There's a nice article about me and my latest MONK novel in The Acorn, my local community newspaper. Here's an excerpt:
In his latest book, “Mr. Monk on the Road,” Calabasas author Lee Goldberg takes a brilliant but obsessive-compulsive detective on a new adventure to the open highway where “crime is a hitchhiker that won’t be ignored.”
Goldberg, 48, wrote numerous scripts for the “Monk” television show starring Tony Shalhoub. His novel for the complementary Penguin Group book series will be released Jan. 4.
“Books based on television shows do well because people enjoy reading about familiar characters,” Goldberg said.
Although Adrian Monk’s phobias and tics leave him incapable of handling the simplest aspects of day-to-day life, the detective is able to solve baffling murders.
“People love the character of Monk. He’s funny and everything works out in the end. People want that, especially in this economy,” said Goldberg, whose credits include “Monk,” “ Diagnosis Murder,” “ Baywatch,” “ Spenser: For Hire” and “The Cosby Mysteries.”
Goldberg also has produced shows and written dozens of novels and nonfiction books.
Goldberg said he works in an array of genres, including science fiction, crime, the occult, comedy and mystery to stay competitive in his trade.
“As a professional writer, I can’t wait for inspiration to strike. I go where the work is. I’m an artist, but at the same time I’m practical,” he said.
That’s a hub little hub piece.
Nice feature, Lee. I especially like the “As a professional writer…”
As for “art vs craft,” I think of writing as craft that, at times, becomes art. Your art is very crafty. As your Papa Dave used to say, “I’m proud on you.”
Dear Lee,
I just discovered the tv servies 6 months ago and have watched all the episodes on DVD or reruns at least twice. I just discovered one of your books at the library yesterday. Its a great find to know that I can now read some new mysteries in the series. I want to let you know that although the show often uses the term obsessive compulsive disorder, I think that Mr. Monk has some type of autism spectrum disorder since he has challenges understanding behaviors and social cues. Many people with ASD also have OCD but people with OCD do not necessarily have ASD. I just think it would have been awesome if on the show or books the ASD diagnosis were raised since it seems that Mr. Monk has those traits. I am an occupaitonal therpist and certainly also see all those sensory issues in people with ASD, as well. I look forward to reading all of your books!