My chauffeur Myren suggested that I’ve become too close to the characters in my latest book, Beachcomber Santa. It’s part of the Beachcomber Investigations series with five books so far, including the prequel, The Beachcombers, where the main characters are introduced.
Don’t tell him, but I think this is the one rare instance where Myren could be right. I find Dane Blaise particularly compelling. But anyone would (I think Myren is secretly jealous). Let’s have a chat with Dane Blaise and you can judge for yourself:
What do you think your greatest weakness is? Any deep dark secrets you want to share?
Let’s pretend this is an in-person interview and you can hear me laughing out loud, not at the question, but at the idea that you—or anyone would expect me to answer it. I’m not a sharer of my deep dark secrets. I don’t share much at all. Think of me as the guy who considers life a perpetual poker game. As for weakness, I don’t think about the possibility. I can’t afford to in my world. Weakness means death. Or that’s the way it used to be.
What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Now this is a question I can live with. I’ve had to sleep in all kinds of places usually in full battle gear—up until now. These days I’m sleeping in a bed, so I wear nothing. Preferably I have a woman to keep me warm, like Shana. But not Shana.
(For those of you who don’t know, Shana is the other main character in the Beachcomber Investigations series. Myren thought I should point this out. He’s reading over my shoulder and it’s very annoying and I might have to give him an elbow in a minute.) Back to Dane.
What is your most prized possession?
I don’t know if I’d call it prized exactly, but I’m very attached to my Glock. We’ve been through a lot together and I’m still alive thanks to my reliable old Glock.
Who was your first love and what did you like most about her?
I’m not inclined to think about her or share anything about my first love. I’ve put her out of my mind. If you really want to know something about that desolating chapter of my life, read The Beachcombers to find out.
What do you think are your strongest attributes?
This is a question I can answer, but only because the answers are obvious to anyone. Shana thinks I’m a legend. I’m not, but I am a crafty SOB with massive combat and survival skills and the nerves of a block of granite.
What is something no one knows about you? Why do you keep it a secret? And what would happen if everyone found out about it?
If you insist on uncovering deep dark secrets and personal details about me after my off-putting answers above, then you’ll have to read Beachcomber Baby. You might find out something about a past case in that book. As far as everyone finding out about it, it only matters to me what
one person in particular thinks these days. I find that troubling. That’s all I have to say.
What do you find most appealing in women?
Self-sufficiency and a willingness to let me be is appealing. I’m not fond of emotionally needy women, women who need to share. I want a woman to be willing with no strings. It goes without saying that she’s beautiful and intelligent, but I’m most attracted to a sense of humor. Too bad Shana comes with so many strings attached–she’s like a giant booby trap.
What turns you on?
A challenge. Of any kind. Call me macho, but it’s in my DNA. This is where I most often get into trouble with Shana. She is the Mt. Everest of challenges.
What turns you off?
Injustice. Evil. The strong taking advantage of the weak. It more than turns me off, it enrages me and calls me to action. Automatically. Without fail. Even when I’d rather not act. Even when I’m hurting and soul weary. I respond because it’s how I’m made.
What other profession would you like to try?
I’m doing the only thing I could imagine doing. I’m hardwired with a need to protect people, to right wrongs. I wish I could be a rock star, but I’d end up bored—or in trouble.
What is your most favorite memory?
The last Christmas with my father before he left—shipped out—and I never saw him again. He gave me a guitar. I still have it. In the attic. I don’t play it anymore.
Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo, what would it be and where?
What makes you think I don’t already have a tattoo? What and where it is remain a secret. For now.
It’s been swell chatting. See you on Martha’s Vineyard. If you run into trouble, look me up under Beachcomber Investigations.
(Myren would like to remind you to sign up for my newsletter so you’ll know when the next Dane Blaise novel, I mean Beachcomber Investigations series novel will be released. Sign up HERE.)