David Baldacci has to be one of the most prolific writers writing today. He published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996. A major motion picture adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. Including his book coming out next month, David has published 36 novels for adults and young adults. All have been national and international bestsellers. Several have even been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into more than 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries; over 110 million copies are in print worldwide. Of David's 36 novels, five have been for younger readers, including the #1 bestseller The Finisher, which is in development for a feature film, and its #1 bestselling recently released sequel, The Keeper.
In town for a book signing of The Keeper at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, David sat down with me over an early dinner - AKA breakfast - in the WGN Radio studios for the most recent episode of my podcast, The Dinner Party with Elysabeth Alfano.
One would think with so many novels that David might be jaded by the success or bored by the routine of it all. Quite the opposite! As you will hear in the podcast below, over Chicken Tinga, fresh juice and Steak Chimichurri with Eggs Over Easy from brunch favorite Beatrix Restaurant, David tells me about his never-ending love of writing, his need to do it sans stop, and for whom he really writes.
And, if you had any doubt about what a nice guy he is, David's foundation Wish You Well works with Feeding America by donating used books to make sure that kids get food for both the body and the mind.