How a midwestern upbringing, a career in television production and his mother set New York Times bestselling author J. Ryan Stradal on his path to becoming the writer he always wanted to be
If you're looking for books in which Minnesota plays a key role, try the novels of Jon Hassler. Starting with his debut, Staggerford (1977), he wrote nine excellent novels, finishing with The Dean's List (1998).
Thanks, I appreciate hearing this from you. I'm glad readers are interested in these kinds of newsletters as I enjoy writing them. There are so many authors out there, I'll never run out of inspiration.
Have you read any of William Kent Kruger's books? He has a series and then he has a couple of stand alone books. The series is called the Cork O'Connor series and it 's about a former sheriff that lost his job and all the fallout from that. I've started the series and read the first couple of books and I enjoyed them. His two stand alone books are also good.
Thanks for this author recommendation and all the links, Gayla. Living in SoCal, I tend to hold onto unfair stereotypes about the Midwest, even though so many folk here hail from there. Look forward to opening my mind a bit by checking out J. Ryan Stradal.
You're welcome Ruth and I think you'll enjoy his books. The characters are interesting and the storylines in both books are unique, especially in Kitchens. Let me know if you read either of them.
This is so great! I actually grew up in Hastings as well, just a few years after J. I actually interviewed him last year after I read Lager Queen: https://readmorebooks.substack.com/p/a-few-bookish-questions-with-j-ryan.
Such a pleasure to see him featured here! His books are such a joy.
I remember reading your newsletter back when you wrote it. I really enjoy his writing. I think he has a great literary career ahead of him.
If you're looking for books in which Minnesota plays a key role, try the novels of Jon Hassler. Starting with his debut, Staggerford (1977), he wrote nine excellent novels, finishing with The Dean's List (1998).
I've never heard of Jon Hassler before. I'll have to check his novels out. Thanks for the recommendation.
Love it. Nice angle for introducing readers to authors, their work, and their respective backgrounds : )
Thanks, I appreciate hearing this from you. I'm glad readers are interested in these kinds of newsletters as I enjoy writing them. There are so many authors out there, I'll never run out of inspiration.
Thanks! I’m going to look into giving one a read!
Super! Let me know if you enjoyed it when you are finished.
I trust your judgment, so shall check this out!
I'm honored that you trust my judgement, thank you. Let me know which one you read and what you thought.
I've got a long flight tomorrow, so wanted to get one from the library, but they've all got holds. Oh, well...
That's too bad.
Have you read any of William Kent Kruger's books? He has a series and then he has a couple of stand alone books. The series is called the Cork O'Connor series and it 's about a former sheriff that lost his job and all the fallout from that. I've started the series and read the first couple of books and I enjoyed them. His two stand alone books are also good.
Nope, but I'll put it on the to be considered list!
Thanks for this author recommendation and all the links, Gayla. Living in SoCal, I tend to hold onto unfair stereotypes about the Midwest, even though so many folk here hail from there. Look forward to opening my mind a bit by checking out J. Ryan Stradal.
You're welcome Ruth and I think you'll enjoy his books. The characters are interesting and the storylines in both books are unique, especially in Kitchens. Let me know if you read either of them.
Thank you so much for the incredibly kind and well-researched profile! I’m moved to read this — and grateful to have earned you as a reader.
J. Ryan, how kind of you to visit and comment; I appreciate your kind words. :) I had so much fun researching and writing about you and your books.
I'd love to do a Q &A with you around the time you next book releases in April. If you're up for this, let me know. Thanks again.
Gayla, I’d be honored! I’d be happy to do it over email — send your questions to kitchens.midwest@gmail.com whenever you’re ready.