Webchat with Jack Reacher author, Lee Child: Wednesday 16 November, 9-10pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Jack Reacher fans will be thrilled to hear that author Lee Child will be joining us for a webchat on Wednesday (16 November) evening between 9 and 10pm.

Lee penned his first novel (Killing Floor) at the age of 40 after his career at Granada Television came to an end. Since then Jack Reacher has become a global phenomena with 21 books published and two films with Tom Cruise taking the leading role. This month the latest film Never Go Back, is on general release and the 21st book, Night School, has just been published.

Come and chat to Lee and ask him all your burning questions on Wednesday (16 November) between 9 and 10pm. Everyone who joins will be entered into a draw to win a SIGNED copy of Jack Reacher: Night School.

Really? Tom Cruise?

I apologise, that ^^ was cheeky

Really why Tom Cruise is surely the ONLY question?!

Dash - and I've already bought Night School. (Haven't started it yet, though.)

I think you have to go with attitude rather than size re the TC thing. There's no actor that could play Reacher that would really fit otherwise. In any way.

I'd like to know how much of the books is wish-fulfilment on Lee Child's part?

We're Kerry Shale fans in this household and so much prefer his audiobook readings of your books over others.

Do you have a favourite? Which one sounds like Reacher in your head?

Dolph Lundgren, Vincent Do'Nofrio, Jonathon Frakes, John Corbett...or my personal favourite Liam Neeson...any of these could have played a better Reacher imho. Tom Cruise was a terrible choice, even leaving the obvious lack of height aside he is just not Reacher! I have read all the books and absolutely love them, there is just something about Reacher that speaks to me, but l have not and will never, watch the films. My questions for Lee are: do you have any further plans for Reacher? Do you think you will ever complete his story?

Coco that was my first thought too
Perversely I quite liked the film Jack Reacher, but only by totally disassociating the character played by Tom Cruise from the Jack Reacher in the books.

Phillip Winchester should have played Reacher, one of the early Reachers I think, Die Trying would have been an excellent first film. I read them all up to Worth Dying For, after that I heard about Tom Cruise playing him in the film and I just couldn't read any more. The mental image I had was corrupted.

Have you thought about writing a new series about a different character?

The thing I love is the enormous attention to very specific, and often very technical, details. They are just as much part of the plot as places, people and things. What gave you the idea to make that part of Jack's character and how much research do you have to do to get it right? Or (whispers) do you just make some of it up? And second question if I may: can you/do you shoot yourself?

I disagree! Much as I've loved Reacher for years, and was quizzical to say the least at the casting of TC, I actually thought he was great in both films
Was great seeing Lee in the 2nd film too.

My only complaint of the 2nd film, and last two books is that they have become far too 'fighty' I felt like each altercation took pages and pages of descriptive fight scenes.
That and less 'twists' than usual. Otherwise marvellous.

I love the books. As does my DH and my dad. They got my Dad reading again and the three of us have long chats about each book once we've read them.
Can't wait to see the new Reacher film. Not convinced by TC in the first film but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting.
My question is do you have a long term plan or idea of where Jack Reacher is going or do you just write each book completely independently and see what happens?

ooh wonderful. I love the Jack Reacher books. I cant watch the film, it's bad enough I have to mentally erase the TC image when I read them now

My question is wrt your target audience. Do more women then men read them and if so why do you think that is?

Yeah my first thought was why TC, but actually, he has answered that before, so I doubt there is anything more to say on the matter. The first film wasn't as bad as I had imagined it to be, but I do have to dissociate it from the Reacher in my head.

I will be back when I think of a question!

In my head Reacher looks like Lawrence dallallio (sp?)

Are you a very disciplined writer? Your output is really impressive, especially including all the short stories.

(I want to read the one with Jack Teacher and Tempe Brennan.)

Reacher! Damn autocorrect strikes again.

I have to add to the absolute bafflement around casting Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher (though I realise Lee may have limited influence re: casting decisions). I can't think of a worse person to play my all time action hero. 'Men want to be him and woman want to be with him?' Erm... nope.

However, I'm a massive fan and have just finished reading Night School - another great story.

My question: how much research do you do before each book or are you fully versed in military etc. practices having written so many now?

Hello Lee,
I really enjoy the books and have read them all - who else do you read? For example I like Harlen Coben because of the characters.

Love his books!
OK, my question...
Do you ever have a new character knocking in your head when you are trying to write a book? A character that doesn't fit with your current story but is really insistent on being written? How do you deal with that?

Hello Lee. I am probably number one fan of your books! I have read every single one more than once right from your beginning! My idea of heaven is a new book of yours and a holiday (both at the same time). I have a mental picture of Jack that will not be swayed by Tom (he is not Jack!) because my Jack is a moody and mean superhero and my vision paints the most wonderful pictures in my mind!

My questions -

What has given you such an insight into the American way of life and particularly the american military?

Lee, you have said in the past that if you weren't an author you might quite like to write for television. Can you give me a hint of what sort of programme we could have expected from you?! Comedy/crime/thriller/soap?!

Thank you.

I love the jack reacher books.

Lee, do you think jack might ever settle down and have a totally different lifestyle from the wandering nomad? I could see him getting married and setting up a private investigation firm as he gets older.

Love the books. I was alarmed to see Reacher seeming more mortal in the last one, having a head injury and scan. Is he going to start ageing and fading like his readers ?

I haven't got a question, just want to say I love the books. Am desperately trying to hold off reading the new one until next year when I fly to Australia. A long flight is perfect for undisturbed reading.
I love the fact that Jack Reacher is not 'chocolate box' good looking. That's why Tom Cruise isn't right for the part.

I've thoroughly enjoyed all of your books. Recently I read Andy Martin's "Reacher Said Nothing" and found it a fascinating insight. How did you find being observed as you wrote? Do you think that Make Me would have ended up a different book had Andy not been there observing the process?

Do you ever take the 'hound around middle America to get teh details and ideas for your plots, since the landscape and climate are so often absolutely critical in your plot development (or do you send a researcher?)

I worry about Jack's oral health - I fear his breath and teeth must suffer badly with all the coffee and fighting, regardless of the toothbrush in his pocket. I fear that his lovegod status would in reality be seriously undermined by the olfactory challenges presented by his way of life