a recurring character outside of the Alex Delaware novels?

JK: No plans but, once again, even if there were, I wouldn't tell you. The punch line must FOLLOW the joke.

TBR: What are you working on now?

JK: I've completed next year's Delaware and I'm about halfway through the one after that. And, please, no comments about churning them out. I don't write particularly quickly but I do write steadily. Five pages a day adds up to a manuscript sooner than one might imagine. Then I rewrite. And rewrite. And rewrite.

TBR: What is your writing schedule like?

JK: Five days a week, I stagger downstairs to my office, sit down, turn off the phones, lock the door, and type. Whether I'm feeling "inspired" or not. When I'm through, I eat, play guitar, paint, sleep, etc. Hovering over all of this, of course, is the perennial attempt to be a good husband and father. And dog-owner.

TBR: Are there any plans for film adaptations of any of your Alex Delaware novels?

JK: My first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was one of NBC's most successful movies of the week in 1986. Since then, the film biz people haven't seemed very interested in my books. I've had lots of options, purchases, deals, etc., but in the end, the projects never go into production. The most common reason seems to be that the books are extremely hard to script because they're too "complex" or "intellectual." I suppose I should be flattered, though a film-biz guy's notion of "intellectual" is a strange thing, indeed. And in view of the shabby adaptation of many novels, perhaps I should consider myself lucky. However good books can be turned into good films --- e.g. SILENCE THE LAMBS, LA CONFIDENTIAL --- and the latter was pretty darned complex. So, if anyone knows my favorite film people, the Coen brothers...

TBR: What books have you read recently that you would recommend to your readers?

JK: I've been reading all of Bill Bryson's travel books and they're quite brilliant and hilarious. In general, I don't read much fiction when I'm writing. Too distracting.

Thanks again, Joe.

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PAST INTERVIEW

December 10, 1999

In his latest thriller, MONSTER, Jonathan Kellerman's reoccurring psychologist Alex Delaware is back on the job, searching for a killer who brutally murdered another psychologist. TBR Senior Writer Joe Hartlaub delved into the mind of Kellerman --- the author and psychologist --- and into the heart of his new book in this insightful interview. Find out why Kellerman keeps Delaware in the City of Angels, his views as a psychologist on mood altering drugs, how to raise your kid to be the 'good guy' of his novels as opposed to the monsters, and much more.  
  
TBR: Your new book, MONSTER, is dedicated to Kenneth Millar, who wrote the Lew Archer novels under the name Ross MacDonald. Among other things, these books documented the social climate of southern California post World War II. I've noticed that collectively your novels, in an understated but incredibly effective manner, have also chronicled the people and mores of Los Angeles. Is this something that you deliberately set out to accomplish?
  
JK: I struggled for many years to get published. One of my (many) problems was finding my voice. Several factors combined to help me and one of them was discovering the novels of Ross MacDonald. For here was someone writing --- brilliantly --- about psychopathology in Southern California.  Talk about epiphany!  I told myself that, with my background, the same focus might work for me because I'd experienced some pretty raw things working as a psychologist in a public hospital and I needed a way to integrate them.  I feel RM is the greatest hard-boiled crime writer who ever lived and I know others agree.  James Ellroy refers to him as "Ross the Boss."  While I do appreciate Chandler and others, RM really did it all: characterization, style, plot (Chandler wasn't much of a plotter.)  Unfortunately, he's rather underappreciated.  I would have loved to meet him, and we did have some mutual acquaintances, but sadly, he was already ill with Alzheimers by the time I got published.
  
Yes, I do set out to explore L.A. in my novels --- to me L.A. is a character in the books.  Thank God I live here, rather than Cleveland or Philadelphia. Between the weather --- which gives us more time to get into trouble --- extremes of wealth and poverty, and the influence of the movie biz, what better setting could there be for the excavation of perversity?
  
TBR: MONSTER has been one of the most highly anticipated books of this year, and lives up to --- and surpasses --- that anticipation in no small measure due to Ardis Peake and particularly to the Crimmins Brothers, who are compared within the book to the Menendez Brothers.  Were the actions of the Menendez Brothers the impetus for the genesis of MONSTER?
  
JK: I'd rather not talk about the Crimmins brothers because that might give away too much plot.  I was not influenced by the Menendez Brothers; there's no shortage of psychopathy out there if you know where to look. The fun of fiction is making stuff up.
  
TBR: One topic discussed sub rosa in MONSTER is the use of psychotropic or mood-altering medications for the treatment of behavioral disorders. There are those who feel that the use of medications is one of the most important advances to date in the treatment of mental problems. There are others who feel overmedication is a big problem. What is your stance on this?
  
JK: As is the case with most serious issues, our instant-information society tends to create artificial controversy. These medications aren't any different than any other class of pharmaceuticals. Administered under proper supervision, they can do a lot of good. Abused, they can be disastrous. With regard to schizophrenia, the data are pretty clear: about one-third of patients achieve miraculous results and greatly improved quality of life, sometimes verging on cure.  Another third achieves partial improvement, and the last third doesn't respond. One of the reasons we have a "homeless problem" is that we shut down mental hospitals and release schizophrenics to the cruelties of the streets. A good number of these people could be helped by proper medical care, including medication.  
  
