Tell -Tale Publishing - Blog

Sam Waas, in Figaro (wearing the vest and laced shirt)

Sam Waas

Sam Waas is a Renaissance man. From science to opera, he's done it all, proving both sides of his mind function simultaneously. He has been a writer throughout his adult life. He began by editing an under-ground newsletter while in college at the University of Kansas, and has freelanced ever since. He’s written book reviews for major dailies, strung for newspapers with sports car racing coverage, and has written articles for gun magazines and local newspapers, varied pieces for slick monthlies, and short stories, screenplays and essays. He’s also written numerous book reviews for the online mystery website Over My Dead Body.

Recently, Sam’s concentrating on his Mitch King private detective novels, based in Houston and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. There are three novels thus far: Blood Spiral,Blood Storm and Blood Vengeance, and he’s now writing his fourth Mitch King novel.

Today Sam has agreed to introduce us to his main protagonist.

And here he is now:

Ok, let’s start with the basics. Can you tell me your name? (and rank if appropriate)

Mitch King, short for Mitchell. I’m a licensed private investigator for the great state of Texas.

Where are you from originally?

I was born here in Houston and except for college at the University of Texas in Austin, I’ve lived here always.

What’s the most flattering thing anyone has ever said about you?

My lady friend Alice said I’m the smartest private detective she’s ever met. Of course, she’s only met one private eye ever, me.

Describe your ideal mate. OR what’s your idea of a good lover?

Someone who can take the BS I immerse myself in and help me deal with it.

What is the pet name for the love of your life?

The Kiwi Surgeon from Hell. And no, don’t ask.

What is your biggest fear?

That people will find out that I’m not as smart or as special as I think I am.

Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done? (and Why haven’t you done it?)

I’d promised my father I’d go to law school like he and my grandfather did, join the firm. Now that he’s gone, my promise is not only unfulfilled but empty.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone? Why?

Lied to my best friends Joe Duggan and David Meierhoff. Not a wise thing to do, as they’re both homicide cops. I lied to cover up my wrong-headed romantic fixation on a client and it ended badly. They’ve forgiven me but now I need to forgive myself, which is infinitely more difficult.

Here is the can of whip cream I promised you. What are you planning on doing with it?

Ha! I’ll stick it in the fridge until my wonderful lady comes over! What we then do with it is strictly a private eye’s concern.

If you had complete and total control over (me/character name), what would you have (me/character name) do?

Turn back the clock and reverse my terrible mistakes. But this cannot be done. Time’s inevitable arrow always moves forward, as physicist Stephen Hawking reminds us. And so does Thomas Wolfe, when he told us that you can’t go home again. And both are right.

You seem a little tense. Is something bothering you? (Great place to describe conflict in your book.)

I keep replaying the past and trying to forget it at the same time. This doesn’t work. But I’m duty bound to try to succeed. That I owe to those whom I’ve wronged. Maybe I can eventually set things straight.

Where can we find out more about your life? (website, social media links)

There’s a rumor going around that my personal reflections and experiences have found their way into three novels, cleverly disguised as fiction. About this tall tale (or should I say Tell-Tale?) I cannot comment further.