Local author David Kilmer doesn't put much stock in the old adage, "write what you know." He's never ridden a Harley across Mexico, but that didn't stop him from writing a novel about it.

"I like even better 'write what you feel,'" Kilmer said. "Fiction can be almost more true than a true story could be."

Writing enthusiasts will have an opportunity to hear firsthand about Kilmer's creative process at The Well-Read Moose on Tuesday. The event will feature an intimate conversation about Kilmer's latest book, "The Most Dangerous Curve," and how Kilmer’s real-life experiences inspired his fiction.

"For a while I wondered what it would be like to ride a motorcycle across Mexico," Kilmer said. "What I was able to do is take experiences we've had in Mexico and write them into this road trip."

Kilmer is no stranger to travel. He was raised in Beirut and East Africa before moving to the United States at age 18. Today, he splits his time between North Idaho and Mexico. His previous books describe his experiences as a sailboat captain in the Caribbean.

"The Most Dangerous Curve" is Kilmer's first foray into longform fiction writing. Set in the 1980s, it follows a Texas oilman and a mysterious Latina woman as they try to outrun their pasts. Kilmer brings Mexican settings to life on the page, drawing on his own travel experiences.

"A novel should be a pressure cooker for the soul," Kilmer said. "A good novel is going to build a sympathetic character and put them under great duress and find out what their soul is made of."

Kilmer is full of writing advice like this, with several years of experience in writing journalism, nonfiction and fiction. He describes his writing style as “immersive, lean and lyrical.”

He is also a voracious reader who enjoys talking with fellow writers about their projects. He hopes the event at The Well-Read Moose will encourage conversation among attendees.

"It will be an evening where people who are interested in stories can relate to each other," Kilmer said. "It's a great excuse to be with like-minded people."

To learn more about Kilmer's writing process and his latest book, join him at The Well-Read Moose at 6 p.m. Tuesday. RSVP in advance at wellreadmoose.com/event/2026-11-17/david-kilmer-wellread-moose.

    Mexican road trip photo by David Kilmer.
  

    One reader’s perspective of the book, Grenadine Islands - photo credit John Grollmus.