TBR: You transported Alex Delaware to Jerusalem in THE BUTCHER'S THEATER.  Do you have any plans, however tentative, to feature him in an environ other than southern California in the future?
  
JK: Will I write another book set in Israel? Doubtful. THE BUTCHER'S THEATER took a lot out of me.
  
TBR: How do you go about your development of secondary characters in your novels.  Are they drawn from chance encounters, created from whole cloth, or a combination of the two?
  
JK: As I just mentioned, the fun of writing fiction is making stuff up. Normal people often have difficulty understanding the warped, meandering, hyperactive mind of a novelist --- occasionally I hear from folks who are certain they KNOW someone I've fictionalized. But it just ain't so. John Irving did a good job of dealing with this in A WIDOW FOR ONE YEAR. I plot my novels extensively, so I have a pretty good idea where the story's going (though that often changes.)  In the outline, the characters tend to be rather sketchily drawn. When I actually sit down to write the book, they come to life. It's a rather bizarre and wonderful experience. I love my job.
  
TBR: You have four children, which, in and of itself, irrespective of your educational and professional background, qualifies you as an expert in parenting (not to mention stress management).  What, in your opinion, is the most important environmental element a parent can provide to a child in the hope that the child will grow up to be more like Alex Delaware, as opposed to Derrick Crimmins?
  
JK: You really don't want me to get started on my kids --- I'll go on obnoxiously about how wonderful they are. I think the best thing I did for them was marry the right woman. Faye, in addition to being a gifted novelist, really is Super-Mom, sometimes at great cost to her energy level. I don't think there are any big secrets to raising moral children. Given kids with normal neurological systems, you have to provide them with love, affection and LOTS of attention. LOTS and LOTS. I'm an old dad with a seven year old, so know of whence I speak. Needless to say, you also have to set a decent example. Really bad people rarely sprout randomly. I deal with this in my nonfiction book SAVAGE SPAWN: Reflections on Violent Children. The precursors of serious evil are generally pretty blatant. In other words, it takes a lot to screw up a kid.
  
TBR: You have an extensive background as a child psychologist --- a field where you remain highly respected to this day. What initially inspired you to make the "jump," so to speak, from the practice of psychology to the writing of novels?
  
JK: I never really "jumped."  The arts and science have always been dual interests. I began writing at the age of 9, worked as a journalist and cartoonist in college, tried my first novel at 19, won a literary award at 21 and thought I was pretty hot stuff. I even had an agent!  My first PUBLISHED novel came out 14 years later, so that gives you a pretty good idea of my struggle. Basically, I was a failed writer with a really good day job. Piles of rejection letters. However, I don't want to imply that I went into psychology in order to bide my time until the acceptance letters arrived. I was fascinated by the field and decided to become a child clinical psychologist during my freshman year in college. Psych was going to be my lifelong job, for even though I loved writing and wanted to get published, I never considered it a way to make a living. Surprise, surprise. Sometimes I still can't believe it. So thanks to all the readers who allow me to continue this great gig. The obvious thing, of course, is that without my training in psychology, I'd never have published fiction. For a long time, though, I was too stupid to realize the obvious synergy.
  
TBR: Notwithstanding your success as a novelist, you recently returned to writing nonfiction with the publication of SAVAGE SPAWN, your first nonfiction work in eighteen years. What was the impetus for your return to nonfiction?
  
JK: I wrote SAVAGE SPAWN because a) I was really upset by the rash of school yard shootings, particularly Jonesboro, Arkansas, and b) the editor of the Library of Contemporary Thought asked me to do it the same day I'd dashed off an op-ed piece on the topic for USA Today. Just one of those strange confluences. I thought I should take that to heart. Writing my first psych book in nearly twenty years was fun but there's no doubt in my mind that I prefer fiction. After fifteen years in academic medicine, I've had my fill of footnotes, references, etc.  
  
TBR: Do you have a preference for writing fiction or nonfiction? What about when it comes to reading?
  
JK: When it comes to reading I tend to favor nonfiction. One of the occupational hazards of my job is that I tend to read fiction editorially rather than hypnotically. I do, however, love really great novels.
  
TBR: If you don't mind letting us peek over your shoulder, could you describe your work schedule to us?      
  
JK: Both Faye and I prefer to write in the morning, when the kids are in school and the house is relatively quiet. I'm not cranky about this, however. During my failed-writer days I wrote late at night in my garage, after discharging my duties to patients and family. So I'd like to think I'm flexible. Afternoons I often rewrite or deal with business issues.
  
TBR: Are you working on anything new right now?
  
JK: Next year's Delaware novel is complete and I'm about halfway through the one after that. It's not that I write particularly quickly --- I don't. But I have a pretty good work ethic and try not to get distracted. Also, I still love writing, so that makes it easier.

TBR: What writers, other than Ross MacDonald, have influenced you?
  
