Ada Adams Interview

So many interviews! Here's another, featuring Ada Adams. Welcome, Ada, to Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More

Tell me about yourself, and your writing.

My name is Ada, and I am from Toronto, Ontario. Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a great passion for reading and writing. My new novel, “ReVamped”, is a YA Paranormal action/adventure story about a group of misfit vampires and the girl responsible for revamping them into brave protectors of a small town of Angel Creek. It’s the first installment in the series. Aside from being a writer, I am also an actress. I love to utilize my acting to explore different worlds and characters in a more physical way. I find that writing and acting complement each other very well. Writing helps me become a better actor and vice versa. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as well as a Master of Science in Education. I come from a very large, close-knit family, and am grateful for the love and support that they bring into my life. I have a Yorkie named Cara and a Maltipoo named Oreo (they were an inspiration for Daisy from “ReVamped”). Most importantly, I’m a chocoholic!

How long have you been writing?

“ReVamped” is my debut novel, but I have been writing stories ever since I learned to read. I used to devour books, so while I waited for my library to stock up on new novels, I would fill up journals upon journals with fun stories and interesting characters. Of course, some of the stories written by my six-year-old self may need a tiny bit of editing before they’re ready for the press! I’ve always found so much joy and pleasure in exploring literary worlds, and will continue to carry that passion with me for the rest of my life.

Plotter or pantster?

I’m kind of obsessed with list-making. For me, plotting involves a lot of lists and scene breakdowns, so I’m a big fan of plotting out a story before setting out to write it. However, I also believe that sometimes you have to let go and write what comes to you in that particular moment. Structuring a story in a manner that doesn’t allow flexibility and room for growth can make it very rigid. I often provide my characters with some freedom within the story—even if they end up taking it in the wrong direction. After all, that’s what second and third drafts are for!

When you aren't writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies/passtimes?

Eating chocolate! Aside from that, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy traveling and being in nature—hiking, camping, and spending time at the cottage. I love photography, although only as a hobby. No matter what I’m doing, I enjoy surrounding myself with various creative projects. Aside from my writing and acting work (which take up most of my time), I am an editor of a fashion/literary magazine called VEUX Magazine. I also volunteer in various special education classrooms in the city. I find working with children to be very rewarding. When I’m able to squeeze in some down-time, I like cozying up with a good book, a fun movie, or my favorite show (and I have way too many favorites)!

Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite genre?

I’m a very diverse reader, so I love many different genres and authors for various reasons. I read a lot of YA work (of any kind!), and am also drawn to contemporary or historical novels about family life and different cultures around the world. One author I do admire is J.K. Rowling for what she has achieved with her “Harry Potter” series. She wrote a brilliant story with moving characters, and managed to inspire so many people—especially young boys—to pick up a book and read. She’s truly a writing wizard!

If you were given the chance to co-author a book with someone, who would you chose?

Like I said, J.K. Rowling is a story, plot, character development, writing—everything wizard! However, I don’t think I would ever be able to co-author anything with her. I would just sit back and watch her work, while trying to absorb even 1/1000^th of her magic! (Like how I incorporated “wizard” and “magic” into that answer?) ;)

What's the strangest thing you've done, or strangest question you have had to ask for research purposes?

A lot of my writing work is in the Paranormal/Fantasy genre, so I’m lucky that I’m able to create a lot of the lore. I think, so far, I haven’t written anything that required very strange questions and answers. Most of it has been historical and mythological research. Of course, if you go poking into vampire lore, you never know what you may find…

What talent do you wish you had, but don't? (For me, I wish I could draw better!)

I wish I could sing. I don’t mean sign well like a talented singer, but just be able to carry a tune! My own mother laughs at me when I sing (and she’s the sweetest, kindest person I know). Yes, I’m that bad!

What's a typical writing day for you like?

If it’s a writing day (as in, I don’t have any obligations to anyone in the “real world”) then I’m usually up by 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. and take an hour or so to chat with readers, do some interviews, then it’s off to write! I probably write straight through until about 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. I have started scheduling in “food time” so that I can stay healthy, because if I’m working on an intense scene, I will often choose to forgo lunch. Then I take a break (to return to real life), but find myself back at the computer in the late evening/night. I usually work best in the middle of the night for some reason, so when I have an all-nighter, I try to sleep in during the day (that rarely happens, of course).

How many different genres do you write in?

I’ve only published “ReVamped”, which is a YA Paranormal novel, but I have works which were written in various other genres—Adult Romance, MG Fantasy, YA Contemporary, etc.

If only one, do you ever think about writing a different book than what you are known for?

Yes, I do plan to publish in a different genre than Paranormal, but I will most likely stay in the YA area for the time being. I do have an MG Fantasy novel that I have been working on, which I am looking into finishing sometime next year.

What do you do to celebrate a book release day?

For my next book release day, I am planning to do a signing at a local bookstore, then have a Twitter party with my international readers. Giving away lots of goodies is a must, of course! :)

We all know there's trends in writing. A certain type of book, or genre explodes in popularity. Some fade into the dark. What's a type of book you'd love to see make a comeback?

I’m enjoying the current trend of apocalyptic and zombie novels. I have yet to read many of the books in the genre, so I feel like that will keep me busy for a while! Of course, even though many people say that the vampire genre is going out of style, I’d like to see vampire novels continue to hold a place on people’s bookshelves. I also think that good, contemporary YA books are something that will always appeal to readers, so I hope we continue to have more such works.

What are three things your fans don't know about you that may surprise them?

1. I have a Black Belt in Karate.
2. I like exploring creepy, abandoned places. I find such adventures make for great story material!
3. I love to travel, but I’m afraid of flying (I had a bad experience when I was younger). I’m the world’s worst flyer ever, but I have to suck it up and do it!

What are you working on at the moment in terms of writing?

I’m currently working on “ReAwakened”, the second book in the “Angel Creek” series.

What's something you'd like to accomplish that you have not yet done?

Hmm…This is a great question. I love to travel and immerse myself in different cultures, so I think that, one day, I would like to be able to say that I’ve travelled all around the world! Uhh, preferably not on a plane. :D

ReVamped

By Ada Adams

Paranormal YA

Blurb:

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.

When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

About the Author:

"Many people sing in the shower. I, on the other hand, write scenes in my head and act them out."

At age five, Ada read her first chapter book - Pippi Longstocking. Ever since that moment, she developed an intense passion for the stories and characters found within the pages of literature.

In her career as an actress and a writer, Ada currently spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning, and has attained Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating characters with unique quirks!) as well as a Master's of Science in Education.

Ada strives to bring a fresh voice and perspective to fiction. She has been writing creatively for many years. "ReVamped" is her debut novel.

She lives in Toronto, Canada, and enjoys adventurous nature hikes with her adorable puppies Cara and Oreo.

www.revampedbook.com

www.facebook.com/revampedbook

www.twitter.com/Ada_Adams

www.goodreads.com/book/show/13495198-revamped