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In a virtual event hosted by Barbara Peters from The Poisoned Pen, authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discussed their latest novel, Old Bones. In a lively and humorous conversation, the authors shed light on their collaborative process and the intriguing elements of their latest work.

The novel combines elements of archaeology, the Donner Party, and a mysterious lost camp. When asked about the division of labor in Old Bones, Child humorously admitted he did “most of the heavy lifting on this one.” Preston then shared how the idea to explore the Donner Party’s history and the mysteries surrounding it led to the creation of their captivating new thriller.

Throughout the event, the authors showcased their shared passion for archaeology, with Preston revealing his familial ties to the field. “Both Lincoln and I come from archaeological backgrounds,” Preston noted. “We realized that the Donner Party’s story was a perfect fit for our new series.” Child recounted his early fascination with archaeology, stemming from his grandmother’s influence, and recalled a childhood experience excavating an ancient ruin and discovering artifacts, which ignited his curiosity for historical mysteries.

The authors discuss the influence of other authors on their work, such as Arthur Conan Doyle, H.P. Lovecraft, and M.R. James. For this book, their research led them to explore intriguing aspects of the Donner Party story, including cannibalism, the challenges faced by the pioneers, and the mysteries that surround their ill-fated journey. In the event, the authors also discussed the main characters in the book, Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson, and how they handle the aging of their fictional characters.

As the conversation drew to a close, the authors hinted at potential future projects, touching on the possibility of revisiting beloved characters and exploring new settings. The authors mentioned their other writing projects, such as Douglas Preston’s non-fiction book Talking to the Ground, which was recently reissued with updates.

If you enjoyed this conversation and Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child‘s anecdotes, genuine camaraderie and passion for storytelling, be sure to share it with your friends on social media. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Poisoned Pen newsletter for more exciting book news and author events.