D.J. Adamson is an award-winning author. Her family roots grow deep in the Midwest and it is here she sets much of her work. She juggles her time between her own desk and teaching writing to others at two Los Angeles area colleges. Along with her husband and two Welsh Terriers, she makes her home in Southern California.
Her latest book is the mystery, amateur sleuth, Admit to Mayhem.
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Would you call yourself a born writer?
My mother stated I popped into the world holding a pencil and a piece of paper wanting to record my birth. A born writer? No, I see myself as a born storyteller.
What was your inspiration for Admit to Mayhem?
My father estranged himself from his sister who was an alcoholic. I never knew her, yet I have been told I am much like her in personality. I am sorry I didn’t get to meet my Aunt Lillian. Like the Mormon religion believes someone can still be saved after they have died, I wrote Admit to Mayhem wanting to give my aunt the chance of living life sober. The story is not about alcoholism. It’s about giving a person rebirth and watching how she handles a new life. My protagonist’s name is Lillian.
What themes do you like to explore in your writing?
Funny you should ask this question. My newsletter Le Coeur de l’Artiste, found on my website, djadamson.com, is exploring theme in writing this February issue. My overall work is challenged with themes of self-discovery, renewal, justice, looking for that holy grail that slips from us each time we turn our heads, common man, or woman.
How long did it take you to complete the novel?
I worked on the concept for this novel series for a year. It then took a year to write the first novel, four complete drafts before editing and revising. Suppose, the second book in the series will be out Fall of 2015.
Are you disciplined? Describe a typical writing day.
Writing for me is a job, like my other job as a professor. I write four-six hours a day at least five days a week. I work best in the mornings. Rule: No email until 2,000 words are written! Discipline is the key. When I am in the editing phases, I stretch my schedule to seven days.
What did you find most challenging about writing this book?
Providing the reader truthful moments. Isn’t that always the most difficult, to let the raw truth out?
What do you love most about being an author?
Love? You haven’t read Bukowski’s poem, “So You Want To Be A Writer.” His advice, “Don’t.” It’s a long, difficult, generally lonely. Bukowski influenced modern poetry and left a legacy. But don’t forget, his day job for a great while was in the post office as a mail carrier. I cannot stop telling stories. I am lucky enough to thoroughly enjoy my characters, as if they are people in my life. Well, aren’t they? And I have a supportive family who understands my need.
Did you go with a traditional publisher, small press, or did you self publish? What was the process like and are you happy with your decision?
I created my own company, Horatio Press. I self-published because I didn’t want to write “marketable” stories others wanted me to tell. The stories I write are mine. The characters, mine. Writers think that traditional publishing will do the work of sales and marketing. If they can just land a Big 5, then they will be a success. Not true. Editorial advice is valuable, but the author still has to promote the work and generate sales numbers that will create a product the publisher will want to keep. I’ve had friends knocked off lists.
I can’t fail at self-publishing. I write the stories without expectations. If a reader asks when the next book is coming out, I’ve been paid.
Where can we find you on the web?
Readers can find me or my newsletter at djadamson.com. Admit to Mayhem can be found at Amazon or Goodreads. I also walkabout on twitter @adamson_dj and Facebook.
