The first set of nearly weekly questions from the Longmire Book Club answered by author Craig Johnson about the Longmire literary universe. Simply click on any title to read Craig’s answer which will open in a new window.

1) A Good Start

“Do you know how the story will end before you start, or once you start with an idea, does the story line lead you?” - Mark Keast

2) In The Pipeline

“Back around 2008 you where interviewed by George Guidall for Recorded Books as a supplement for the audiobook “The Dark Horse”. He asked if you had any other books besides the “Longmire Mysteries” you wanted to do. You stated you where half done with one, and started another. Are they both now done? Maybe even published under a pen name?” - Herman Moeller

3) The Writing Bug

“How did you first get into writing? I enjoyed the series, fell in love with the books and

now have the urge to write down the stories whirling around in my own head. Not sure if

anyone besides me will ever read them, but I enjoy writing them so that’s okay. Thanks

for helping me find my passion for reading again and for finding a new passion in

writing.” - Stephanie Gilbert

4) The Cheyenne Nation

“Clearly Dorothy and The Bear have a comfortable history together. Will we ever find out more about it? I just love the little asides between them. For example, as Walt notes, who tugs on Henry’s hair …. And lives?” - Anne MacLachlan

5) Coming Attractions

“So I can’t help but wonder about the various ‘other dangling threads’ that have cropped up throughout this extended narrative. I would love to hear the specifics about Walt’s time on Johnston Atoll. Clearly it wasn’t all recuperating in the sun. I’m fascinated by the thought of reading about Vic’s time in Belize from her own perspective. I imagine there was more than just liquid therapy happening. And then there’s Henry’s time in France after the war. Is there any chance we might be treated with these odd short stories or novellas?” - Ethan Evans-Hilton

6 & 7) Dog’s Life

• “When writing “The Cold Dish” at what point did you decide to include “Dog” into the storyline. It is a big step since he would become a focal point in all the stories going forward and be by Walt’s side more than any other character. Also, was there an inspiration or memory that helped in the creation of the character “Dog”. Also, the reasoning behind not naming him, and choosing the breed ‘Leonberger’.” - Herman Moller • “I love Dog in your books and missed him (but understand) in the Longmire shows. Do you have the real Dog?” - Nancy Lynch

8) The Straight Scoop

“I just finished reading Mr. Johnson’s reply to question 49. I had forgotten about the altercation between Walt and Henry at the drinking fountain, as it’s only been mentioned and I’ve read too many books to count since I finished the Longmire series. So my question is, Mr. Johnson, how do you keep track of each character’s back story? I read A LOT, most often series as opposed to stand alone books and it’s not uncommon to catch something in a back story that doesn’t match from a previous book. I don’t recall that ever happening in a Longmire book!” - Kim Busking Henderson

9) Inspiration

“When were you first bitten by the writing bug, and what books or authors were most inspiring and influential to your writing style?” - Tammy Jaye Pope

10) Confession

“Following week 49’s questions, I have a similar one. In one book you wrote about Walt going out to his parent’s ranch and describe the hinges on the gates of the entrance. Seems his father was quite handy and made those. Ever since then I’ve been able to see that ranch in my mind and was wondering if you’ll ever do a story that involves flashbacks of Walt’s childhood and give us a glimpse of his parent’s life and his in the ranch?” - Lori Saunders

11) By Any Other Name

“I’ve read where a few characters have been inspired by real people in your life. Care to expand your enlightenment on their actual names? Where did Walt Longmire come from? Martha? Cady, the greatest legal mind? How did you come up with Henry Standing Bear? Vic Moretti? The Ferg? How does an author give names to their heroes and foes etc?” - Sue Weakley

12) The Devil’s in the Details

“Each of your books gives us information about topics I previously knew nothing about.

I’ve wondered how much effort you have to put into researching topics you don’t know

much about. How much time do you put into it, is there a point at which you say “ok, I’ll

go with what I’ve got” and let artistic license do the rest.

As a reader, I think I can tell if something has been well researched. I’m thinking you go

for ‘hands on’ experience. It must be difficult to leave things out.

