Three Seconds: Question for Authors, Anders Roselund and Borge Hellstrom?

[literature]

Welcome Anders and Borge to our little world of eager readers.  Three Seconds has imprisoned me from the onset.  It surely isn't the amphetamines I'm addicted to here, but your style of writing, your storyline and the way you develop each character.  Each thought carries its own message.  Definitely no overuse of adjectives here but just the plain, basic facts.  Your descriptions leave nothing to the imagination; only second guessing the outcome is left to our imagination.  I find the use of italics very interesting in that it draws me more inside the emotions of the character and I like that.  FYI, criminals and murder were never my genre but you have definitely won my heart and I thank you.

Now my questions...

Did you know the path each character was going to take prior to writing this novel or did you let them develop on their own?

How do you split up the writing or do you collaborate together?

I have some business contacts living in Sweden and was very disheartened to learn that one never read the book and the other one just received it as a gift last week from a relative who loved the book so much that he had to buy some to give out.  I was hoping for some local feedback but I guess I'll be giving feedback to them instead.

 

[clodia2]

Hello and welcome to our discussion.    I am always interested in the authors' points of view; it's a true honor.

 My question right now is about translation.  There was some talk in some of the discussion boards where we were a little confused about the characters, etc.  It was easily rectified, but it got me wondering, how do you feel translations affect your original work?  Do you feel they are a fair representation?

I am really enjoying your book.  Thank you so much for sharing with us. 

[tmcb]

Hello Mr. Roselund and Mr. Hellstrom,

First I would like to say I am really enjoying reading Three Seconds. Thank you for the opportunity to do so and joining us on this board to answer questions.. so here's my question:

I've always wondered how the dynamic works for more than one author writing one book. Was there times where you disagreed on where to take the story? It seems like from each of your backgrounds you can bring different sides to the same story. How much if any of this story was taken from actual events?

Thanks, Tina

[love2overanaly…]

Hello and thank you for taking the time to shed some light on your book, Anders and Borge  I had a bit of trouble following the book at first, but it has completely caught my attention now! I cannot wait to find out how the story unfolds.

My question for you both is how did you meet each other and why did you choose to write a book together?

Thanks so much for such great work,

Brittanie in NC

[CK2750]

Welcome authors, and thanks for a truly interesting novel.  While I read many mysteries, this is fascinating, not just the subject matter, buy your presentation.  All of the characters are somewhat mysterious with their own secrets, many of which it seems we may never know.  I found myself reading far far ahead of where we are supposed to be now, but enjoying, and being surprised at the intricacies over and over.  Good work!

[thewanderingjew]

Hi,

I noticed that several scenes have different characters musing about or gazing into the water when they are troubled; the mule, Grens and Piet each do it at different times. The mule does it on the boat, Grens on the bridge before the nursing home and Piet's headlights illuminate the water on the strand and then later he listens to the sound of the surf by the cliffs. Did you deliberately plan the water theme or am I just noticing something that is simply coincidental?

twj

[beak77]

Welcome to our authors. Thank you for allowing us a sneak peek into your book prior to the US release. This is my first First Look. I have read other Swedish and Danish crime novels so reading Three Seconds was an easy transition. I did find the opening sequence of the drug mules and subsequent murder very attention grabbing. It made it easy for me to put down another Swedish novel, Let Me In and jump into Three Seconds. I have enjoyed it thus far and am in Part 3.

I suppose the only question I have is there in life lessons that you the authors, drew from to create a character or scene in the novel?

I am attempting a loose interpretation of a fictional biography and it is slow progress to know in what order to present information and characters. I am sure you face the same dilemna with each novel you write. What advice would you give on organizing information?

I also look forward to reading more of your novels. The 2 that really interest me are The Beast and The Vault.

-Rebecca from NC

[Vermontcozy]

Hej ,.Hope you both  had a good evening..I must agree with beak77 "The Vault" should be my next book of yours as well..Have either of you ever read "Out Stealing Horses"..Per Petterson..I know he is Norwegian lol,,but a fine writer .How do like our Interpretations so far..We tend to get carried away,but its so much fun trying to figure "3"Seconds out..Very challenging..Best Susan

[PiperMurphy]

Hello,

Thank you for the opportunity to read Three Seconds. It is fantastic. I especially like the authentic feel of your writing. Piet's transformation in Part II from loving family man to criminal is amazing. Mystery/Thrillers is my favorite genre. I read them one after the other as fast as I can go through them, but primarily American writers. I haven't encountered one quite like yours. I'm wondering what you think the difference is between American crime fiction and Scandanavian? Or is there one? Is the difference in the perceptions of the reader? Either way, I very much like what I'm reading.

Thanks for taking my question.

[tjewell]

This is my first experience with the First Look book club.  I must say that this is a great book to start with.  Like many other members, I, too, had a difficulty at the beginning of the book following the characters and the story line.  But, I think this adds to the fascination with the book.  I must say that usually the books that I read are not really challenging.  I am enjoying the anticipation of what is to come, trying to figure out who is good and who is bad - or are they both, will our preconceived ideas change as we get farther in the story. 

I do want to thank both of you for providing this book for us.  I must admit that I have already gotten to part 4.  I find it hard to put down.  The story continues to unwind and takes many unexpected twists. 

[CAG]

I was wondering if you think the American reading audience is different from say the Scandinavian readers in what they like or expect in a crime novel?