JK: The other hard-boiled California writers --- Chandler, Hammet, Jonathan Latimer, Horace McCoy, etc., --- as well as Joseph Wambaugh, E.A. Poe, A.C. Doyle, Dumas, Verne, HG Wells, Robert Louis Stevenson, James T. Farrell. And many others. Anyone with style, grace, and a strong sense of story.
  
TBR: What are you reading now?
  
JK: A scholarly tome on hermaphrodites.
  
TBR: There has been consideration in the past of adapting one or more of your novels to film. Can you tell us if any of your novels are presently being scripted? Is there one in particular that you would like to see on the big screen?
  
JK: Big-screen folks have no interest in my novels --- allegedly too "complex" or "intellectual."  WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS was a very successful TV movie in 1986 and that's the only time I've been adapted for any size screen. Coppola bought three books for TV a few years back and BAD LOVE was scripted and ready to go. Then some TV executive came aboard and kaboshed what her predecessor had done. Typical. BILLY STRAIGHT has been scripted for TV, but whether or not the project will actually go through is anyone's guess. I have very little interest in film, though if a terrific director/actor/production company wanted to do one of my books --- at the right price --- I'd be amenable.
  
TBR: We are rapidly approaching the close of the 20th Century. What one advancement would you like to see in the field of child psychology?
  
JK: I'd like to see a more balanced view of nature-nurture issues develop --- recognition that both are vital with less bifurcation into one-or-the-other dogmas. I tend to be optimistic about children --- there's some good research showing that "experts'" dire predictions tend to be inaccurate. Kids aren't much different today than they ever were --- as a matter of fact, I wrote an essay on that for the current Land's End Catalogue. My primary worry is the impact of divorce upon children. There is a tendency to under-appreciate the consequences of divorce, particularly upon 7 to 11-year-olds.
  
TBR: And finally, the question we are asking everyone, what are your thoughts on the millennium?
  
JK: To me the whole millennium issue is nonsense. Just another year. But maybe I'm saying that because I just turned 50 and keep telling myself that's arbitrary, as well.

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PAST INTERVIEW

January 22, 1997

On January 22, 1997, THE BOOK REPORT welcomed bestselling crime novelist Jonathan Kellerman to discuss his novels, including his latest, THE CLINIC. Jennifer Levitsky (BookpgJL) was THE BOOK REPORT interviewer.

Marlene T: Hello, Jennifer and Mr. Kellerman, welcome!

BookpgJL: Thank you, Jonathan for being here tonight!

J Kell 97: Thank you.  Great to be here.

BookpgJL: In THE CLINIC, Alex says to Milo: "Fame is like stripping in a dark theater. You never know who's out there." How have you found this to relate to your public writing life?

J Kell 97: Actually, I'm quite obscure.  One of the advantages to being a writer rather than an actor is that a writer, at best. becomes "pseudo-famous.  No one knows who I am so I can lurk around L.A. eavesdropping.

BookpgJL: Do you lurk? Where?

J Kell 97: Absolutely.

BookpgJL: For story ideas?

J Kell 97: All over L.A.  This city is the best setting for crime novels because it's really a third-world country --- extreme contrasts between high and low income and the rather unhealthy influence of the film business.  The dialogue I pick up at various locales is unbelievable.

BookpgJL: What's the most unbelievable thing you've ever heard or seen?

J Kell 97: I can't think of any single line but people really do like to be noticed.  Especially actors.  You'd think they want privacy but they tend to flaunt themselves and to talk rather loud.

BookpgJL: In your current book, THE CLINIC, and Faye's current, PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD, you both have doctors and medicine at the heart of the stories. Coincidence or planned?

J Kell 97: Both Faye and I have backgrounds in health-care so I suppose it's natural that we'd each gravitate toward that world.  Faye and I never discuss our works before we begin them, so in that sense it is a coincidence.  I have written about docs, shrinks, etc., many times.

BookpgJL: Let's talk about that. How easy or difficult was the transition from child psychologist to bestselling crime novelist?

J Kell 97: It wasn't really a transition.  I've been writing compulsively since the age of 9.  For many years I was a failed writer with a very good day job.

BookpgJL: Compulsively....what did you write as a child? Dreck or good stuff?

J Kell 97: Depends upon who you ask.  My mom thinks it was great.  Everyone else would probably call it mega-drek.

BookpgJL: The next obvious question: How much are you like Alex Delaware?

J Kell 97: AD is my Walter Mitty fantasy.  I decided, finally, to write what I knew but I'm a rather boring fellow, married with kids, dogs, etc., and could never get into the trouble he does. I'd like to think I share his compassion and curiosity about people and, certainly, some of the more technical aspects of psychology that find their way into the novels emerge from my own experience.  Oh yeah, he's also in much better physical shape.

BookpgJL: In THE CLINIC I was sad to note that Robin and Alex barely spoke except in notes. Why?

J Kell 97: Doing smething interesting with Robin is always a challenge.  Sometimes she takes a more active role, as in THE WEB.  Sometimes she's busy with her own life.  I have enough trouble working in a shrink, a gay cop, and a dog.  Believe me, this is not an easy formula for commercial success.

Question: Do you find that you are promoted more heavily than your wife because her books are categorized solely under Mystery while yours are put under general fiction?

