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For 20-some years I’ve been writing about the sheriff of the least-populated county in the scarcely populated state of Wyoming, but only five years have passed for Walt Longmire.
Author Craig Johnson reflects on his two-decade journey writing the Walt Longmire mystery series. He highlights the unique privilege of a novelist to control time, allowing his character, Sheriff Walt Longmire, to age only five years despite 20 years of writing. Johnson also notes how his fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming remains largely insulated from modern trends, such as the influx of billionaires, preserving its distinct character.
Johnson recounts the beginnings of the Longmire series, inspired by a suggestion from Kathryn Court, president of Viking/Penguin Publishing. Initially skeptical about sustaining a series in a sparsely populated county, he was encouraged by her. A defining moment was Court's question about Walt Longmire's lack of a cell phone, a characteristic that would become central to the series' unique identity.
Seeking wisdom from acclaimed author Tony Hillerman, Johnson learned the importance of creating a framework for changing environments in a series. This inspired him to utilize Wyoming's drastic seasonal weather as a narrative device. This strategy provides four distinct settings per year (hot, lush, wet, frozen tundra), offering diverse challenges and continuous yet varied backdrops for Walt's adventures, from extreme thirst in the desert to frostbite.
A significant aspect of Walt Longmire's character is his deliberate detachment from modern technology. While the author has aged 25 years, Walt has only aged five, allowing him to consistently avoid smartphones and advanced police tech. Johnson positions his series as a sanctuary from artificial intelligence, emphasizing a reliance on traditional methods and human intelligence over technological dependence.
The inherent technological limitations and spotty reception in rural Wyoming are presented as narrative advantages. Without modern gadgets, Sheriff Longmire is compelled to depend on his sharp instincts and intellect to tackle complex crimes like those involving sophisticated killers, cartels, and human trafficking. This approach also aligns with Northern Cheyenne philosophy, which advocates for a slower, more present way of living, enhancing Walt's keen observational skills.
Johnson concludes by pondering the fascinating temporal disconnect between himself and his fictional character. He cherishes moments away from technology, mirroring the 'slowing down' ethos of Walt Longmire. The author humorously anticipates the eventual point where he will chronologically surpass his character, a thought he currently has the luxury of time to consider.