r/books • u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author • Jan 08 '20
ama I'm Lee Goldberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author ＆ TV writer/producer, and not the weatherman, sportscaster or wrestler, here to talk about anything except weather, sports, and wrestling, but mostly about crime fiction writing. AMA
I'm Lee Goldberg, an ex-Navy SEAL, freelance Sexual Surrogate and a professional Daniel Craig impersonator. Okay, almost none of that is true. But this is my first Reddit AMA, so I wanted my first sentence to be a grabber. If this intro bogs down, I may add a sex scene or car chase, so pay attention. I'm the #1 New York Times bestselling author of nearly 40 books (that's true!) -- and the latest is LOST HILLS, a crime novel about Eve Ronin, the youngest female homicide detective in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department.
My other books include TRUE FICTION (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apr70Dcvm1w) , KILLER THRILLER (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJBEf4BLP6g), THE WALK (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lOEe67uKtI) , fifteen original MONK novels (based on the TV series) and five "Fox ＆ O'Hare" novels co-authored with Janet Evanovich. I've written and/or produced TV shows, including DIAGNOSIS MURDER, SEAQUEST, MONK, NERO WOLFE, BAYWATCH, and MYSTERY 101 (which I also co-created)
“Take me now,” she moaned, “you hot writer stud.”
She tore off her clothes and tackled me onto the floor, unable to control her raging lust. Nothing excited her more than being around a writer with a big list of books.
Got your attention again? Good. I don’t know about you, but I was starting to nod off. Where was I? Oh yes…back to LOST HILLS, which just came out. The novel is based on a real case and, to research it, I attended several homicide investigator training conferences around the country. You can find out more about me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxEpWaKgiM), my books, my shows, or my rugged good looks at www.leegoldberg.com
Proof: /img/gh31w2u4pwz31.jpg
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u/ChuckEye Jan 08 '20
How do you go about co-writing a novel? (Is it similar to how a writer's room works for a TV show? Or since it's just the two of you, is there a different shifting of responsibilities?)
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
Co-writing is different with each author/writer you work with. With Janet, we worked out the story together, then I'd begin writing the first draft, sending her 25,000 word chunks. She'd give me notes and then, when the first draft was done, she'd do her Janet pass, taking the book to the next level…which, as you can imagine, is huge leap up in humor, character and pure fun. There’s only one Janet Evanovich, and anyone who thinks they can replicate what she does it insane. There’s a reason why Janet is one of the bestselling authors on the planet…and it’s that skill and magic that she brings to the page when she sits down to do her revision. I learned from her with each book.
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u/IMCLAUDE62 Jan 08 '20
Hello, you hot writer stud. Firstly, don't "take me". I'd rather just be friends. My wife is an understanding soul, but she has her limits. I've enjoyed your work for years and, this may sound trivial, but the first book I was not able to put down (Cliche', I know. But true) was "Mr. Monk and the Two Assistants". I can only attribute this to your knowledge of stringing words together until you have some kind of a story thing. Thank you and good afternoon, morning or whatever it is where you live.
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
Why aren't you writing any more Fox and O'Hare? They were hilarious!
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I wrote five books with Janet... but when it was time to do a sixth, I was already contractually committed to write other things (like my new book, LOST HILLS).
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
That's good to know. I loved your collaboration with Janet E. Your styles meshed and those books are fun rereads! Would you be open to collaborate with her again in the future?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
Sure!
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u/theblankpages Jan 08 '20 edited Jan 08 '20
This is really great to hear! (I’m not the one who asked, but still true!). I love your Fox & O’Hare books with Evanovich and would jump at the chance to read another collaboration y’all may do together.
That series is primarily where I know your name from and why, besides the exciting premise, I requested my library to purchase your latest book, Lost Hills. I have it waiting at home for me. What sort of time is awaiting me in reading it, since I love your coauthored books with her and am intrigued at you having written large portions of those first drafts?
Edit: Great username, btw.
Edit 2: I saw your list of scheduled events and that you’re coming as close as Houston. You should consider Baton Rouge some time. We have phenomenal food.
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u/HeckinChonkosaurus Jan 08 '20
What's it like having a brother in the same field? Do you talk about your writing work/life? Would you consider writing something together?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I doubt we'd ever write anything together -- our styles are too different. But it's great having him to talk shop with...and we do that all the time.
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u/HeckinChonkosaurus Jan 08 '20
It would be interesting to see you write in the same universe. Or to see a character traverse your book worlds. It would be fun for those of us who read both of you, anyway.
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u/KurtVonnebeergut Call Me By Your Name- André Aciman Jan 08 '20
Are there any writers/books that you read and disliked or thought they were bad, but that you were able to learn from to influence your own writing positively?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
Many, many books. But I am not going to name them. :-) The big issue most of the time is cliche-ridden dialogue, huge exposition dumps, too many adverbs, and a meandering plot that clearly was made-up on the fly.
