Famous author shares stories on writing life

Author Alexander McCall Smith said he enjoys being a serial novelist because he enjoys revisiting his favorite characters.

“I feel a wonderful sense of companionship with them,” he said. “This has been a ten-volume conversation with Mma Ramotswe and her friends.”

McCall Smith, author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, spoke to a full audience Monday at the Indiana Memorial Union’s Whittenberger Auditorium in celebration of the series’ tenth book release.

The author answered questions and read an excerpt from his newest book, “Tea Time for the Traditionally Built.”

McCall Smith has written more than 60 books, and his works have been translated into more than 12 languages. He said the themes and settings of his novels were inspired by his upbringing in Zimbabwe and his work as a medical lawyer.

Andrea Ciccarelli, director of the College of Arts and Humanities Institute, asked the author questions for the first part of the event. A microphone malfunction forced

Ciccarelli and McCall Smith to switch microphones and chairs multiple times, which had the audience laughing and delayed the event’s start time.

McCall Smith said he sometimes works on three books at one time. He said he usually manages to remember which story is which, but sometimes his publisher
catches characters popping up in the wrong novels.

The author said he would feel too guilty to ever kill off one of his characters because of his readers’ close relationship with them.

McCall Smith also spoke about his use of ethical dilemmas as plot points in most of his novels, which he said was inspired by his philosophical and legal background.

“Even if you are dealing with lighthearted issues, you can bring in major points about the world,” McCall Smith said.

The author took questions from the audience after reading the book excerpt. Many fans asked him about his involvement with the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’s production into an HBO series. He recalled some memorable antics onset in
Botswana, including his big moment yelling “Action!” during the filming of one scene.

McCall Smith said he was very pleased with the film’s interpretation of his novel. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency features jazz singer Jill Scott as Mma
Ramotswe.

After the author’s presentation, devoted fans swarmed out of the auditorium to have their books signed.

Sophomore Paulina Rabell waited after McCall Smith’s presentation to have her book signed. She said she has not read the series yet, but her friends recommended the books and she could not pass up the chance to see a famous author speak.

“He was hilarious,” Rabell said. “He seems like a smart man. He made me really want to start his books right now.”

After he finished answering questions from the audience, McCall Smith said he was glad to share the release of his newest book with the residents of Bloomington.

“I’ve been so taken with this town,” McCall Smith said. “It’s been so kind and welcome for me.”