Reclusive author K.C. Constantine reveals himself at mystery fest
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After years of mystery -- and writing them -- author K.C. Constantine appears at Monday's Festival of Mystery in Oakmont and signs his books among a bevy of buyers. -
Carl Constantine Kosak, who writes under the pseudonym K.C. Constantine, at the 16th annual Festival of Mystery in Oakmont. -
Carl Constantine Kosak, who writes under the pseudonym K.C. Constantine, at the 16th annual Festival of Mystery in Oakmont.
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The pseudonymous K.C. Constantine signed the first live autograph of his long writing career Monday and said, "That didn't hurt too much."
He grinned.
Pretty soon there were other fans lined up awaiting to get their own signatures from the creator of the popular and long-running mystery series featuring Mario Balzic, police chief of the fictional town of Rocksburg, Pa.
The occasion was the 16th annual Festival of Mystery held at the Greek Orthodox Church in Oakmont by the Mystery Lovers Bookshop, and it marked the first public appearance by Mr. Constantine in a nearly 40-year career. He signed previously published works -- he hasn't published a novel in nearly a decade -- and a short story in "Pittsburgh Noir," a new collection by local authors.
The writer had promised to do appearances for the store before, co-owner Mary Alice Gorman said, but always backed out. So fierce was his desire for anonymity that his book contracts forbade publishers to reveal his identity. He refused book tours and other marketing events that required public appearances.
So appearing Monday was a big deal. He not only gave an interview; he had his photo taken. When asked his real name, he replied that it was available and correct on the Internet. For the record, it's Carl Constantine Kosak. A McKees Rocks native, he lives in Greensburg and is 76.
Why was he so reclusive all these years?
"Wish I could remember," he joked.
Later, however, Mr. Constantine got serious.
"I did it to protect my family," he said. "[But] nobody stalked me. Nobody tracked me down. I decided it was ridiculous to keep up this charade."
The festival became his coming-out party.
Asked what he's been working on over the past years, he said, "stuff that nobody wants to buy, even people who had published other stuff. It's very disappointing."
First Published May 3, 2011 12:00 am
