It’s summer! Time to catch up on that teetering, tower of
TBR. One of the season’s most anticipated new books is finally out.
"I don’t know what’s better, his (Tom Pitts) writing or the story he is telling."
-David Nemeth, Noir Czar, Unlawful Acts
Fans of dark, gritty crime fiction have come to know the
name Tom Pitts. Author of FASTBALL, PIGGYBACK, and HUSTLE he is also
acquisitions editor at Gutter Books and Out of the Gutter Online. He fills his
24-hours. His new novel AMERICAN STATIC hit the streets June 26.
AMERICAN STATIC is a fast-paced crime thriller with a
mystery woven throughout. It plays out against the backdrop of Northern
California’s wine country, Oakland’s mean streets, and San Francisco’s peaks
and alleyways. The perfectly paced story is filled with corrupt cops and death
dealing gangsters.
With a chaotic writer’s schedule and O.J. vs The People
streaming on Netflix Tom Pitts is a busy man, but we wanted to learn more about
his pitch perfect and true to life characters.
To get some insight, Do Some Damage sat down with AMERICAN
STATIC’s lead instigator Quinn and author Tom Pitts. Quinn is a mysterious
stranger on a desperate search for his daughter. When he picks up innocent
protagonist Steven after the latter is beaten and left for dead the two set out
on the ride of their lives.
In hopes of learning more about this fascinating man I
filled my phone notepad with questions. Deep, meaningful questions probing and
delving the depths of his soul and heart. Questions that might lead to a deeper
insight into his demons and angels.
Then my kids were released from school. Summer vacation hit and
my phone has not been the same. They text friends. Search DIY slime recipes.
Listen to Pandora without closing the app, suck the battery and lose all files
in my notepad.
There are some awesome consequences, though. All vocal apps
now address me as Mrs. Snow, Mother of Dragons. I can, in certain circumstance,
speak another language as my girls have changed my texting capability to
Japanese only. Plus, every single app on my phone is princess related.
With that being said and Quinn’s patience already tested I
decided to just do it, dammit. Thank you, Shia.
Ladies and gentlemen please meet Quinn and let’s get ready
to play…
Which Disney Princess Are You?
Quinn: Wait … is
that a real question? ‘Cause I have some thoughts on the subject. Having had a
daughter of my own, the whole princess thing is—
Pitts: Hang on,
wait a second, I don’t mean to interrupt, but this is ridiculous. I get that
trying to do a different spin on things might be fun, but an online Disney
quiz? Aside from it being inappropriate for the subject matter, you’re opening
yourself up to scrutiny from the most litigious organization in the history of
copyright infringement.
Quinn: Eh, not
for nothin’, but you seem a bit uptight, Pitts. Let’s let the little lady have
her fun and play along. Who knows maybe you’ll learn something.
Pitts: She’s not
a little lady, she’s a writer trying to go against the grain of a tired format.
Saying shit like that is patronizing at the very least.
DSD: It’s okay,
Tom. I don’t mind-
Quinn: Tell you
what, I’ll take the quiz, you can sit tight and relax for a minute. There’s a
bottle of Jack in the truck, why don’t you go pour yourself a short one and have
one of my Marlboros.
Pitts: I don’t smoke.
Quinn: Ha! Right!
Maybe you should. Maybe that’s your problem. Look, we all got shit to do today.
I’m startin’ to feel like you’re just being disruptive. I’ll tell you
only once more, sit down.
Pitts: I don’t
like the look you’re giving me.
Quinn: Okay,
Marrietta, I’m sorry. Some people just can’t let go of their own shit long
enough to have a good time. Now … where were we?
DSD: Checking hair in Quinn’s mirrored glasses.
Huh? Oh, yea. Wait. Something with princess. Which princess are you? Here we go.
1. What was your favorite
subject in school?
A. Gym. I was always team
captain
B. History. I loved
learning how romantic things were back in the day.
C. Lunch. Chatting with
my friends was the best part of my day.
D. English. Getting lost
in a book is so dreamy.
E. French. I
couldn’t wait to travel the world.
Quinn: School.
Yeah, right. I think you gotta get your education outside of the four walls,
you know? Question authority, and all that? Fuck school.
2. How
long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
A. Fifteen minutes. Tops.
I like the natural yet pulled-together look.
B. Five minutes. Messy
hair? Don’t care. Hello messy pony.
C. Depends. I love to try
new things. Ask my mood?
