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Talking with Jon Ketzner about Coincidence:
What is my latest book about? My latest, “Coincidence,”
is centered by the assassination of President Johnny F. Kennedy. It is a
historiographic metafiction novel that weaves fictional characters in and out
of the basic assassination background and actual bad day in Dallas. I like to
think it’s a Valentine to those people and times, but it is laced with humor
and salacious friskiness…just like those people and times.
How does the process from concept to publishing work for me?
As with many folks I suspect, the kernel of narrative idea drifts into my
head all the time. I do miles of interstate driving and during those drives I
often consider story ideas. I have written short story anthologies as well as
novels. I prefer novels, but that of course requires that you have a narrative
superstructure robust enough to support 60,000+ words of crisp story telling.
In both of my novels, II have repurposed a couple of my previously published
short stories. This provides both a prompt and a nice jumpstart for me. I
generally need about eight weeks to craft a first draft of a novel, then
another few weeks to edit. Then off to the publisher for their proofing and
editing. I like to think I’m a pretty good self-editor and the feedback is
generally minimal. Then off to the printer.
Which of my books would I recommend for a new reader?
I think my first novel “Bad Consequence…tales of an Amish samurai” may be
best, ot either of the short story anthologies. The Kennedy book may not be
everyone’s cup of tea, especially if that event still resonates deeply with a
reader. My basic narrative arc is a strong female protagonist, cartoon villains
and a happy…almost Hallmark Network…ending. I think many readers find that type
of tale satisfying.
Do I have a favorite development or writing book I could
recommend? Sorry, nope. Not how I roll. I have never to my recollection tackled
a self- help or self-improvement book. I’m not a big reader of any non-fiction
frankly.
Something fun or interesting about me: well, I am a
retired actuary, so the fact that I find post-retirement joy in paragraphs
rather than numbers is, perhaps, curious. Left brain/ right brain thing. I
delivered my daughter in the backseat of our car. I moved our family to the
small rural city of Cumberland, Md from Philadelphia at age 40 to raise our
small children. We’re still here, the kids now both live back in Philly. I just
got back from chasing a solar eclipse around the Mediterranean.
What have I learned through my writing process? I learned
how to better use Word. I do not outline, I generally write my stories
sequentially from opening to closing. I do this by constructing the story in my
brain then downloading. Once in a while, I’ll paint myself into a corner with
my plotting that might require a ridiculous coincidence or unbelievable twist
to escape…not wanting that, I will suck it up and re-write. That can feel
humbling.
What inspired me to become a writer? Like for most folks, a
lifetime of reading is my main inspiration. When the reading experience is
satisfying, you appreciate it and recognize how you’ve been happily manipulated
by the author. My brain would then go further…maybe it’s the mathiness in
me…and I would take those various satisfying nuggets…the cool rescue, the funny
chatter, the happy ending…and in my head synthesize those into a totally
different narrative. Voila, you have your story.
How do I keep my ideas fresh and avoid tropes? I think
imagination is something you have, or not. Artists have used chemicals…LSD, pot,
whiskey…to try and jumpstart fresh ideas. I’m not quite that desperate yet.
Besides, I am not as offended by well-worn narrative journeys as others might
be. Trope are tropes because readers have found them satisfying over many
wreaks and re-telling. I actually respect that.
What tropes have I not yet written but want to? I’ve
published two anthologies of short stories, so I’ve covered many tropes. Both
anthologies are based on story prompts from the Maryland Writers Association
and were purposely intended to cover a wide range of styles and genres and
set-ups. My next novel is intended to be a buddy-police procedural. We’ll see
how that goes.
Do you have a specific writing process. I’ve referenced my
approach in earlier questions. Beyond that, one thing I do is proofread
whatever I wrote yesterday before writing anything today. Then once a week I proofread
everything before moving on. I think this was Hemingway’s approach too.
My favorite author is Joseph Helker and my favorite book is
probably his “Something Happen.” But all his post “Catch-22” novels were
wonderful. Other favorites: Henry Fielding, E.L. Doctorow, Vonnegut, Gore
Vidal, Elmore Leonard, Stephen Hunter, Robert Craig and Tim Dorsey.
What do I do when I’m not writing? Grandbrat duty, hiking,
traveling, bs-ing, reading and voyeurism (I.e. enjoying watching other people
enjoy life)
On the eve of President John F. Kennedy's final trip to Dallas, an irreverent narrator from the Ether begins to reveal the hidden chain of events that history never recorded. Spanning decades and weaving together Hollywood legends, political dynasties, secret affairs, and forgotten tragedies, Coincidence imagines how seemingly unrelated lives become entangled in the most infamous assassination of the twentieth century. From Joseph P. Kennedy and Gloria Swanson to Jackie Kennedy, Mary Pinchot Meyer, and the young Lee Harvey Oswald, every choice, passion, and betrayal sends ripples through time. Behind every headline lies another story, and every story hides a secret long buried. As the strands converge on November 22, 1963, the line between fate and accident begins to blur. Rich in historical detail and provocative speculation, Coincidence asks: was it really coincidence at all?
Read an Excerpt
Jackie rarely consulted him about her clothing. Her sense of style, if not her sense of humor, was notorious.
“The pink.”
She seemed surprised. “Why the pink?”
“Texas. All those tired cowgirls raising their brat kids to be Miss America. They adore pink in Texas.”
The First Lady eyed the pink at arm’s length. She shrugged. “Okay. The pink.”
“But the hat,” POTUS said, “could you do without the hat. I hate those things.”
Jackie shook her head.
“I’ll need the hat. Without the bubble top on, my hair would be a mess.”
The president leaned back against the pillows on his rock-hard bed, supine in his boxers and the argyles Bobby had given him which bore the presidential seal. He grinned.
“Remember the times when we would drift down the Potomac, standing by the rail, the wind blowing wildly through your hair, and there on the river in the middle of the city you would sink sexily to your knees…”
“Drop dead, Mr. President.” Words Jackie would soon want back.
The door to Suite 850 opened and George Lapp entered to help The President dress. He nodded at Jackie. He had seen her naked many times and was indifferent to the marital scenario into which he had strolled. Jackie smiled curtly and sidled toward her own room to don the pink Chanel, including its matching hat.
Before she left, the President grinned and said to his valet. “I might need the back brace today, George, had a strenuous night.”
About the Author: Jon Ketzner was born in Cumberland, Maryland in the lovely Appalachian foothills. He grew up in Baltimore then graduated from Towson University with a degree in mathematics and went on to a long career as a consulting actuary. For many years, Jon and his family lived in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania before moving back to Cumberland in 1990.
As a recovering actuary and inspired by the Maryland Writers Association’s “Notable Authors” monthly challenges, Jon decided to try his hand at writing and give his left-brain side a rest. He cites as influences: Henry Fielding, Joseph Heller, Gregory McDonald, and Tim Dorsey.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34506564.Jon_Ketzner