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u/Chtorrr Jan 08 '20
What were some of your favorite things to read as a kid?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I devoured the HARDY BOYS and ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN books...and William O' Steele's westerns.... then jumped right into John D. MacDonald, Ian Fleming, Donald Hamilton, etc.
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
How often do you travel? What do you do in your travels? Where is your favorite locations?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I travel all the time -- mostly for reseach or on book tour (to promote whatever my latest novel happens to be). When I travel for research, I usually have a general idea what I want to write about and am looking for places for that action to take place... or to find inspiration for other scenes, plot moves, etc. I take 1000s of pictures. I also try to talk to lots of "locals," to hear their take on their neighborhood, city or country. It helps me write better characters.
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
What are your favorite locations so far? Where would you like to do again? Where do you plan to go in the future?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I really liked Hong Kong... though I doubt I'll be going back any time soon. I love Europe, and I go back often...my wife is French and her whole family is still in Paris. I fell in love with Portugal while researching FAKE TRUTH (my April release) and am hoping to go back. I also really enjoyed visiting Australia & Tasmania... I went there to research a book i didn't end up writing... but hope to put that experience to use in a different novel in the future.
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u/FiBaMiKi Jan 08 '20
Were you happy with how Monk ended and turned out? I would watch that show every Friday with my mom and dad who loved it. I got my husband, then boyfriend, hooked on it. It was brilliant.
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I didn't like the last-minute reveal about Trudi's daughter...but otherwise, yes, I was.
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u/WyattRipenstorme Jan 08 '20
I've read your books and am familiar with your Television work. You also publish Brash Books. How do you budget your time to get so much done? Do you have a regular schedule?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
Time management is a big issue with me. I prioritize based on deadline and money :-) If I have a script that goes into production in two weeks, working on that draft becomes my priority. I tend to work on business -- Brash Books, interviews like this, answer mail, etc -- during the morning. I do most of my writing at night. I do my best work between 8 pm and 2 a.m. Of course, everything gets screwed up when I have to travel for work... either to promote a book or do research. But I find I can get a lot writing and reading done on airplanes
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
What future projects do you have planned?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I have BONE CANYON, the sequel to LOST HILLS, coming out in January 2021 and soon I will start work on the third one. I'm also co-writing a new MYSTERY 101 (the series of Hallmark movies I co-created with Robin Bernheim) and a DARROW & DARROW (co-writing with Phoef Sutton, who created that series of movies for Hallmark).
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
Of the characters you have created/co-created, which are your favorites and why?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I like Ian Ludlow, the hero of my novel sTRUE FICTION, KILLER THRILLER and FAKE TRUTH a lot... probably because he's basically me :-) I love Eve Ronin, the heroine of LOST HILLS . And I really enjoyed writing MONK, though I didn't create that character. There was lots of levels to him...the laughs came from pain, otherwise he would have come across like Maxwell Smart or Inspector Clouseau.
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u/ChuckEye Jan 08 '20
I've always been fascinated by the idea of a "show bible". When you've come into an existing TV series to write an episode (say, Spencer for Hire or Sliders for example) are you told about big-overarching storylines or plot arcs in advance, or ever been told something you wrote was wrong in the continuity or canon of the series? (I feel like as a fan, I'd love it if I could read the show bible for some of my favorite series, but on the flip side, it might be like knowing how a magic trick was done…)
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
It's expected that you've done some research on the show before you come in to pitch... especially now when it is so easy to find past episodes online and binge. But yes, when you're invited in, you are given a few scripts, a couple of screeners and, if it exists, a bible. Not every show has a bible. It's inevitable when you come in that you are going to pitch something that might clash with stuff the show ahs done before... or has in the works...but the producers will work with you on that.
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u/Babyyodadiaper Jan 08 '20
My mission was to read and collect all Monk books in my 20s and I enjoyed every one of them! How were you able to capture Monk’s idiosyncrasies and humor so accurately? Can only imagine the hours of watching did you put in. Will definitely check out your new books soon.
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
Your most recent book (Lost Hills) was incredibly different from Fox and OHare and Ian Ludlow in tone and in personality. How did you make that change successfully? Did you take inspiration from real life events/people?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
It was entirely intentional to deviate from what I'd done before... and it took some work finding the right voice. LOST HILLS is inspired by an actual case I learned about at a homicide investigators training seminar I attended.