Although, just as an aside, as a museum worker myself, I do take issue with the activity

that took place on the crate in Dry Bones. But, as a reader, I have to admit, I was quite

happy with it (although I think I will advise my museum never to send a crate of artifacts

to Wyoming).” - Carolyn McGill

13) Beside Every Great Man

“How much involvement does your wife have with your writing?” - Stacey Chaffee Morris

14) Respect

“I really love the legends and beliefs of the American Indians incorporated into the Longmire stories. Is it possible you will start a new series (books first, TV / movies later – I hope) perhaps following another / other aboriginal Wyoming residents?” - Carolyn Corrigan

15) Who’s Your Pappy

“First the mystery, and always the question that was in the back of my mind, “Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve.” I knew Lucian could afford it from reading the Longmire Mysteries. I just want to know where he buys it so readily. I want to give his supplier a call.” - Herman Moller

16) The Enemies You Keep

“Tomas Bidarte first appears in A Serpent’s Tooth, but there seem to be hints about his impact on Walt and Company at least as far back as Hell is Empty. What was the inspiration behind Bidarte’s character, and when did you begin developing him?” - Sue Lee McMeen

17) The Brothers You Find

“Jacob Nighthorse is one of the central characters in the Longmire TV series but does not appear in the books. The Dr. Adan Martinez who appears in the upcoming book ‘Depth of Winter’ is based on you. What similarities are there between the two characters and how do you feel about “your” appearance in the newest addition to the Longmire book series?” - Craig Johnson to A Martinez

18) Weather…Or Not

“Why is the weather so important in all (or most of) the books? I feel as if the weather is almost another character.” - Michael K Crutchley

19) Steel Magnolia

“Can we talk about Ruby? She’s always in the background but always seems to be a step ahead of Walt. Kind of like “radar” from MASH. Where does she come from? Is there a back story?” - Carolyn J. Althoff

20) Ask Walt

“If you were to meet your character Walt Longmire in the flesh, what would you ask him?” - Carrie La Seur

21) …And The Horse You Rode In On

“I have a question for Craig (unless it’s already been asked and answered). I notice in a lot of the Longmire books, there are detailed references to very specific makes and models of cars (and other vehicles). Is Craig a car enthusiast himself, or is this just the result of exhaustive research?” - Kathleen Coughran

22) Vitamin R

23) Home, Home On The Range

“Will Walt ever finish his house?”

24) Also Known As…

“How much thought goes into finding just the right title for your books? Do you and your wife confab over naming? Does your editor make suggestions? The title is super important, but sometimes it can be harder than writing the damned thing, right?” - Marlowe Churchill

25) Spirit or Spiritual?

“I am very interested in the mysticism as a narrative device. Beginning with the anonymous old ones in the early books, Virgil White Buffalo has emerged as the “voice” Walt hears when he is near death in several books. In Hell is Empty Virgil tells a fable about the old ones sending someone you know to collect you. However, when Virgil is around he encourages Walt. So, please tell us more about this very intriguing character who may or may not really be there.” - Beth Cook

26) It Is What It Is

“How do you manage to stay so accessible to your fans? I’m a fairly outgoing person, but in this day and age I would be scared to death to be as accessible as you make yourself. You’re either incredibly brave or hopelessly naive, or is it something else?” - Walt Robertson

27) Walt’s Walt

“Other characters in your novels are imagined from real people in your own life. How much of you, CJ, is Walt Longmire?? (I ask this today because my husband said I talked about Walt last night, like he was a real person.)” - Sue Weakley

28) Walt’s Women

“Is there a reason that almost all of the female characters in the books are so strong willed?” - Michael Crutchley

29) Without A Clue

“Craig, how is it that Walt still just “thinks” he is in a relationship with Vic? Is it because he really is romantically clueless? Slow mover? Truly unsure? Non-committal?” - Lisa Nolan Lindsay

30) A John Wayne Day

“After reading “Depth of Winter”, I was struck with the thought of when I read “The Green Ripper” by John MacDonald. The hero, Travis McGee is like Walt, a former military vet, and faces a much better armed and numerous enemy, yet manages to defeat them by having what McGee called a “John Wayne Day”, where things just go your way even when they shouldn’t… Just wondering if Mr. Johnson was familiar with the Travis McGee series, since I often find similarities in both Walt and Travis in their philosophies, even though their lifestyles and locale are so far apart.” - Randolph Ferris

