Bangkok Podcast 44: Christopher G. Moore
The amount of foreigners who try to write a book about their craaaazy adventures in Thailand is only slightly larger than the amount who try to write hard-boiled fiction based in Bangkok, but among this group Christopher G. Moore stands out. Not only has his career as a writer thrived, but his 12-title Vincent Calvino series will soon be getting the big-time Hollywood treatment.
Greg and Tony talk to Christopher about how Bangkok has changed in the 20-plus years that he’s lived here, how the city’s rich tapestry inspires his story lines and the structure of his books, what he does to make his characters believable, and what it’s like getting shot at while doing research on a police ride-along. He also tells us what effect rapidly evolving technology is having on the publishing industry, and if he thinks we’ll still be reading books in 10 years.
Tony and Greg also talk about the tragic earthquake in Japan, and discuss an interesting and emotional new film made in Thailand about HIV-positive children who are making great strides despite their condition.
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Great show. I’ve not come across Christopher Moore before but I enjoy the John Burdett series so here’s hoping I win a copy of one of the books.
What a great change of pace! I love the fun stories from expats talking about Bangkok traffic, teaching English as a second language, and the silly things that happen in the red light districts. This time it was fun to take a slightly more serious approach. I will definately check out these novels and if the movie comes true I would love to see it.
Christopher G. Moore’s books sound exciting and can’t wait to pick one up.
wanna read them !
Tony and Greg, it was fun answering your questions. I hope that you’ll be able to come along to the launch of Bangkok Noir at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand at 8.00 p.m. 17th March (Thursday). It will be a chance to continue our conversation. The invitation extends to all of your listeners.
Moore’s books function so well on a number of levels: obviously a ripping good yarn, then a terrific Thai cultural history short course, insightful knowledge on how Thailand operates and who is running it, also a psychological and philosophical guide to how Thai’s reason and what they value, and most importantly, guidance for farangs (non-Thai, non-asians especially americans and europeans) in how to move within this complex culture (don’t EVER wear shoes into the house) with real understanding and confidence.
I totally agree, William. Always a good read. Great plots and a glimpse into a different culture with its own values and reference points.
Christopher G. Moore is the master. Christopher has captured the essence of the culture perfectly. Anyone interested in visiting the land of smiles should read a few of his books. Educational and entertaining.
I’ve read a few of Moore’s books and what I like the most about them is the writer’s ability to create tight plots, with no loose ends. Take the Calvino novels for example: each novel’s got so many subplots, but they all add up, in the end creating this “monster/master” plot. And, when you’re on the last page, you go “Aha, so that’s what actually happened!”
Can’t wait to pick one up…or win a copy!
William, James and Mihnea, I appreciate the kind support. It is good to hear from people who love books and take the time to pass along their appreciation to the author. That’s a good thing.
Angie: I hope that you win.
Andrew, Kristian and Siamesekid: Kinokunya is a small chain of good Bangkok bookstore where you’ll find a good selection of my books.
At first I was skeptical because it was about books, which at first doesn’t seem like the most interesting podcast topic, but now I really want to read one of his books. Send one my way. I’ll pay for the international shipping!!
I enjoyed listening to Christopher. I’ve read a couple of his novels and he certainly has talent. He deserves his success.
Interesting interview. Never knew CG wrote a non-fiction book about the Thai lifestyle. Will buy it. Thanks, M
Great show, guys.
I typically refresh my Ipod sometme on Sunday in order to get your podcast and listen to it.
I love relaxing on Sunday evening and listening to you guys. Your subjects are always very interesting.
I especially enjoy the ones on Thai foods, restaurants, and customs.
Robert Sparkman
Really enjoyed the interview with one of my favorite authors. It was great to hear his insight on how and why he writes about Thailand. I’ve been there 10 times since 1984 and enjoy his work so much because I have been to so many of the streets and locations mentioned in his books that it’s easy to be in the story as you read it. Would love to win a autographed copy. Thanks for the chance.
Great show as usual, now give me a book!!! …..please?
Gary and Paul: I am glad that you enjoyed the interview. Greg and Tony set up some great questions and set the tone that made it comfortable.
Mike: I have a couple of non-fiction titles: Heart Talk, The Readers Guide to Vincent Calvino and The Cultural Detective. I also write a weekly blog that appears every Friday at: http://www.internationalcrimeauthors.com/
Bruce: Thanks for the kind words!
Johnny: I hope that you win one of the books.
A great episode chaps – interesting stories from the man Christopher G. Moore, not an author I have come across before I am ashamed to say. I will however look him up at the bookshop, whether or not I succeed in being successful in your book giveaway 😉
Last time I posted here it was to criticise your interview with Jerry Hopkins – not giving the chap enough time to talk about his life in Thailand, rather than reminiscing about the rock and roll years (Jerry having said his life now was far more interesting than the Hendrix and Morrison years!)
You righted the wrong with this episode and it was great to hear what goes through an authors mind – and how he recommended avoiding Bangkok Dangerous (it was on my wishlist at the film rental site, but has now come off!)
Chris
This is the first time I listened to Bangkok Podcast and I really enjoyed it.I am looking forward to the next one.
BTW, It would be nice if someone can let me know which book in the Vincent Calvino series I should start with.
Great interview Christopher and hope the show goes well tonight!!
CM is a great fiction author, one of the few that I can successfully get me to suspend disbelief and become engaged with his work.
Christopher: Kinokuniya at Siam Paragon or the Emporium has the best selection of my books.
TK: Spirit House is the first in the Vincent Calvino series. They don’t need to be read in order. The 12th in the series, and the most recent, is 9 Gold Bullets.
James: Thanks, James!
Barry: Much appreciated!
A great interview. Christopher G. Moore writes excellent fiction and his knowledge of the Thai culture and ways makes it all so credible. I enjoyed his description of his writing process as he noted it is a discovery adventure for him as well as he creates the story. I have read the entire Vincent Calvino series as well as his other books and recommend all of them. You will also find humor (often a clash between farang and thai culture) creatively used. As Calvino says: “Chance, like a bus you’re waiting for, arrives sooner or later, and then you must be prepared to climb on board and hold on for the ride.” So, take a chance and follow Calvino’s adventures.
Christopher G Moore is the king of Thai crime. I came across his books by accident and was immediately hooked. He doesn’t just write books he says are in Thailand – he lives and breathes the place. You feel like you are there.
Christopher’s books helped me ease my way into my first visit to Thailand.By the end of A Killing Smile I seemed to “understand” the non verbal language of Thailand and feel a lot more at ease with this new culture.
I have been back many times and always pick up copies of his new books.
Never yet been disappointed.
I enjoyed the interview.
Mahalo
Terry
Christopher Moore is always a great read. His ability to expose the good and bad, subtle, clever and hidden sides of Thailand is unmatched. Quite simply, he is brilliant.
Here is my random message so i can win a book
😀
Great books, interesting author. Definitely has a unique style. Here is another informative blog with an interview with Moore: http://www.thailawforum.com/blog/christopher-g-moore-discusses-books-thailand
You can tell he has a lot of experiences he puts into his books.
You’ve got to love the noir style in Moore’s books. It’s like he’s pulled a little bit of the intrigue of the 20’s into modern-day events. Good interview. He did another chat on youtube that I found: HCNEg_s1fMQ. Worth a look to find out what goes on behind his writing