J Kell 97: The question of categorization is always arbitrary. For some reason, I've usually been put in fiction, but not always.  Actually, Faye has  been very well promoted by Morrow. She's quite happy with them and just signed on for another 3 books.  I'm thrilled at her success because I think she's a brilliant novelist.

Question: Jonathan, I saw a movie entiled When the Bough Breaks.  Is that based on your book and did you have any involvement in the making of the film?

J Kell 97: There've been several movies by that name.  The only one based on my book was a t.v. film aired in 1986 on NBC starring Ted Danson. Unfortunately, you can't copyright a name and there've also been a spate of cheap straight-to-video trash thrillers called WTBB.  On the NBC movie I was a technical advisor and I don't think  it came out half-bad.

Question: In the Clinic there is a statement made by the female clinic doctor re Alex's friendship with Milo --- was there ever any question in Alex's character that  would question this relationship?

J Kell 97: I assume you're asking if Alex has had doubts about his own sexuality.  The answer is no. I thought it would be a cool thing to have a straight man and a gay man have a friendship. To my knowledge, this hadn't been done prior to WTBB, which I wrote in 1981, though it wasn't published til 1985.

BookpgJL: How did you arrive at the idea of a gay LAPD cop, a child shrink, a wood-fixing wife, and a drooly dog for a book series?

J Kell 97: Because I'm a masochist.  Seriously, the main reason is I'm easily bored and wanted to avoid stereotypes within a rather structured genre --- the L.A. detective novel.

Question: How long does it take to write one of your Alex Delaware novels?

J Kell 97: One year.  Three to six months of thinking, conceptualizing and outlining.  Another half year to write.  And rewrite.  And rewrite.

BookpgJL: THE WEB, in particular, was psychologically challenging. How does your background help you? How much do you draw on it?

J Kell 97: With THE WEB I wanted to break free from the structure as much as possible.  Also, Faye and I had a baby and I couldn't take a vacation, so I gave Alex one --- this is what writers do;  they live vicariously.  My background does help and, fortunately, I do enjoy doing research.  But the greatest fun is making stuff up. You'll notice that I did send Alex to the South Pacific rather than downtown Burbank.

BookpgJL: Not that I think you would want a vacation with that much gruesome action!

Question: By using the same characters throughout all of your novels, do you feel it's easier or more difficult to come up with new stories?

J Kell 97: I don't think it matters.  I find Alex D an excellent vehicle for telling the kind of stories I like to tell.  I have done a non-serious book ---THE BUTCHERS THEATER, and I'm currently working on another non-serious book, quite different from BUTCHER and the Delawares.

BookpgJL: Mike Judge claims Beavis is the last name of his childhood bully....do your characters' names have any personal resonance for you?

J Kell 97: Sometimes I engage in bad puns --- e.g. a manic depressive named Richard Moody.  Once, Faye had a troubador named Augusto Toon.  It's amazing how seldom readers notice this. Mostly, I pick names out of the air.

Question: Do you and Faye consult on story lines?

J Kell 97: No.  But we do show each other works in progress --- a great luxury for me, having a brilliant in-house editor.

BookpgJL: So, we asked Faye this in October, now your turn....why write gruesome crime novels?

J Kell 97: Because I'm a coward.  Really, because matters of life and death concern me, I'm not really interested in exploring angst for 350 pages.  I write about things that disturb me and frighten me.

BookpgJL: Does it tell of a dark side of you out there in sunny LA with a wonderful family?

J Kell 97: Well, Doctor, it all goes back to my childhood.  Actually, I do have a rather sick appreciaton for the bizarre. Herr Doktor.

BookpgJL: Thank you, Dr. Kellerman....really....

Question: Do you still consult as a child psychologist in real life?

J Kell 97: I haven't seen patients for several years but occasionally I will do a consult.  I remain on the faculty of USC med school and try to keep up with journals.  I really loved psych but it's impossible doing 2 careers --- I published 3 novels while in full-time practice. Ah, but that was a younger man!

Question: What made you go in a different direction with THE WEB than all of your previous books, and is THE CLINIC going back to your old formula?

J Kell 97: I assume you mean formula in terms of L.A. setting and lots of Milo.  It wasn't a conscious decision.  Believe it or not, I never write commercially or with an audience in mind.  Sometimes the books originate with a character, sometimes with a story.  In this case both came into play:  Hope Devane and the whole notion of fame gone wrong, political correctness, etc.  I let the story guide me.

BookpgJL: You mentioned that you have a 5-book deal starting with Random House....will they be Alex Delaware novels?

J Kell 97: Four Delawares, one non.

BookpgJL: And the non?

J Kell 97: Working on it now.  It is a crime novel.  Can't say more.

Question: Have you and your wife considered writing a book together?

J Kell 97: We tried a comic novel.  About as funny as a hernia. We share everything else but consider writing our private time.  We have considered putting out a joint anthology of short stories and essays.  Faye is much better at short stories than I am, but I have done a few.  What do you think, audience?  Any interest?  We haven't talked to publishers, yet. Should we?

