Interview with David Baldacci on his latest novel True Blue

True Blue cover

David Baldacci is the internationally-acclaimed author of 17 bestselling novels. These include the Camel Club series and the King and Maxwell series. On the heals of his most recent King and Maxwell thriller, First Family, published in April of 2009, David will release True Blue on October 27, 2009, and agreed to discuss True Blue with Richmond Book Examiner, Margaret Oleksa.

Oleksa: True Blue may be your most exciting novel to date. David, can you tell us what we can expect from True Blue?

Baldacci: New characters including a dynamo named Mace Perry. You’ll also see a side of D.C. not usually depicted in thrillers.

Oleksa: How much of the characters and story lines come from people you know and your own experiences versus your imagination?

Baldacci: I wrote a Parade Magazine article on Cathy Lanier, the D.C. Police Chief and used some of the research in the novel.

Oleksa: First Family debuted #1 on the New York Times Hardcover Bestseller List when it was released in April. The Whole Truth was on the Mass Market Bestseller List for thirteen weeks after it was released in paperback in February, and Divine Justice just debuted as a bestselling paperback. How do you keep your characters fresh and the plot exciting?

Baldacci: I’m ever curious about the world. I’m driven to go out and find new things to write about. Having a vivid imagination is also a plus.

I look for material that both interest me and challenges me. If I am drawn to the material and I have to work hard at it, the characters and the plots reflect the hours and hours of research.

Oleksa: You’ve had a strong love of writing most of your life. Before writing full time, you were a successful attorney. How did you turn your passion into your career?

Baldacci: Sweat equity. Never giving up. Letting rejections bounce off me.

Oleksa: Your website, www.davidbaldacci.com was recently redesigned. What enhancements have you made to your site?

Baldacci: More user-friendly. More video and flash technology. Auto roll-overs so new information is provided constantly. It looks like I know what I’m talking about.

Oleksa: David, you are involved in several philanthropic efforts, including your family’s Wish You Well Foundation, and Feeding America in Feeding Body & Mind. You are also national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. What are your personal goals you wish to achieve through your efforts?

Baldacci: Eradication of illiteracy, hunger and disease. Massive goals but why not try?

Oleksa: In closing, can you tell us one thing about David Baldacci that most of your fans don’t already know?

Baldacci: I’m a wicked ping-pong player.

Oleksa: David, thanks so much for your time. I look forward to reading October’s must-read thriller, True Blue.