Ken Jaworowski’s new crime novel ‘What About the Bodies’ has a surprising tender side

"The Main Characters and Their Challenges" delves into the lives of three protagonists—Carla, Liz, and Reed—as they navigate personal obstacles interwoven with the adversities of their hometown, Locksburg, Pennsylvania.

Three Protagonists - Carla, Liz, and Reed - Face Personal Obstacles

In the backdrop of a small town's economic decline, Carla, Liz, and Reed each confront unique challenges that test their resilience and determination.

Carla, Single Mom, Waitress, Plans to Start Restaurant

Carla, a single mother, juggles her role as a waitress with the dream of starting her own restaurant. Her aspirations signify a hope to overcome her current circumstances and build a better future for herself and her child.

Musician Liz Nears Dream but Faces Setbacks

Liz is a musician whose ambition nearly materializes, only to encounter unforeseen difficulties. Just as her dream appears within reach, she is compelled to deal with the uncertainties that accompany a pursuit in the competitive world of music.

Autistic Reed, Bullied but Resolute in Promise

Reed, an autistic young man, faces bullying yet remains steadfast in fulfilling a promise he has made. His story illustrates unwavering commitment in the face of social ostracism and adversity.

Characters' Challenges Intertwine With Their Small Town's Struggles

Locksburg, Pennsylvania, mirrors the protagonists' personal struggles, as the community's spirit sags ...

Ken Jaworowski delves into the profound effect of the small town setting on the characters and the story itself, treating the town of Locksburg as more than just a backdrop, but rather as a pivotal character that molds the lives and aspirations of the protagonists.

Locksburg Is a Character That Shapes the Protagonists

The decline of Locksburg from a bustling industrial hub to a depressed area casts a long shadow over the residents, influencing the choices and outlook of the central characters.

Town's Decline From Industrial Hub to Depressed Area Takes Toll On Residents

With the coal mines having closed, Locksburg is a town that once flourished but has seen better days. Jaworowski touches upon similar real-life towns in Pennsylvania. Some of them succeed in reinventing themselves after the closure of major employers, yet others are less fortunate. This shift has a profound impact on the town’s residents, forming a collective experience of endurance and loss.

Carla and Liz Feel Trapped In Locksburg, Limiting Prospects

Jaworowski writes that Carla and Liz, the protagonists, feel a profound sense of entrapment within Locksburg, beset by the lack of escape from their circumstances. Their environment limits their prospects, which, while difficult for the characters, offers narrative richness and a canvas of constraint that provides excitement for the writer.

Reed's Nostalgic Appreciation F ...

Ken Jaworowski shares insights into his personal approach toward writing and editing his novel, emphasizing his background as an editor and his structured planning process for writing.

Nyt Editor Ken Jaworowski Lacked Initial Confidence In Writing

Unsure Writer, Skilled Editor

Ken Jaworowski expresses uncertainty in his role as a writer while contrasting it with his confidence in editing. Emphasizing his hope of being a good writer, Jaworowski acknowledges his established expertise in editing with over 20 years of experience.

Jaworowski's Expertise Enabled a More Structured Novel-Writing Approach

Jaworowski's editing background informed his approach to writing, leading him to structure his writing process meticulously. This intentionality came from lessons learned from previous unsuccessful attempts at novel writing where he did not pre-plot the story.

Jaworowski Pre-plotted the Story Rather Than Writing Spontaneously

Instead of writing spontaneously, Jaworowski outlines his decision to pre-plot the story carefully, maintaining focus to ensure an effective intersection of character storylines within the novel.

Maintained Focus to Ensure Effective Character Storylines Intersection

Jaworowski embarked on a strategy of plotting out the narrative beforehand, contrasting it to his prior approach, which entailed writing without a clear direction. His goal was to guarantee that his character storylines intertwined successfully within the novel’s structure.

Avoided Inte ...