Michael J. Vaughn - When Punk Music Meets Opera, A Genre-Clashing Novel

Michael J. Vaughn is the author of 29 novels, including the award-winning opera novel Gabriella's Voice. He has worked as an opera critic for 35 years, currently for the Palo Alto Weekly, Vaughn is also a fine arts painter and plays drums for the El Camino Revival Band.  As our Author of the Day, he tells us all about his book, Punks for the Opera.

What inspired you to write about punk musicians who become involved with the SF Opera?

Two of my side hustles are opera critic and rock drummer, so it's kind of a natural. But it's largely owing to Jenni Coppertone, a former bandmate who's five foot tall, looks like a young Judy Garland and plays bass for an all-female band called Snatcher. In fact, she's also my cover girl, this amazing photo by Wayne Lawton. "You're such a character," I told Jenni. "Is it all right if I put you in my novel?"

The setting of the story spans from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco. How does the geographical backdrop contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes of "Punks for the Opera"?

I am thoroughly addicted to road trips, and a favorite is the Oregon Coast, featured early in the book. And I love this idea of new beginnings. I also realized that, even though I live 50 miles south of SF, I had never set a novel there.

Your previous works include "Mermaids' Tears" and "East of the Cookie Tree." How does "Punks for the Opera" differ from or build upon the themes and storytelling techniques of your earlier works?

Those two works were inspired by real events, my nephew's suicide (Mermaids) and my niece's Malibu wedding. Punks' originating idea - a woman at the end of her rope, changing cities in hopes of bettering her life - is entirely made up. Although certainly I've had similar experiences.

You worked as an Opera critic for many years. In which way have your personal experiences shaped this story?

Every performance in the book comes from a memorable production that I attended. I even drafted my favorite soprano, Sondra Radvanovsky, for a cameo. Being on the receiving end of their help, I was certainly familiar with the press relations job that Marina ends up getting.

Readers say they really enjoyed this story - even those who don't like either punk nor opera music. How did you pull this off?

By writing through the perspective of Marina, a newbie to both forms, I was able to keep things fresh and not fall into the trap of showing off my knowledge. Also, there are absurdities to both forms that provide plenty of humor. And I truly love both forms myself. I think that really comes through. I really enjoyed creating the edgy scene from Tosca designed for the punk crowd.

Tell us more about Marina Quantrill. What makes her special?

By the end of the book, I wanted to marry Marina myself. She is so tremendously herself, so open to new experiences, so courageous in taking this drastic action, and so sympathetic to others. I think likeable characters are underrated. So many authors seem to delight in characters who are just jerks.

What did you have the most fun with when writing Punks for the Opera?

Macy, our punk bassist, is a dog walker, so I filled out her "clientele" with pooches I have known. I even brought a few back from the dead. It's a great way to get all the little animal quirks right. In a similar way, I placed the punk gigs in clubs that my SF band, Exit Wonderland, played. Sadly, a few of these clubs were lost to the pandemic.

In which way is Punks for the Opera a book of second chances?

Oh, tremendously. Obviously for Marina, but perhaps more importantly for those who caused her initial downfall. I think it's also quite lovely that Marina is able to shift from her original plans for her life to this new, unorthodox career.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

Never assume you know who someone is or what they've been through. Perhaps my favorite character is Hager, who received scholarship offers from Arkansas (football) and Julliard (voice), and chose Julliard! This is a favorite theme of mine. It's perfectly possible to be athletic and intellectual at the same time. Don't put boundaries on your life. You can enjoy both punk and opera. And football.

Your books tend to be thought-provoking. Is this intentional?

Oh yeah. I love the struggles that everyday people go through, and the gray areas, the conflicts they experience in the pursuit of happiness. My best books often come from questions that I'm grappling with in my own life. And the writing often brings up surprising answers.

Your characters are deep and complex. How do you go about creating them? Are they inspired by anyone you know?

It's the full range, really. Macy is taken from real life, Marina is completely made up. I even have a semi-famous actor friend who I "cast" in a small role because I needed it to stand out (she was great). Much of a character's complexity comes from the story itself. Actions. Actions are everything.

What are you working on right now? Any future projects readers can look forward to?

I'm working on my 30th (!) novel, and I'm doing what I've mostly avoided: using myself as a principal character. Mostly, this Renaissance Man thing that is my life (I also work as a fine arts painter). Working title is "Catchy AF," the title of the heroine's videos, which feature songs by neglected bands.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

All my titles are on Amazon (be sure to include the "J."). Best contact spot is Facebook under Michael J. Vaughn, Author.