What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I grew up in a neighborhood that had some rough-and-tumble characters. I didn’t run in their circles because, well, they scared me. They had some tough luck. Parents weren’t the best. Lots of drug use. Some scuffles with the law. I wanted to write a novel that gave people of that background some humanity and grace. And a chance at redemption. They rarely got that in real life.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
“I’ve Been Searchin’ So Long” by Chicago. The main character, Conrad “Connie” Keen, has most definitely been searching for an answer and meaning to life. He was just hiding behind booze before he realized he had the power to do so.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I like dark comedy best of all. And it is the genre I favor when writing.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’m going old school right now. I recently watched the Lonesome Dove miniseries, which really held up well. So I got the book by Larry McMurtry. I had not read it for decades. So that’s on my plate.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write was the one in which Connie, who’s trying to solve his brother’s murder, tracks down the investigating officer from the time. The cop agrees to take him to the pier where his brother fell to his death. The officer, now retired, is gruff and no-nonsense, but he takes a liking to Connie. It’s a sweet moment, I think, between an unlikely pairing.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I just like quiet.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
This may sound odd, but I can and do hold grudges. Not to my detriment, but I don’t like to let things go completely. It powers me. I don’t understand people who can be truly forgiving, particularly when the sin against them is pretty dramatic. We need right and wrong boundaries. Well, at least I do.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I hope they remember to buy my other books! Oh, I joke. I just hope they got some enjoyment from reading. And that good guys can be bad guys and vice versa.
Mike Stetz is the author of the new book The Dark Lottery: Jackpot... You're Dead
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