BookpgJL: What are your writing schedules like? How do you keep up with 4 kids and your menagerie?

J Kell 97: We try to write mornings and, if the day allows, we sometimes continue during the p.m. Once the kids are home from school, it's tough.  The nice thing is, they write, too, so sometimes they're upstairs scribbling away.

Question: Your police detective is gay. Is that your way of counteracting stereotypes?

J Kell 97: Yes.  I thought it would be interesting --- back in '81, when I conceived the characters --- to explore the notion of a first-rate detective who just happens to be gay.  Because I thought American books and films paid way too much attention to what people did in bed.

Question: Jonathan, any movies of your great novels in the works (I just bought your new one today!)?

J Kell 97: Thanks for the kind words.  Hollywood thinks the books are too "intellectual" and "internal."  I have signed a 3-book deal with FF Copolla's American Zoetrope to develop t.v. movies.  How they come out...who knows?

Question: Regarding Milo --- will you be bringing his relationship more into your writings?

J Kell 97: If it fits with the story.  The story is king.  I'm not adverse to it --- though I orignally intended Milo's gayness to be a very small part of the books, it became clear to me that as he developed, we'd need to learn more about him and that, sometimes, the story dictated it.  We'll see what develops.

BookpgJL: Do you find at bookstore signings that you have a large gay following?

J Kell 97: Not particularly.  The funny thing is when I first started I got lots of nice letters from gay folk thanking me.  Now I get some carping about  "How can a straight man presume to know what it's like."

Question: Mr. Kellerman, if you are going to sit down with a good novel, who do you like to read?

J Kell 97: I love many of my fellow contemporary crime writers --- E. Leonard, J. Wambaugh, Stephen Hunter, Ruth Rendell.  Many, many more.  I also like Michael Dorris.  Loved Snow Falling on Cedars.  Love the old classics --- Verne, H.G. Wells, R.L. Stevenson, Dumas, etc.  I tend to gravitate toward books with a strong story line.  Hate George Elliot.

Question: Who would you cast in the roles of Alex and Robin for the movies?

J Kell 97: Never thought about it.  Honestly --- I really consider these characters my surrogate kids and don't want to share them.  I did think Ben Kingsley would have made a great Daniel Sharavi (BUTCHERS THEATER) and Ben loved the book, wanted to play the role.  But no one in Hollywood was interested.

Question: Comment and question: You're the only author I have time to read for pleasure! I've noticed that in a few of your recent titles you had an underlying theme of dark sexuality. Is it a selling point or a psychological aspect you enjoy exploring?

J Kell 97: It's never a selling point. I know you guys probably won't believe me, but I never set out to write commercially.  It must come from my experiences as a psychologist.  The things I saw...and heard.

Question: What kind of research did you have to do for all the spiders in The Web?

J Kell 97: When I was a kid I loved spiders, read all about them.  For the book, I did some re-reading.

Question: Will you and Robin ever have children in your upcoming novels?

J Kell 97: Me and Robin?  Or Alex and Robin?  Either way, I'm in trouble.  I don't think A.D. can ever get married.  Too much responsibility.  Same reason, though I love fast vehicles, that I don't get a Harley.

Question: Do you compose on a computer? Longhand?  If computer, what type?

J Kell 97: Computer.  IBM clone.  That's about as technical as I get.  I do wear out the letters on the keyboards.  My computer guy says he's never seen anything like it.

BookpgJL: Faye writes so much about your religion. Your characters don't even approach it.  Why?

J Kell 97: How could I compete with her?  Seriously, I've thought about this and I think it's because I don't have any conflict with religion.

BookpgJL: What letters do you wear out on the keyboard, by the way?

J Kell 97: The first to go is L.  Then M and N.

Question: Which book did you enjoy writing the most?

J Kell 97: All of them.  Some are harder, some easier, but I honestly can't choose one over the other.

Question: Who started to write first?  You or Faye?

J Kell 97: I did.  I was nine.  Faye was a math/science person, though she did write plays, as a kid. I never thought of her as a writer which is why I was so amazed when she handed me a manuscript.  And it was wonderful!  I called my agent:  "Know what it sounds like, but my wife wrote a book."  Later, he told me his eyes rolled all the way back in his head.  But he sold that sucker in 2 weeks. THE RITUAL BATH. The woman's a genius.

Question: Does it make you feel better to write about what you fear. Does it lessen your fears?

J Kell 97: Definitely.  Because crime novels offer the illusion of power. I think we all know that in real life justice doesn't always prevail.  A writer is the closest thing one can be to God.  Create people, determine their fates, etc.  I think that's why I love writing crime novels and why people enjoy reading them.

BookpgJL: Playing God? What does your rabbi think?

J Kell 97: As long as I donate to the synagogue, he doesn't complain.

Question: I understand that you also write children's books. Can you describe what type of stories you write?

J Kell 97: I've written two books of light verse.  Both I got to illustrate, but I wasn't happy with my drawings.  I used to be a half-decent painter and have recently regained my chops.  The problem is, publishers think of you as only one kind of writer and are inherently skeptical when one tries to cross genres.  In fairness to them, very few adult writers have produced successful kids' books.  But I did enjoy writing (and drawing) them.