31) Let’s Get Physical

“Walt seems to be able to handle himself physically in any situation, anywhere. Marine Corps boot camp, Sheriff & Police combat training. But the reference to Picador agility in the Depth of Winter amazed me. Has he always been adroit in a fight without starting one?” - Elise Dawson

32) Of Mice and Modems

“Knowing Walt’s aversion for technology, I’m wondering if you have the same attitudes and has that made the challenges of a Virtual Longmire Days that much more challenging?” - Paul Landon

33) Cowboy Up

“I’ve heard you say that building your ranch was one of the best things in teaching

yourself how to write your novels, how so?” - Brittney Kimes

34) What’s In A Name?

“I know this is a weird question, but I can’t seem to recall reading it. Does Walt Longmire have a middle name?” - Candy Jenkins Pitts

35) Number 1 With A Bullet

“When you started writing “The Cold Dish”, and all future “Longmire Mystery” novels, how hard was it to research the weapons you were going to include in the novels? Or did you use weapons you yourself felt comfortable with since you own or may have had the opportunity to shoot them. Did you ever find a weapon too difficult or unrealistic to place into a certain portion of a story?” - Herman Moller

36) Ai, Sancho!

“This year’s Christmas story got me wondering. I know Marcus Red Thunder is a resource for Cheyenne knowledge, and John Saunders was a help with railroad operations for ’The Western Star’, but how did you acquire so much information about the Basque culture, beginning with ‘Death Without Company’?” - Ry Brooks

37) Just The Facts

“Walt is very knowledgeable, not just with useless trivia. In addition, the books are FULL of detail about a variety of subjects. How hard is it to accurately research these details? Have you ever been called out because these details were incorrect?” - Robert Lang

38) That Was Zen, This Is Wow

“As a Facebook fan of your work, I was just curious as to how you started doing the Thirty Seconds of Zen videos you post on your page?’ - Mike Andros

39) The Pen Never Rests

“Once you have finished a novel and sent it to the publisher what do you do next? – celebrate, take a vacation, keep working on it, get onto the next one, go out and fix the fence???? I guess I’m asking, do you give yourself a break between books?” - Carolyn McGill

40) Keeping It Real…Fictional

“Where does the name of Walt’s town, Durant, originate from? And I’m curious to know what your thoughts were on the representation of Durant, WY by way of Las Vegas, NM in the series?” - Sue Weakley

41) Howdy, Boy

“What was Walt like as a boy?” - Carole Beers

42) North To Alaska

“I still want to (hear) about “the lost years” when Walt and Henry were adjusting to being civilians after the war. We know Walt was in Alaska and Henry in France. I‘m sure Walt found a mystery to solve.” - Beth Cook

43) The Clothes Make The Sheriff

“I’ve noticed discrepancies in the clothes that Walt wears on the TV show and in the books and was wondering if you could throw us some brands for the literary Longmire?” - Molly Koernke

44) Surprises

“I know you have said you use an outline and plan your stories carefully, but has a story ever taken you in a different direction than you planned? Have you ever written yourself into a corner and had to continue in a direction you perhaps didn’t want to go in order to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion? Have any of your storylines taken longer to tell than you intended, or would have liked? If so, what do you do?” - Carol McDoniel

45) Hope and Faith

“In my many visitations to Walt’s Wyoming I never fail to leave uplifted, amused, and distinctly inspired. The darkness is always unfailingly tempered by the light. It’s neither depressingly dark, nor cloyingly saccharine or cheery. How is this achieved?” - Ethan Evans-Hilton

46) Office Space

“I’ve noticed in interview photographs a number of items on the desk where you write on your ranch, any chance of giving us a tour?” - Brian Bowden

47) Flattery

“You are remarkably accessible through email and on social media to the point that I

see other authors copying the things that you do and was wondering if that’s sometimes

annoying?” - Al Munnings

48, 49, 50) All Good Things

• “Mr. Johnson- what gets your motor running? I understand that writing is a huge part of your life but what other things keep your life passion alive?” - Kimberly Leimer • “Are you still enjoying writing Longmire books or is there something new on the horizon?” - Kim McVey • “What have you not been asked that you would like to share with us?” - David Anderson

The first set of nearly weekly questions from the Longmire Book Club answered by author Craig Johnson about the Longmire literary universe. Simply click on any title to read Craig’s answer which will open in a new window.

