501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
Eli Cranor: Second Time Around
Eli Cranor is no stranger to the Six Bridges Book Festival: he was at the Fest last year with his first book, Don’t Know Tough. The question is, can he make it a three-peat? We caught him via email and asked him a few questions. You can see him at this year’s Fest at UA Little Rock Downtown with Michael X. Wang on Saturday, September 30, at 11:30 a.m.
What can attendees expect in your session?
I plan to talk about what goes into my gritty, Arkansas-based crime novels. People should attend if they’re interested in southern noir, or if they have a thing for bald dudes with big beards.
What does it feel like to have two books in two years and have both of them featured at Six Bridges?
I’m a born-and-bred Arkansawyer, so it’s a real treat to get invited to the Fest two years running.
Is there anyone you’re looking forward to this year? And why?
I’m looking forward to meeting Michael X. Wang this year. We lived in the same town for years but never had a chance to chat.
Are you working on anything now?
Yes. I just turned in the completed manuscript for my third novel, Broiler, which is scheduled to hit shelves summer 2024.
What has been a highlight of your life since the last Fest?
Don’t Know Tough won the Edgar Award for Best Debut Crime Novel in 2022.
Author hot takes:
Do you read for business or pleasure? Homework, mostly.
Do you judge a book by its cover? Yes, unless I’ve heard good things.
How do you read: physical, digital, or audio? Physical. Almost always.
Your favorite author: Elmore Leonard
Favorite snack while writing: Coffee
Describe your book in three songs: “The Weight” by the Band; “Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd; “Decoration Day” by Jason Isbell
Read Cranor’s interview from last year when he was at the Six Bridges Book Festival talking about Don’t Know Tough.
Visit https://cals.org/six-bridges-book-festival/ for more information.