BookpgJL: Write, paint, psychologize.......what can't you do?

J Kell 97: Change a lightbulb.

Question: Do your children read your drafts or books?

J Kell 97: They're allowed to but they're not very interested. My son, 18.5 years old is more into "serious" literature, e.g. Garcia-Marquez.  Though he did recently get into Jim Thompson. My daughters are younger and don't seem drawn to my novels.

Question: Have you ever considered a non-fictional crime novel, ie: like Bugliosi?

J Kell 97: No. Too much fun making it up.  Also, you tend to get sued a lot doing true-crime.  Joe Wambaugh went through this repeatedly.

Question: I loved the Web! Is your new book going to be anything like it?

J Kell 97: Hard to say because I don't know what you liked about THE WEB.  THE CLINIC returns to L.A., but I'd like to think both books share common elements of suspense and dark secrets, the past coming back to haunt the present.

Question: Who was the inspiration for the character Alex Delaware?

J Kell 97: I can't really give a straight answer to that.  I just made him up --- using my own background as a psychologist then trying to pretend I was a dashing, physically fit, compassionate, decent guy.

Question:  Does your religion impact your writing?

J Kell 97: I guess it might in the sense of a yearning for justice.

Question: When you say the story is king, do you mean that in writing your books, you concentrate on developing the plot first and letting characters follow?

J Kell 97: Sometimes it starts with a character, sometimes with an event, sometimes both.  Often I try to have more than one story line because I believe in never cheat the reader.  What I meant is that no matter how I start, I always like to have a strong story.

Question: Is there any way i can find out if you will be coming to a booksigning near me?

J Kell 97: I rarely do booksignings any more because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Typing's okay but handwriting really throws my hand out.  Sorry.

BookpgJL: We're nearing the end of our time....how about one more question from the audience?

Question: Have you left child psychology for good?  I am studying it in college and I couldn't imagine leaving it.

J Kell 97: As I said, I still read and consult.  I agree it's a great field.  And after all those patients it became clear to me that being a therapist is somewhat like being a parent.  So I began the book PRIVATE EYES with "A therapist's work is never done."  Thanks, audience.

J Kell 97: It's really been a pleasure.  JK

BookpgJL: Thank you, Jonathan, for your visit tonight! It's been wonderful.  I hope THE CLINIC continues its bestseller ascent!

Marlene T: Thanks so much, Mr. Kellerman and Jennifer!

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PAST INTERVIEW

November 24, 1997

On November 24, 1997, THE BOOK REPORT welcomed bestselling psychological thriller writer Jonathan Kellerman to discuss his new book, SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. In our brief time together, we managed to cover topics ranging from guitar playing to American perceptions of Israel. Interested? Read on for more about a thoughtful and intelligent writer. Our interviewer was Jennifer Levitsky (BookpgJL) and our host was MarleneT.

Marlene T: BookpgJL (Jennifer Levitsky) of THE BOOK REPORT will be interviewing Mr. Kellerman tonight. Good evening Jen and Mr. Kellerman, welcome!

BookpgJL: Thank you, Jonathan, for being here with us tonight.

JKellerman: Hi, pleasure to be here.

BookpgJL: Let's get started! SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST is much darker in subject matter than some of your previous novels. Was this a conscious choice? A trend we'll see more of in the future?

JKellerman: No conscious choice. I let the story and the characters guide me. This book was appealing on two levels: I got to pair Alex Delaware with Daniel Sharavi, of BUTCHER'S THEATER fame and I got to explore some social issues that trouble me.

BookpgJL: Reading about a murdered retarded girl was difficult. How was it to write?

JKellerman: Tough. It's always tough when you get into the characters. But, let's face it, I write crime novels, so I'd better not be too faint-hearted.

BookpgJL: We have a member question selected from our message board. Jadeless wants to know: What prompted you to include Daniel Sharavi in this novel?

JKellerman: I really enjoyed writing about him in THE BUTCHER'S THEATER but for the next few years I didn't intend to bring him back. Then this particular story came to me and I realized he'd be perfect. So it was an opportunity to get him together with Alex Delaware to see how they'd interact. Also, it gave me the opportunity to get a little risky: write a Delaware novel with multiple points of view. This way we get to see Delaware through the eyes of another. All in all, I had a great deal of fun and I hope that comes across to the reader.

BookpgJL: Why make Sharavi a slightly suspicious character at first in SURVIVAL?

JKellerman: Once again, just to keep things interesting. I believe all good fiction must have some degree of mystery. Certainly this is true for crime novels, where the mystery is the prime ingredient. I'm always searching for ways to keep myself and --- hopefully --- my readers interested. The challenge, when writing a long-standing series, is to avoid hacking out the same old stuff, getting complacent, etc. Always striving to keep it fresh.

BookpgJL: Sharavi's role in SURVIVAL seems to play into American-held stereotypes about Israelis. He's secretive, has all these weapons and spy toys, etc. Why do you tackle him in this way?