1) A Good Start

“Do you know how the story will end before you start, or once you start with an idea, does the story line lead you?” - Mark Keast

2) In The Pipeline

“Back around 2008 you where interviewed by George Guidall for Recorded Books as a supplement for the audiobook “The Dark Horse”. He asked if you had any other books besides the “Longmire Mysteries” you wanted to do. You stated you where half done with one, and started another. Are they both now done? Maybe even published under a pen name?” - Herman Moeller

3) The Writing Bug

“How did you first get into writing? I

enjoyed the series, fell in love with the

books and now have the urge to write

down the stories whirling around in my

own head. Not sure if anyone besides me

will ever read them, but I enjoy writing

them so that’s okay. Thanks for helping

me find my passion for reading again and

for finding a new passion in writing.” -

Stephanie Gilbert

4) The Cheyenne Nation

“Clearly Dorothy and The Bear have a comfortable history together. Will we ever find out more about it? I just love the little asides between them. For example, as Walt notes, who tugs on Henry’s hair …. And lives?” - Anne MacLachlan

5) Coming Attractions

“So I can’t help but wonder about the various ‘other dangling threads’ that have cropped up throughout this extended narrative. I would love to hear the specifics about Walt’s time on Johnston Atoll. Clearly it wasn’t all recuperating in the sun. I’m fascinated by the thought of reading about Vic’s time in Belize from her own perspective. I imagine there was more than just liquid therapy happening. And then there’s Henry’s time in France after the war. Is there any chance we might be treated with these odd short stories or novellas?” - Ethan Evans-Hilton

6 & 7) Dog’s Life

• “When writing “The Cold Dish” at what point did you decide to include “Dog” into the storyline. It is a big step since he would become a focal point in all the stories going forward and be by Walt’s side more than any other character. Also, was there an inspiration or memory that helped in the creation of the character “Dog”. Also, the reasoning behind not naming him, and choosing the breed ‘Leonberger’.” - Herman Moller • “I love Dog in your books and missed him (but understand) in the Longmire shows. Do you have the real Dog?” - Nancy Lynch

8) The Straight Scoop

“I just finished reading Mr. Johnson’s reply to question 49. I had forgotten about the altercation between Walt and Henry at the drinking fountain, as it’s only been mentioned and I’ve read too many books to count since I finished the Longmire series. So my question is, Mr. Johnson, how do you keep track of each character’s back story? I read A LOT, most often series as opposed to stand alone books and it’s not uncommon to catch something in a back story that doesn’t match from a previous book. I don’t recall that ever happening in a Longmire book!” - Kim Busking Henderson

9) Inspiration

“When were you first bitten by the writing bug, and what books or authors were most inspiring and influential to your writing style?” - Tammy Jaye Pope

10) Confession

“Following week 49’s questions, I have a similar one. In one book you wrote about Walt going out to his parent’s ranch and describe the hinges on the gates of the entrance. Seems his father was quite handy and made those. Ever since then I’ve been able to see that ranch in my mind and was wondering if you’ll ever do a story that involves flashbacks of Walt’s childhood and give us a glimpse of his parent’s life and his in the ranch?” - Lori Saunders

11) By Any Other Name

“I’ve read where a few characters have been inspired by real people in your life. Care to expand your enlightenment on their actual names? Where did Walt Longmire come from? Martha? Cady, the greatest legal mind? How did you come up with Henry Standing Bear? Vic Moretti? The Ferg? How does an author give names to their heroes and foes etc?” - Sue Weakley

12) The Devil’s in the Details

“Each of your books gives us information

about topics I previously knew nothing

about. I’ve wondered how much effort you

have to put into researching topics you

don’t know much about. How much time

do you put into it, is there a point at which

you say “ok, I’ll go with what I’ve got” and

let artistic license do the rest.

As a reader, I think I can tell if something

has been well researched. I’m thinking

you go for ‘hands on’ experience. It must

be difficult to leave things out.

