Adam Plantinga Interview, plus links to author biography, book summaries, excerpts and reviews

An interview with Adam Plantinga

Adam Plantinga discusses The Ascent with Vicarious Thrills.

Please tell us about your debut novel.

The Ascent is a thriller about a down-on-his-luck former Detroit cop, Kurt Argento, who is on a road trip out west when he runs afoul of a corrupt small town sheriff's department and put in a maximum security prison on fabricated charges. Julie Wakefield, a grad student who happens to be the governor's daughter, is about to take a tour of the prison. But when a malfunction in the security system releases a horde of inmates, a fierce struggle for survival ensues. Argento must help a small band of staff and civilians, including Julie and her two state trooper handlers, make their way from the bottom floor to the roof to safety. Standing in their way are six floors of the most dangerous convicts in Missouri.

I've read that only 4% of the people who start a novel, finish writing it. Why do you think you beat the odds?

Old mule stubbornness. Also, writing is my main hobby. I don't fish or play cards or collect stamps. So I write. My day job as a police patrol sergeant in San Francisco supplies me with a steady stream of material that I was motivated to work into a book. I was also set on writing the kind of novel that I like to read.

Was your debut novel the first book you wrote? (Any prior efforts hiding on your hard drive?)

It's actually my sixth novel, which includes a PI trilogy that, even being kind, was a cheap knock-off of far better PI stories. My first five books are unpublished and for the sake of readers everywhere, should remain that way. But it was valuable experience because my writing evolved with each novel until I found both my own voice and a story that resonated.

What helped you become a better writer? Any books or resources you found helpful?

I've had great teachers along the way. I was an English major in college with a focus on writing and one of my professors helped me get a short story published and I've been at it ever since. I try to always think of myself as a student of the craft and not get too satisfied or complacent, even if I've had some success. Funny You Should Ask by literary agent Barbara Poelle is a book of Q &A that provides invaluable insight into the publishing industry and answered many of my questions. I'd also highly recommend author Doug Brunt's podcast Dedicated, which features interviews with first-rate writers who discuss their works and craft. Lot of great takeaways there.

What was your process like getting an agent?

With my first book, the nonfiction 400 Things Cops Know, 90 different agents said no. The 91st did due diligence but we couldn't make a deal happen. So I went agentless and found an indie publisher that put it out. When I started shopping The Ascent, I had the advantage of two books already under my belt which were relatively well-received, so I had somewhat of a track record, which helped. A handful of agents passed before I found Caitlin Blasdell of Liza Dawson Associates. She rules, and as a former editor with a sharp eye, she's made my writing better. She was able to get me a two book deal with Grand Central, which greatly exceeded my expectations.

How did you celebrate when you learned your book would be published?

My wife and I went out to a nice dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. I don't drink, but I'm thinking about starting, because it seemed insufficient to toast the publication of my first novel with a Diet Coke with lemon.

What was the most exciting moment involving the publication of your debut novel? (The moment you first saw the cover? The call when you learned when it was being published? When you cashed your advance check?)

It's hard to pick just one thing. It's all been a blast. One of my favorite parts is some of my writing heroes like Harlan Coben, Robert Crais, and Nick Petrie have had nice things to say about the book. These are busy people who were generous with their time and I couldn't appreciate that more. I've also relished going to a bookstore and looking at the covers for other thrillers to get ideas for the cover to The Ascent.

What's your best advice for someone who wants to be published?

The cold truth is the book you've written and are looking to shop around probably isn't good enough. I know this from personal experience because my first five novels certainly weren't. So make it better. Read it out loud to yourself, every word, and chop or fix anything that doesn't sound right. Show it to discerning readers and get feedback, and not just from friends who are likely going to tell you what you want to hear, but people who are well-read in your genre and will give it to you straight. Then have the wisdom to know what feedback to incorporate and what feedback to ignore, because when the dust has settled, it's your book, not theirs. Read a lot. Listen to podcasts on writing. If you're looking to go the traditional route and get a literary agent and 40 agents reject you, that's okay. It only takes one to say yes, and maybe that's the 41st. And if you do get published after these hurdles, it will be all the sweeter because although it was tough sledding, you put in the sweat equity to make it happen.

What are you currently reading? Or, what's one of the best novels you've read lately?

Currently listening to Small Town Sins by Ken Jaworowski on audio and finding it compelling. The best book I've read of late is November Road by Lou Berney. It's hypnotic. Ever come across a book that seems like it was written just for you? That's how I feel about November Road.

What are you working on now? Any projects coming out soon?

My follow-up to The Ascent is another Kurt Argento novel with the working title of Hard Town and is slated for release in 2025. After that, I would relish having Argento be a series character. Hopefully readers will decide he's someone worth following.

Unless otherwise stated, this interview was conducted at the time the book was first published, and is reproduced with permission of the publisher. This interview may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the copyright holder.