JKellerman: Though I consider myself a staunch Zionist, I have lived in Israel and consider myself fairly knowledgeable about Israelis, the Israeli gov. etc. I think this is a very accurate portrayal. Just look at what happened in Jordan, recently --- squirting poison in some Hamas guy's ear. There is a love of cloak and dagger stuff in Israel, primarily because it has worked pretty well in aiding the country to survive in the face of all that hatred. I wouldn't like to think that I painted a negative portrait of Israel, Israelis, simply one that is true-to-life.

BookpgJL: Tell us a little about your time in Israel. Would you want to live there again?

JKellerman: I attended rabbinic seminary in 1968, visited several other times, including a research trip in 1985 for THE BUTCHER'S THEATER, when my knowledge of Hebrew allowed me to interview street cops in their native tongue. I'd like to think part of that books accuracy (Netanyahu said he felt he had a map to Jerusalem when he was reading it --- comes from the time I spent there.) Most recently, I was there for a two month stay around six years ago. Wonderful place, but I consider myself very strongly American and have no plans to move.

Question: Do you have any tours scheduled? If so, where can we find out about them?

JKellerman: This year, no tour, as far as I know. I'm leaving Bantam to go to Random House and Bantam isn't too thrilled about promoting me. I suspect that when my first Random House book comes out in one year I'll be doing an extensive tour. The only problem is carpal tunnel syndrome prevents me from doing extensive signings. I do have a personalized stamp that was well received on a recent tour in the United Kingdom, but how well it would go over in the U.S. I don't know. All that sad, I love meeting fans, booksellers, etc. Despite the fact that I lead a rather hermetic existence I do come up for air occasionally and enjoy bursts of sociability.

BookpgJL: Tell us a bit about your deal with Random House. More Delaware books? Others?

JKellerman: My deal is for 5 books. The first is a non-Delaware, my first in 10 years and I'm very pleased with it. So, thank God, are Random House and my foreign publishers. division, a "big-case" murder, a 12-year-old boy on the lam and multiple points of view. The other 4 books are Delawares and I'm about halfway through the first --- to be published in November of 99. The non-Delaware is due out November of 98.

Question: Mr. Kellerman, one of my favorite books, BUTCHER'S THEATER, is not an Alex Delaware book. Any plans to do more books that don't feature him?

JKellerman: As just answered, next year's book is non-Delaware. I became very attached to the characters and would certainly like to do more books with them. I'd like to see how this book is received as well as to come up with the right stories. From a novelist's standpoint, it's certainly appealing to stretch.

BookpgJL: In SURVIVAL, you talk about LA being the ideal hiding place for a stalker/killer because of its "country-sized sprawl." How does this effect the plotting and pace of your novels?

JKellerman: Interesting question. I've never really considered that consciously but there's no doubt L.A. plays a major role in all the Delaware novels. In some sense, the city itself is a character. I must like doing this, because Jerusalem is a "character" in BUTCHER'S THEATER. I grew up in L.A. and was very influenced by the S. California hardboiled writers --- R. MacDonald, R. Chandler, J. Latimer, N. West, etc. I think of L.A. as a third world nation --- severe distance between the have and the have-nots. The resulting tension is excellent grist for the novelist's mill. Probably why I still live here.

Question: What was the first thing you wrote that was published and how old were you when it was published?

JKellerman: I wrote all through college for the UCLA Daily Bruin, so if you consider that publication, I began at 16. My first published short story was in 1977, making me 28. Around that time I published several op-ed pieces, such as My Turns in Newsweek, etc. My first book --- a medical text --- came out in 1980. I'd been working on novels since 1972 but didn't get published til 1985. Thirteen year rejection phase. I'm the poster boy for perseverance.

BookpgJL: If you could team Alex up with any sleuth in the fictional mystery world, who would it be?

JKellerman: This is going to sound cute, but no doubt it would be Peter Decker from my wife's series, simply because I know him best and I do love her books. But!!! in answer to a sure-to-be asked question, Faye and I have no plans to collaborate. Other potential partners would include: Jacob Asch (Arthur Lyons) Sherlock Holmes, Lew Archer, and any of Elmore Leonard's sad sack heroes.

BookpgJL: Everyone wants to know: How much of you is in Alex Delaware?

JKellerman: Think of him as my Walter Mitty fantasy. We share common biographical factors --- because I finally figured out "Write what you know" was a good way to get started. However, he is a. handsomer b. more fit c. more reckless d. not married-with-kids and d. according to my, wife, a lot more straightlaced than I am. She feels --- and I must agree --- that Milo serves as my outlet for an often tasteless sense of humor. The thing about writing through Delaware's point of view is you get to edit and rewrite, so he always ends up saying the right thing. Real life is, alas, quite different.

BookpgJL: Does Alex have any major flaws we'll ever get to know about?

JKellerman: Well, I think he gets a little too self-righteous. I mean wouldn't it be great if the guy just cut loose and said something grossly politically incorrect? Or refused to help someone because he was too damned tired?  Not gonna happen --- he is what he is and though I strive to stretch within the confines of this alter-ego I've created, there are limitations to what I can do without violating the character.

BookpgJL: Going back to Milo, will we ever get to know him more personally? Perhaps see him as a more main character than Alex?

