Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1152350
AUGUST 2019 WWW.PNWR.ORG 53 Jay: Denny's view of DE (as an instructor) seems a little negative. Why did you lean in this direction? Garth: I don't think it's negative. (You HPDE guys are so sensitive!) I think Denny has a passion for driving and he'd much rather be behind the wheel than in the passenger seat. In fact, I just asked Denny now (I have his cell phone number on my speed dial), and he said that anytime a car is on a track at speed is a good time. The complaining he does is really a judgment on himself and his competitive nature and his need for speed, rather than a comment about the value of DE instructing. Jay: What can you tell us about plans to make a film based on the book and as a filmmaker yourself, will you have a role in bringing the story to the screen? Garth: I can tell you that we're on the verge of a studio deal with Patrick Dempsey producing and starring as Denny. An announce- ment will hopefully be made in the next couple of weeks. I will have nothing to do with the film except to take my kids to the movie theater and buy them each one of those huge tubs of popcorn and one of those magnum-sized sodas and together we will sit through the film three times consecutively. And we will love it each time! Jay: How does your experience as a filmmaker influence your fiction writing? Garth: I think filmmaking has given me a solid understanding of dramatic structure, which is reflected in the plotting of my books. It also has led to the character-driven nature of my work. You know, no matter how many pretty words you use, it's still got to be a solid story. More from Garth: My father was a Puget Sound PCA member for 25 years, and drove HPDE events with PCA and Proformance Racing School since he got his first Porsche 944 back in 1984. He passed away a few months ago, and at his memorial, Don and Donna Kitch retired his customary Proformance car number (#1). Later this summer, I will take his Carrera 4 down to Pacific Race- ways for a final lap to honor old Marvin and his passion for driving.