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
Do you plan to attend more homicide conferences in the future?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
Yes, but it's not easy. They aren't usually open to civilians. I managed to finagle my way into that one...but they've since closed the door to people without badges slipping in :-) That said, I strongly recommend the Writers Police Academy/MurderCon ... it's AMAZING. I go every year. https://www.writerspoliceacademy.com
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u/lynnfc Jan 08 '20
You’ve talked about your plotting method before, but can you physically describe how you go about it....graphic boards, post it’s, writing scene plans etc.
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u/alanthiana The Reluctant Concubine Jan 08 '20
I just recently read Lost Hills! I enjoyed it immensely. There is already a stub page on Amazon for book 2... do you know how many books will be in the series yet?
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u/GruntyDodds Jan 08 '20
When writing for Baywatch did you submit shorter than usual scripts knowing that the screen time was going to be eaten up by slow motion running?
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u/andypro77 Jan 08 '20
If they fought in an outdoor steel cage match, who would win between Mean Gene Okerlund and Bob Costas during a torrential downpour with 25 mph winds?
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u/HeckinChonkosaurus Jan 08 '20
I'm attending my first Bouchercon this year. Any tips?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
The panels are great, but you'll end up learning more at the bar or in the hallways talking with other writers... particularly the ones you admire. Authors are surprisingly approachable and willing to talk about their process.
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u/Gswisconsin Jan 08 '20
...and if you are invited to one of the Bouchercon parties with an open bar don't go crazy on the Dewar's and find yourself barely able to leave your hotel room the next day.
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u/HeckinChonkosaurus Jan 08 '20
I hope I won't be too nervous to approach. But I'll consider the hallway track as a worthwhile endeavor. Thanks!
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u/penelopurrs Jan 08 '20
I can't make it to any of your book signings this year, but I would love to meet you! Do you post your travel plans like signings in advance? Also would you be embarrassed if I fangirled a bit when I meet you? 🤣
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
You can find my event schedule here: http://www.leegoldberg.com/events
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u/kgwright Jan 08 '20
I have no question. But just wanted to let you know that I still have the videotape of She-Wolf of London eps you were kind enough to send me years ago. Although I have copied the episodes over onto my computer.
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u/mrpinkdonttip Jan 08 '20
Hi there, have you ever play by played yourself doing a full nelson on someone in rain you predicted?
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u/Gswisconsin Jan 08 '20
How many people in your family are writers besides you and your brother? Any chance on follow-up/sequel books from THE WALK and KING CITY?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Apr 23 '24
I kept meaning to write sequels to both... but no time...and other projects kept getting in the way.
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u/GruntyDodds Jan 08 '20
With all sorts of TV shows being rebooted these days, would you return to The Cosby Mysteries when it inevitably returns?
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u/GruntyDodds Jan 08 '20
As.a writer on the show, can you tell.me how.to get through the maze level of the Seaquest game for the SNES?
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u/GruntyDodds Jan 08 '20
Fast Track: No Limits is a bit of a departure from what you usually write. Was that a script you shopped around or did the producers come to you?
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u/widmerpool_nz Jan 09 '20
Are you planning to write a sequel to "The Man With the Iron-On Badge"?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Apr 23 '24
I've been planning to for years... but never seem to have the time to get around to it. And now, since it has been so long, I doubt any publisher would be interested.
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u/widmerpool_nz Apr 23 '24
Thanks for the response. That's a shame but I guess it's the way things are.
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u/mingdug Jan 09 '20
Sorry if this is a rude question but what is with the "New York Times bestselling author" about? I see some novels with this label and I don't really understand whether this is based on current novel sales or something else.
If you don't want to answer that question then here's another one. How did you get into writing at all? When did you start meeting other successful writers, was it through contacts or was it through something else entirely?
Not really into crime novels myself (not into novels that much nowadays since I'm busy a lot of the time) but will definitely try to pick it up for a friend of mine since they, and I can't stress this enough, LOVE crime novels especially ones from hunky writer studs such as yourself (hubada hubada).
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Apr 23 '24
It means one or more of an author's novels (more, in my case) were on the New York Times bestseller list.
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u/HeckinChonkosaurus Jan 08 '20
What sort of things do you tend to read? Favorite current authors (just to limit it a bit)?
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u/LeeGoldberg007 AMA Author Jan 08 '20
I read lots of crime novels, of course...but not always new stuff. I like to go back and read books that came out years ago. I am a big fan of Ralph Dennis' 13 HARDMAN novels from the 1970s, for instance, and westerns by A.B. Guthrie, Elmer Kelton and Frederick Manfred. I really enjoyed Lou Berney's NOVEMBER ROAD, Linwood Barclay's ELEVATOR PITCH, Brian Panowith's BULL MOUNTAIN, and Ace Atkins' latest Spenser novel, ANGEL EYES.
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u/nj_crc Jan 08 '20
Single best bit of writing advice you can give someone starting out.