JKellerman: It will all depend upon the story. I tried leaving him out in THE WEB, just to see how it would turn out and though the book outsold every previous book, I got lots of complaints. I don't think he'll ever replace Alex as the main character. I love to characterize but sometimes this leads to digressions that detract from the story. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a thriller I'm writing and anything that gets in the way of suspense is probably detrimental. Who knows, though. Never say never.

Question: What other authors do you enjoy reading?

JKellerman: I read very little fiction --- occupational hazard. And I'm always loathe to compose a list because there will be inevitable errors of omission. But...J. Wambaugh, E. Leonard, J. Ellroy, R. Rendell. The classic crime writers, as noted in a previous answer. Recently I've become quite enamored of the travel books of Tim Cahill. JAGUARS RIPPED MY FLESH was a particular favorite. I do think Stephen King will be read in high school textbooks in coming generations and venerated in much the same way we venerate Poe.

Question: Does CTS affect your writing ability? How do you cope with it?

JKellerman: The syndrome is at a fairly early stage and through excellent exercise rehab --- stretching, weight lifting --- I've been able to prevent progression. I'm able to type for 3, 4 hours, but I do break every hour of so. The other activity I'm thrilled to be able to continue is guitar playing. The only thing that seems to really make it worse is handwriting --- I'm a lefty and hook in a terrible way. Ergo, very few signings.

BookpgJL: What do you like to play on the guitar? Do you sing?

JKellerman: I'm an old picker --- and I do mean old --- pre-Beatles. I used to teach guitar, played in a band. I play rock, jazz, pop, just about anything other than heavy-duty classical.  I also have a pretty maniacal guitar collection. This has been a lifelong passion. I used to sing. I won't comment on the quality of my baritone but let's just say no record companies have been knocking on my door.

Question: I've always been a fan of your wife's, Faye Kellerman, as well as of you. Is there a sense of competition around the house when it comes to writing?

JKellerman: Honestly, no. At first it was a little tough because I was selling quite a bit more and Faye used to get "Oh, so you write, too," a lot. Now, however, she's doing great. In fact, recently, she's been the one getting the "celebrity treatment" and I don't mind at all because I prefer to remain in the background --- writing, playing guitar, etc. Faye and I have been married 25 years plus and it's really quite a wonderful match. We were married twelve years before we became novelists, so we were pretty cemented. We like to joke that there's no competition because it all goes into the same bank account. The other thing that makes is easy is we genuinely admire each other's work.

Question: What advice can you give to aspiring authors?

JKellerman: Well, maybe I'm not the best person to ask because it took me a long time to break in and I certainly wasn't viewed as a "big author" until the public --- God bless 'em --- went out and bought WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS. No one was more surprised than me. And my publisher. However, some basics:  write what you know, it all comes down to an interesting story about characters we care about --- that doesn't mean we have to like them. I find rewriting a necessity and I try to be open-minded about editing. One gets so close to one's work that sometimes the point of view of another is helpful. Also, don't spend too much time introspecting. Write, write write. Perspiration along with inspiration. Treat it like a job.

BookpgJL: Your life seems pretty happy, right? So why write about such gruesome crimes?

JKellerman: I guess I have a warped mind. Seriously, though my life is good, it has not been without its share of trauma. I had cancer 10 years ago. Prior to that I worked with children with cancer and other serious diseases. As a psychologist I witnessed some pretty terrible things. I suppose I write about things that trouble me. As in SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST: the rather terrifying tendency of technology to outstrip ethics. I worry that the slippery slope toward total devaluation of human life is well on its way. I suppose I am, fundamentally, a rather serious fellow who probably does too much worrying. Most of us crime novelists are cowards. We make a living describing our terrors.

BookpgJL: Does living amid LA and the infamous LAPD provide a lot of fodder for fiction?

JKellerman: I try to stay away from the well-publicized cases because they're already out in the public domain. But, sure, it's a crazy city. No shortage of material.

Question: Can you share with us how you and Faye met?

JKellerman: Faye was 18, I was 21. It was a college sports night. She was serving a volleyball and looked adorable. I tried to pick her up. She demurred but did agree to go out with a group of friends. We were secretly engaged 3 months later. Very romantic, huh?

Question: When you wrote the first Delaware novel did you know that you wanted to do a series of books about him or did it just happen?

JKellerman: I'd failed for so long that I didn't think BOUGH would get published, let alone spawn a series. I mean can you see building a series around a shrink and a gay cop? When they accepted BOUGH, I said, Okay, as long as they're letting me through the door, I'll give them another. And another. The rest is...rather trivial...history.

Question: Did you have any interesting jobs during your 13-year rejection phase that have turned up in your books?

JKellerman: I was a failed writer with an excellent day-job: I worked as a psychologist and medical school professor. Did behavioral medicine research --- pediatric pain control, hypnosis, psychosocial rehab. Etc.

BookpgJL: We're out of time, unfortunately. Thanks for being here!

JKellerman: Thanks for having me and most important --- thanks to all you readers who took the time to listen.

Marlene T: Thank you Jen and Mr. Kellerman.

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