Although, just as an aside, as a museum

worker myself, I do take issue with the

activity that took place on the crate in Dry

Bones. But, as a reader, I have to admit, I

was quite happy with it (although I think I

will advise my museum never to send a

crate of artifacts to Wyoming).” - Carolyn

McGill

13) Beside Every Great Man

“How much involvement does your wife have with your writing?” - Stacey Chaffee Morris

14) Respect

“I really love the legends and beliefs of the American Indians incorporated into the Longmire stories. Is it possible you will start a new series (books first, TV / movies later – I hope) perhaps following another / other aboriginal Wyoming residents?” - Carolyn Corrigan

15) Who’s Your Pappy

“First the mystery, and always the question that was in the back of my mind, “Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve.” I knew Lucian could afford it from reading the Longmire Mysteries. I just want to know where he buys it so readily. I want to give his supplier a call.” - Herman Moller

16) The Enemies You Keep

“Tomas Bidarte first appears in A Serpent’s Tooth, but there seem to be hints about his impact on Walt and Company at least as far back as Hell is Empty. What was the inspiration behind Bidarte’s character, and when did you begin developing him?” - Sue Lee McMeen

17) The Brothers You Find

“Jacob Nighthorse is one of the central characters in the Longmire TV series but does not appear in the books. The Dr. Adan Martinez who appears in the upcoming book ‘Depth of Winter’ is based on you. What similarities are there between the two characters and how do you feel about “your” appearance in the newest addition to the Longmire book series?” - Craig Johnson to A Martinez

18) Weather…Or Not

“Why is the weather so important in all (or most of) the books? I feel as if the weather is almost another character.” - Michael K Crutchley

19) Steel Magnolia

“Can we talk about Ruby? She’s always in the background but always seems to be a step ahead of Walt. Kind of like “radar” from MASH. Where does she come from? Is there a back story?” - Carolyn J. Althoff

20) Ask Walt

“If you were to meet your character Walt Longmire in the flesh, what would you ask him?” - Carrie La Seur

21) …And The Horse You Rode In On

“I have a question for Craig (unless it’s already been asked and answered). I notice in a lot of the Longmire books, there are detailed references to very specific makes and models of cars (and other vehicles). Is Craig a car enthusiast himself, or is this just the result of exhaustive research?” - Kathleen Coughran

22) Vitamin R

23) Home, Home On The Range

“Will Walt ever finish his house?”

24) Also Known As…

“How much thought goes into finding just the right title for your books? Do you and your wife confab over naming? Does your editor make suggestions? The title is super important, but sometimes it can be harder than writing the damned thing, right?” - Marlowe Churchill

25) Spirit or Spiritual?

“I am very interested in the mysticism as a narrative device. Beginning with the anonymous old ones in the early books, Virgil White Buffalo has emerged as the “voice” Walt hears when he is near death in several books. In Hell is Empty Virgil tells a fable about the old ones sending someone you know to collect you. However, when Virgil is around he encourages Walt. So, please tell us more about this very intriguing character who may or may not really be there.” - Beth Cook

26) It Is What It Is

“How do you manage to stay so accessible to your fans? I’m a fairly outgoing person, but in this day and age I would be scared to death to be as accessible as you make yourself. You’re either incredibly brave or hopelessly naive, or is it something else?” - Walt Robertson

27) Walt’s Walt

“Other characters in your novels are imagined from real people in your own life. How much of you, CJ, is Walt Longmire?? (I ask this today because my husband said I talked about Walt last night, like he was a real person.)” - Sue Weakley

28) Walt’s Women

“Is there a reason that almost all of the female characters in the books are so strong willed?” - Michael Crutchley

29) Without A Clue

“Craig, how is it that Walt still just “thinks” he is in a relationship with Vic? Is it because he really is romantically clueless? Slow mover? Truly unsure? Non-committal?” - Lisa Nolan Lindsay

30) A John Wayne Day

“After reading “Depth of Winter”, I was struck with the thought of when I read “The Green Ripper” by John MacDonald. The hero, Travis McGee is like Walt, a former military vet, and faces a much better armed and numerous enemy, yet manages to defeat them by having what McGee called a “John Wayne Day”, where things just go your way even when they shouldn’t… Just wondering if Mr. Johnson was familiar with the Travis McGee series, since I often find similarities in both Walt and Travis in their philosophies, even though their lifestyles and locale are so far apart.” - Randolph Ferris

