“The only thing better than a good book is a good story behind it.”

Welcome Adam Plantinga:

We’re joined on the Starline by an author living a dual life. By day, he is a member of the San Francisco Police Department. By night he’s a jaw dropping, blast of crime and punishment as an author. On weekends, he’s losing games of Clue to his daughter. We welcome the author of “Hard Town” Adam Plantinga.

Adam, let’s go Beyond the Mic. “Hard Town” is the sequel to your book “The Ascent”. Why other than someone backing up a truck full of money did you want to continue Kurt’s story?

What makes a story about the same character so fulfilling for an author?

Normally, I avoid spoilers, but as a dog lover, I’m going to give away one thing. “He’d been their dog, his and Emily’s, and now Hudson was the only family he had left. One of the last cords that still tethered him to his wife.” Why was it important for his character’s development for him to lose Hudson his chow-shepherd?

You have written 5 novels before your 1st published was a USA Today bestseller. How has overcoming adversity change the way you see writing and the way you see yourself?

Adam, what motivates you on a daily basis?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8. Your fellow author and Beyond the Mic 2 time alum Alex Kenna warned you about this. 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is absolutely no pressure.

1. From your book "Last week I brought some lady a disco ball and a tub of tapioca pudding. Three in the morning. I don’t ask.” – What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen on the beat?

2. What’s the movie you watch when you need to relax?

3. Best thing in the world about being a girl dad?

4. Who is the most jacked author?

5. How much time in the makeup chair did it take before you went on Dr. Phil?

6. What’s your favorite song from the Footloose soundtrack?

7. Favorite flavor of donut and how do you drink your coffee?

8. Board game that your kids can’t beat you at?

The Back Half:

How has the blight of fentanyl changed the way you see addiction in your community?

When you met this author, it changed your opinion on them. Who is it and what’s the story behind it?

Your 1st book “400 Things Cops Know” was nominated for an Agatha Award and won the  Silver Falchion award for best nonfiction crime reference. Was there a 401st thing cops know that you left out?

Best moment at a writing conference was where and with who?

How long did it take you to write “Hard Town” and how much of it was rewritten from the beginning?

Writing:

How much of the book was written at gymnastics practices or meets?

In one part of the book Kurt asks a source "I’m in Phoenix. I need five grand delivered to my hotel room, a change of street clothes, and a few hours with the best computer guy you can wrangle. I’ll pay you back.” Do you have someone in your life you can make this type of request to?

Which author has changed the way you see your craft the most?

How has policing changed since you started?

How long could you survive if you had to in San Quentin?

So what is your favorite home cooked meal?

Policing:

Have you ever thought of leaving policing for writing full time?

“We recently took on a suspect who had a FAFO neck tattoo. He f*cked around with us & found out we'd be arresting him on multiple charges. I would have pointed out how his tattoo had a reverse meaning that day but he didn't especially strike me as a student of irony.” What is your favorite story from the streets?

Was there something you wanted to do with Kurt Argento that you have left out for a third or fourth book?

What’s the power of sarcasm today?

Family and Friends:

Your brother went to law school, how disappointed was your mother when you went into law?

How has your writing evolved from your 1st failed novel to today? Who has helped you become a better author today?

“As a cop, you're no superhero. You succeed b/c you use good teamwork and tactics. But maybe you can still draw some inspiration from the costumed ones. A friend once wrote me a card after I graduated the police academy that said, "Go get 'em, Superman." Still remember that card.” Do you still have that card?

How powerful was she as a friend?

Was there a character that Argento interacts with that you want to flesh out in the future?

You once said "I once arrested a guy on Homeland Security's Most Wanted List and arrestable for attempted murder. His crime? He shoplifted a few shirts.” Who is the one person that you felt bad about taking in?

17 years ago you met the love of your life. How has your wife helped you the most?

What was the one section that she said “Adam, no…”

As a college graduate, I’m going to ask you an important question. Can you trust Marquette?

Favorite type of call and do you have a funny story about it?

One Big Question:

How do you relate to Argento from your own time on the beat and what’s the one fear you have every day?

The Wrap:

He avoids rabbit detail, trusts Marquette and wants you to read his book “Hard Town”.

Where can people find you online?

Adam Plantinga, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.