[Ronrose]

Welcome and thank you for allowing us to  join you in this discussion of your exceptional book. I think it is a fascinating view of the interactions of police and criminals that we don't often get. You show us there is a fine line between the two that is often crossed. I was very fascinated by the planning of Piet Hoffman as he prepares to go to prison. Surely you gentlemen must be extraordinary chess players, for I felt that I was watching a game played by a grand master. So many moves ahead of his opponents. I can't say more at this early stage, but bravo for the excellent plotting.

[tamarindo]

Hello Mr. Roselund and Mr. Hellstrom -

Thank you for the opportunity to read Three Seconds in advance.  I couldn't resist reading the entire novel all at once (this is my first First Look) and enjoyed it very much.

I had a couple of questions for you both:

• Was the novel also called Three Seconds in the original Swedish version?  I thought it was interesting when I read Stieg Larsson's Millenium trilogy earlier this year that the British and American titles were different from the original Swedish title (but that the original title was kept for the French and Spanish versions, if I remember correctly).  If the original Swedish title was not Three Seconds, what would be the rough English translation of the original?  I also find it interesting how US movie titles are changed when they are marketed overseas, sometimes drastically renamed.

• Mr. Roselund, I read from one of your earlier replies that your background is in investigative journalism, but how did you both get your start with writing?  Did you enjoy writing at an early age?  Who have been some of your favorite authors?

• Will there be a movie adaptation of your book?

Thank you again,

Mari

[pen21]

Croissants, coffee, fruit and juice for our authors and for everyone.

Stop by, relax and discuss Three Seconds.

What a great discussion we are having.

pen21 and Vermontcozy

[Vermontcozy]

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pen21 wrote:

Croissants, coffee, fruit and juice for our authors and for everyone.

Stop by, relax and discuss Three Seconds.

What a great discussion we are having.

pen21 and Vermontcozy

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pen How Lovely..I am sure Anders and Borge will be so surprised..looks really tasty  At the end of The day  we can serve some "Glogg" which is very good when you are Thristy and always some Herring in Cream sauce..We can leave that for another Day......Will Invite our BN Friends over...Susan VTC

[mommybooknerd]

I was wondering if you thought out ahead of time about writing America into this book?  Was that to appeal to a larger audience?  It was a nice aspect of the book to be able to research a place I have never been but then be taken back to America was nice too.

Em

[literature]

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pen21 wrote:

Croissants, coffee, fruit and juice for our authors and for everyone.

Stop by, relax and discuss Three Seconds.

What a great discussion we are having.

pen21 and Vermontcozy

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Very clever, ladies.  You're both great.  Only "trusted" friends would be so thoughtful.

[Peppermill]

First, let me say I am deeply appreciating the chance to read Three Seconds ahead of the general public in the U.S.  I can see why it has been so successful to date in Sweden and Europe.

Second, on page 100 of our ARC, Goransson says "You want the same solution as for Maria?"

Who is Maria?   An infiltrator (male?) in another story/book?

I haven't been able to identify "Maria" within the context of Three Seconds, at least so far.

Third, please share your reactions to this whole First Look experience with B&N and with mostly  American readers.

Finally, thanks for joining us on this discussion forum.  It is a special privilege to be able to interact with the authors of what one is reading.

Pepper

[Vermontcozy]

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literature wrote:

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pen21 wrote:

Croissants, coffee, fruit and juice for our authors and for everyone.

Stop by, relax and discuss Three Seconds.

What a great discussion we are having.

pen21 and Vermontcozy

---

Very clever, ladies.  You're both great.  Only "trusted" friends would be so thoughtful.

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Thank you. literature  ..We try to do our "Cyber Catering"..Maybe later a little stronger Beverage...Will talk to my Associate  later.. VermontCozy and pen21 DBA "We Deliver"..There has been a lot of "Buzz" about "Three Seconds" around the web..All Kudo's to our Authors..

[pen21]

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Vermontcozy wrote:

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literature wrote:

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pen21 wrote:

Croissants, coffee, fruit and juice for our authors and for everyone.

Stop by, relax and discuss Three Seconds.

What a great discussion we are having.

pen21 and Vermontcozy

---

Very clever, ladies.  You're both great.  Only "trusted" friends would be so thoughtful.

---

Thank you. literature  ..We try to do our "Cyber Catering"..Maybe later a little stronger Beverage...Will talk to my Associate  later.. VermontCozy and pen21 DBA "We Deliver"..There has been a lot of "Buzz" about "Three Seconds" around the web..All Kudo's to our Authors..

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Thank you literature.  Here are some treats suggested from VermontCozy.

Because of the time change I figured the authors would be ready for the grogg (recipe below for us who didn't know what the recipe was). Also the herring in cream sauce.

Everyone enjoy. VermontCozy and pen21

Glögg is hot, spiced wine, perfect for cold winter evenings. Just follow this easy Glogg recipe to make your own great-tasting spiced wine. Variations are optional and add great personalized taste to your own "Glögg"!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes 

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 0.5 Liter inexpensive brandy or vodka
• 10 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick (broken down)
• 1/2 orange peel (dried or fresh)
• 1/2 lbs sugar (regular or lumps)
• Optional additions: 5 cloves, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup almonds, 5 dried figs

Preparation:

Heat the wine and brandy spices, fruit, and nuts in a pot (and any optional additions you might like.)

Be careful not to boil the mixture; just let it simmer for about 45 minutes.

Then, strain through a cloth to remove all additions.

Serve your Glogg hot over lumped sugar (or with regular granulated sugar).

Optional: You can also serve the Glogg with raisons or almonds. If you'd like the drink to be stronger, use more brandy.

This Glogg recipe makes approx 1.5 Liter (close to 1/2 gallon).