Author pays tribute to GH in new book

Michael Vaughn’s latest work inspired by karaoke, harbor

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Author Michael Vaughn, who describes his latest book as a “love letter to Gig Harbor,” will sign his latest book, “Outro,” on Aug. 29 at Gig Harbor’s Mostly Books.

The central scenes take place in a Tides Tavern-esque “Karz Bar” and extends to Jerisich Dock, Susanne’s Bakery and Soundview Drive.

Although contracting work in San Jose, Calif., pulled the author away from the Pacific Northwest, Vaughn has fond memories of living on Whidbey Island and in Tacoma.

“Sunshine is boring,” he said. “What I missed most about that area is the weather. It was such a playground for a kid. I never got over those white mountains.”

Vaughn spent many hours penning novels at Java and Clay in downtown Gig Harbor. The Powerbook scene was not for him.

“I’m the spiral notebook dude,” he said. “We’re all slowly turning into cyborgs. But there’s something very sensual about pen and paper — the ideas just seem to flow more easily when I have that. I can always whip out my notebook and work on the latest draft.”

Vaughn said he always worked in coffee houses and would go there specifically to work.

“The front counter of the Java was one of my favorite places, because you’re technically against the wall, yet there’s a window,” he said. “About three or four times, I spotted bald eagles right out there. I’m a California kid now, and I miss the bald eagles.”

While he lived in the area, Vaughn sang karaoke regularly at Tacoma’s Guadalajara restaurant in the Stadium district, Lakewood’s La Palma Restaurant and Kerby’s Lounge in Sumner.

His book’s title is a karaoke term.

“Outro is when there’s no more singing to do, but the music is going to play,” he said. “I set the book in a karaoke bar, because there’s an instant sense of community when people sing to each other.

“Singing is a very sensual act. It’s actually kind of embarrassing. Karaoke bars are like church with cocktails.”

Vaughn said his book deals with grief as the two main characters both go through issues. One character deals with her husband’s suicide while he’s in Iraq. Vaughn based the situation on a real-life soldier known by a friend of his.

“I didn’t know this when I wrote the book, but I heard there are now more soldiers that have died of suicide over in Iraq than in combat,” Vaughn said. “I don’t really sit down and write a novel on issues, but it just worked out that way.”

Even with the underlying tones of sadness, Vaughn said the book offers plenty of comic relief.

“There’s a lot of comedy — karaoke — need I say more? People who sing karaoke will love the book because there’s so many inside jokes.”

Michael Vaughn book signing

Author Michael Vaughn will be in town this month to sign copies of his book on two dates:

Mostly Books: 1 p.m. Aug. 29, 3126 Harborview Drive in Gig Harbor.

Anna Lemon Wheelock Library, 7 p.m. Sept. 1, 3722 N. 26th St. in Tacoma.

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.