BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Bullet in the Blue Sky: Kevin “Schmitty” Schmidt [2]

A very warm welcome to Bill Larkin; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

We love music; do you have a music playlist that you used in Bullet in the Blue Sky, or which inspired you whilst you were writing it?

"I didn’t use a favourite playlist or particular music, but often listen to various rock artists on the radio or Pandora. Anything from classic rock like Tom Petty, ELO, or the Rolling Stones to current alternative rock like Arcade Fire or the Shins. As far as video playlists go, the videos below could work."

What was the inspiration for Bullet in the Blue Sky?

"I live in Southern California – earthquake country - and was reading an article about earthquake prediction, the long-overdue Big One, and the science of it all, and it got me thinking that a post-earthquake environment would make the perfect setting for a thriller story with a true mystery to it. A lawless and violent environment where characters are sent on a rescue mission amid the chaos.

I outlined the story with the characters having to search for one missing man, and not being told why. The premise of not knowing what’s going on was built into the story from the beginning."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Very little of myself, but definitely some of my professional experience working in law enforcement. However, I needed to research the earthquake and how various agencies would respond after an unusually large earthquake – the responsibilities and overlapping jurisdictions. I did research into the science and into how responders, relief agencies, and the military would play roles. Most of the places depicted in the story are places I’ve been before or visited while writing the story."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Bullet in the Blue Sky - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Completely agree on the cover – it’s extremely important. My cover artist is James Egan of Bookfly Design. I didn’t have a lot of direction for him, but after some back-and-forth, I gave him a photo of the desert near Joshua Tree, California, which is where a portion of the book takes place. He broke up the asphalt and added the lone figure on the road, who represents the missing detective in the book. I’m really happy how the cover turned out and I’ve had a lot of positive feedback on it."

I do love that blue.

Why should we read Bullet in the Blue Sky and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I’d say this book is “high concept” for crime fiction. There is a lot more going on than a murder investigation. The mission is intense, the team is rift-prone and they are trying to find conviction in following orders to rescue one man whose importance eludes them.

They question whether the mission is a worthy cause. The further they go, they more they encounter and have dilemmas about who to trust. Then when they learn what’s really at stake, everything changes, and they have to face villains, as well as some surprises relating to a character’s past.

Although it evolves into unexpected geopolitical dimensions, at a core level, I wanted to explore things like loyalty, duty and sacrifice within the plot."

Who would you recommend Bullet in the Blue Sky to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d call this a crime thriller, so if you like crime fiction, mystery, thrillers, and some action, this fits the bill."

If you could / wished to turn Bullet in the Blue Sky into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"If this book were turned into a script, and then produced, it would have an ensemble cast.

There are six task force members searching for the missing man, plus several other important characters, and others who enter the storyline as it goes. Plus villains. It would be a lot of a casting!

The lead, Schmitty, should be relatively young, so Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds, or Charlie Hunnam. The Mata character, maybe Michael Pena. The deputy chief could be Denzel Washington. Ed Burns as Tallon. Elizabeth Banks as Kira."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I write crime fiction. That is what I’m most passionate about and read the most, although I do read other genre books and thrillers. Occasionally historical fiction or biography."

What is your writing process?

"Varied! Write when I have time. There is no singular process or routine. Some days I get a lot written, other days none. I do outline each book, but not in tremendous detail. Almost always have a cup of good coffee nearby!"

What is in store next?

"I have ideas about additional books with the Schmitty and Mata characters. I haven’t decided which to write yet. In the previous book, they were opposing characters and now in Bullet in the Blue Sky, they find themselves working together. The dynamic of the partnership develops here, but will be expanded and explored. There is also a private investigator in the previous book, Detective Lessons, who I’m sure will reappear. She’s fun and clever."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"Not sure that I have anything or any photos that are a fit for this, but I did recently see the central California coast, and that area is going play a part in the next book. This is a photo taken near Bug Sur."