31) Let’s Get Physical

“Walt seems to be able to handle himself physically in any situation, anywhere. Marine Corps boot camp, Sheriff & Police combat training. But the reference to Picador agility in the Depth of Winter amazed me. Has he always been adroit in a fight without starting one?” - Elise Dawson

32) Of Mice and Modems

“Knowing Walt’s aversion for technology, I’m wondering if you have the same attitudes and has that made the challenges of a Virtual Longmire Days that much more challenging?” - Paul Landon

33) Cowboy Up

“I’ve heard you say that building your

ranch was one of the best things in

teaching yourself how to write your

novels, how so?” - Brittney Kimes

34) What’s In A Name?

“I know this is a weird question, but I can’t seem to recall reading it. Does Walt Longmire have a middle name?” - Candy Jenkins Pitts

35) Number 1 With A Bullet

“When you started writing “The Cold Dish”, and all future “Longmire Mystery” novels, how hard was it to research the weapons you were going to include in the novels? Or did you use weapons you yourself felt comfortable with since you own or may have had the opportunity to shoot them. Did you ever find a weapon too difficult or unrealistic to place into a certain portion of a story?” - Herman Moller

36) Ai, Sancho!

“This year’s Christmas story got me wondering. I know Marcus Red Thunder is a resource for Cheyenne knowledge, and John Saunders was a help with railroad operations for ’The Western Star’, but how did you acquire so much information about the Basque culture, beginning with ‘Death Without Company’?” - Ry Brooks

37) Just The Facts

“Walt is very knowledgeable, not just with useless trivia. In addition, the books are FULL of detail about a variety of subjects. How hard is it to accurately research these details? Have you ever been called out because these details were incorrect?” - Robert Lang

38) That Was Zen, This Is Wow

“As a Facebook fan of your work, I was just curious as to how you started doing the Thirty Seconds of Zen videos you post on your page?’ - Mike Andros

39) The Pen Never Rests

“Once you have finished a novel and sent it to the publisher what do you do next? – celebrate, take a vacation, keep working on it, get onto the next one, go out and fix the fence???? I guess I’m asking, do you give yourself a break between books?” - Carolyn McGill

40) Keeping It Real…Fictional

“Where does the name of Walt’s town, Durant, originate from? And I’m curious to know what your thoughts were on the representation of Durant, WY by way of Las Vegas, NM in the series?” - Sue Weakley

41) Howdy, Boy

“What was Walt like as a boy?” - Carole Beers

42) North To Alaska

“I still want to (hear) about “the lost years” when Walt and Henry were adjusting to being civilians after the war. We know Walt was in Alaska and Henry in France. I‘m sure Walt found a mystery to solve.” - Beth Cook

43) The Clothes Make The Sheriff

“I’ve noticed discrepancies in the clothes that Walt wears on the TV show and in the books and was wondering if you could throw us some brands for the literary Longmire?” - Molly Koernke

44) Surprises

“I know you have said you use an outline and plan your stories carefully, but has a story ever taken you in a different direction than you planned? Have you ever written yourself into a corner and had to continue in a direction you perhaps didn’t want to go in order to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion? Have any of your storylines taken longer to tell than you intended, or would have liked? If so, what do you do?” - Carol McDoniel

45) Hope and Faith

“In my many visitations to Walt’s Wyoming I never fail to leave uplifted, amused, and distinctly inspired. The darkness is always unfailingly tempered by the light. It’s neither depressingly dark, nor cloyingly saccharine or cheery. How is this achieved?” - Ethan Evans-Hilton

46) Office Space

“I’ve noticed in interview photographs a number of items on the desk where you write on your ranch, any chance of giving us a tour?” - Brian Bowden

47) Flattery

“You are remarkably accessible through

email and on social media to the point that

I see other authors copying the things that

you do and was wondering if that’s

sometimes annoying?” - Al Munnings

48, 49, 50) All Good Things

• “Mr. Johnson- what gets your motor running? I understand that writing is a huge part of your life but what other things keep your life passion alive?” - Kimberly Leimer • “Are you still enjoying writing Longmire books or is there something new on the horizon?” - Kim McVey • “What have you not been asked that you would like to share with us?” - David Anderson