D. Thirty minutes. That
is just my hair.
E. An hour.
Perfection doesn’t happen by accident.
Quinn: Fifteen
minutes. This perfection actually did happen by accident. Back in the joint, it
was up at 5:45 and in the chow line by 6. If you didn’t make it by 6, it was
white toast with no butter for you. Now that I’m out freewheeling, I guess I
could do what I like in the morning. Take my time, read the paper, jerk off,
whatever. But, you know, old habits die hard.
Flashes perfect pearly whites.
DSD: No time for
proper nutrition? Shame. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
3. When
it’s a chill day, what is your fav activity?
A. Curl up with a good
book. No shame in re-reading my favorites.
B. Hang with my besties.
C. Hit the mall.
Hopefully run into my secret crush.
D. Sports. If I’m not
running, skating, swimming or biking I’m practicing.
E. Spa day!!!
Quinn: Behind the
wheel, all day, no stopping. One straight fucking beeline to the border, baby.
DSD: Sounds like
someone is a fan of the gorgeous open-air markets in Rosarita. Is it the
glassware or the hand-wovens?
4. How
would you ask your secret crush on a date?
A. Just ask. Duh.
B. Stick a cute note on
their car or mailbox.
C. Pop the question
during half-time!!!
D. Plan a fun scavenger
hunt.
E. Chill. Send a
text. NBD.
Quinn: Me? I have
to ask? I don’t know if you noticed that waitress looking at me, but she is.
Chicks dig me, what can I say. Usually they’re the ones asking me out.
DSD: Notes waitress’ expression also resembles
“bad burrito face.” Absolutely. I can see that. Let’s move on.
5. You’re
having a sleepover with your besties. What will you and your posse probably do
all night long?
A. Video games.
B. An epic game of truth
or dare.
C. Mani/pedis, of course.
D. Stalk your secret
crush on social media.
E. Watch our fav
tearjerker.
Quinn: Besties?
What the hell is that? Like a cellie? If we’re locked down, I don’t want
someone crawling the walls. They better lay still and entertain themselves. You
think I need a weapon to shut someone up? Hell no. All I need is these two
hands.
DSD: Aha. So, you
like arts and crafts? Are you a modeling clay type or do you like to work with
wood?
6. What
is your go to flirting move?
A. A subtle hair flip is
perfect.
B. Being super, duper
nice. Make them cookies!!!!
C. Show off.
D. Ramble on and on until
we find something in common.
E. Play it cool.
Act like I could care less.
Quinn: My smile,
it’s all I need. I’ve been told many times I got movie start good-looks. Hell,
I flash this grin at you and before you know it, I’m at your kitchen table and
you’re telling me your deepest darkest secrets. Lifts chin. Smiles.
DSD: As long as
you brought the doughnuts. Stares at
phone.
7. Your
bestie is super stressed they will never have a date. What do you suggest?
A. The Gym. People who go
to the gym are dedicated and totally hot.
B. Church. It’s where all
the decent people go.
C. You can find love
anywhere. Just be open to it.
D. Hang out after work.
Friends of friends.
E. Love yourself
first and love will find you.
Quinn: Toughen
up, kid. We ain’t all cut out for a life full of love.
8. Describe
your fashion style.
A. Sporty.
B. Flirty.
C. Classic.
D. Trendy.
Quinn: You
kidding? Class-sick. Shit.
DSD: Regular
Robert Redford.
9. Describe
your perfect crush.
A. Popular and charming.
So many people can’t be wrong.
B. Captain of the
football team. Go team!!!
C. Tough on the outside,
sweet and sensitive on the inside.
D. Mysterious.
Misunderstood.
E. I have a crush
on everyone.
Quinn: I’m not
sure I understand this question. What’re you trying to say? Are you accusing me
of something?
Pitts: Whoa, hang
on. Don’t get excited. It’s just one of those online quizzes for fun.
Quinn: For fun?
Online? Who else is reading this? I thought it was just us three, you know,
having a good time. What the fuck, Miles? Who asked you to do this? You with
somebody? You know Ricardo? Don’t lie, I’m not always this nice. If I find out
you’re fucking with me, shit ain’t gonna end pretty.
DSD: I don’t know
a Ricardo. I know a Weddle. Let me just get your score.
RAPUNZEL
You are funny and gregarious, people say you have a great
sense of humor and that you always keep them smiling and in stitches. You are
constantly on the lookout for adventures and excitement. You will never settle
down.
Perfect.
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