OLD TRICKS, NEW TREATS is book three of the BAG OF TRICKS trilogy: a compilation of short stories about San Francisco punks in the early 80’s.
- Old Tricks, New Treats completes a trilogy—how do the three books connect thematically?
When I first started writing these stories, they were written as individual, stand alone tales. But as I kept writing, characters bled from tale to tale, and over time, I saw a larger story arc develop. I’m not saying you have to read all the books to get the full story, but… you should read all the books to get the full picture 😉 In book one, we meet most of the characters and are introduced to their feebles and foils, their strengths and quirks. In book two, the characters grow and move apart. In book three, there is resolution to each character’s tale, with some unexpected outcomes.
- When you began the first book, did you envision it becoming a series?
I actually wrote the entire series all at once, as one book. My publisher took s a look at my punk rock ‘Lord of the Rings’ and said, nope, this is three books.
- How does this third volume differ in tone or scope from the earlier ones?
I think that OLD TRICKS, NEW TREATS is darker in some ways than the other two books, which I think are more filled with the innocence of not knowing what’s ahead. The third book also provides a glimmer of hope though in some other ways. So take your pick: half full or half empty?
- What recurring characters or ideas carry through all three?
All the characters live in all three books: Sophie, Val, Amy, the band the Shits, Bags, Babs, Annie X, Red, Carla and more. The ideas that move from book to book are the movement of their lives- how we all change and evolve, or get stuck and don’t. Just like real life.
- Did writing the trilogy change your understanding of your younger self?
I think I was able to forgive myself a little more readily for mistakes I made and people I hurt. I was young and dumb and full of myself while not being sure of myself. So I messed up, and eventually grew up.
About:
OLD TRICKS, NEW TREATS is book three of the BAG OF TRICKS trilogy: a compilation of short stories about San Francisco punks in the early 80’s.
Follow the adventures of The Shits, Val, Sophie, Babs, Carla, Red, Marco, Bags and all the rest of the rag-tag gang of street punks that populate these stories. Ride with them as they hit new highs and lows, make mostly bad and occasionally good choices, and aim for uncharted lives in the end.
Link – https://amzn.to/4oFYSzL
About the Author
Ruby grew up in the foothills of Northern CA and the West Texas flatlands, riding horses in the back woods near Folsom Prison, and singing with family on the back porch. She attended SDSU at fifteen- studying electrical engineering and drama- then stumbled into life on the streets of San Francisco, enchanted by all the grime and glitz, the drugs and wild nights, even the discordance and insanity of life as a punk in those early days. Moving on, Ruby co-founded the North Coast California Earth First! in Arcata, CA while attending Humboldt State, and fished across Alaskan waters. Eventually, she moved to Seattle, WA where she opened a series of restaurants, then transitioned from restaurateur to singer/songwriter when she started the roots-rockabilly band Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers in 2002. Thrice Grammy-considered, they tour the world and produce award-winning records. In 2023, Ruby wrote Bag of Tricks after reconnecting with old punk friends and reminiscing about those lost years. Most of what she wrote came from events that really occurred, though Ruby took liberties and changed some details because she could. Find more at https://www.rubydeephilippa.com/
Find Part Ten HERE