Ada Adams Author Interview

Photo Content from Ada Adams

At the age of five, Ada Adams read her first chapter book—Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren. Ever since that moment, she developed an intense passion for 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 a 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, and is an editor of a global fashion/literary magazine called VEUX. ReVamped is her debut novel.

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

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Tell us your latest news.
Right now, I’m putting the finishing touches on “ReAwakened”, the second book in the “Angel Creek” series. It has a Fall 2012 release date, and takes the readers on a more intimate journey into the characters’ lives. We find out about the misfits’ pasts, as well as see Dawn’s romantic relationship(s) deepen and taken on new challenges. As well, we are introduced to yet another mystery and some new characters who are in town to create havoc for Dawn and the gang. I’m very excited to share it when the time comes! In other news, I’m also speaking with local bookstores about making more print copies of “ReVamped” available to readers.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
I’m a very versatile reader, so I’m not quite sure that I have been influenced by any one particular author. I have always read in a wide variety of genres, from YA literature to adult stories. The first book that I ever read was “Pippi Longstockings” by Astrid Lindgren. I was five years old, and it was the first chapter book that I finished all by myself. It was like a whole new world had suddenly opened up to me! And what a magical world it was! I love that about books, and am very thankful that, as readers, we have so many wonderful novels and talented authors to choose from. One series that will always hold a special place in my heart is the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling. I grew up with those books, and am in complete awe of Ms. Rowling’s talent. Aside from writing a truly imaginative story with some of the most interesting characters I’ve ever read about, she also managed to ignite the passion for reading in so many young readers. I think that’s one of the most rewarding achievements for an author.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always loved creating stories. I was the type of child that could entertain myself for hours simply by digging deep into my imagination. The moment I learned to read, I began writing my own stories. While my mom still occasionally pulls out these stories and reads them, I’m not quite sure that the rest of the public would be as enamoured by early writing. When I was twelve or thirteen, I took a break from writing stories and began writing synopses—just synopses—of books for some reason! I think I found it easier than writing actual books. That was my period of contemporary mysteries, friendship stories, and cute boys with piercing blue eyes. High school creative writing courses solidified my passion for the craft, and I never looked back. Writing is a very personal and creative process—it’s a different for every writer. While “ReVamped” is my debut novel, it’s definitely not the only story on my computer or in my head. :)

For those of you who are unfamiliar with your novel; ReVamped, how would you introduce it?
“ReVamped” takes a bit of a different approach to the vampire genre. Since we already have so many wonderful dark, gritty vampire novels about forbidden loves and good-looking, strong vampires, I decided to take a more humorous approach to the genre. I wanted to explore what would happen if vampires, spurred on by our love for them, decided to come out of the darkness and reveal themselves to us. In “ReVamped”, vampires coexist peaceful with humans. In fact, humans are quite enamored with them. However, I didn’t want to write about the celebrity vamps. I wanted to tell a tale about the not-so-perfect vampires and the girl responsible for revamping them. When Dawn is tasked with training a group of non-vampiric misfit vampires in a small town of Angel Creek, she thinks that the mission will be quick and easy. However, she soon finds herself amidst a mystery that threatens both her past and her present.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I’m currently working on a few different projects, although the “Angel Creek” series is my priority this year. I wish to bring the rest of Dawn’s story to readers as soon as possible. “ReAwakened” is coming out in the Fall, and the third novel (the title of which is a secret for the time being due to spoilers) sometime in 2013.

Do you have a favorite quote that you keep visible in your work environment to inspire you?
I’m somewhat of a perfectionist, so failure is a scary concept. Being a writer, however, it’s important to take chances—whether by taking a risk with a different approach to a genre, or simply writing a character who may not appeal to a mass audience. As Wayne Gretzky says, “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”, so I try to live by that and be more daring in both my personal and professional lives. I keep some of my favorite quotes on my Tumblr account, along with some cheesy personal ones that I’ve made up while writing late into the night. “If the grass is greener on the other side…seduce your neighbor’s gardener.” Sound advice, right? :P

Did you learn anything from writing Dawn, and what was it?
One thing that I learned from writing Dawn is that it’s important to write about flawed characters. Dawn is so “kick-butt” in many ways, but at the same time, she’s not perfect. She possesses many weaknesses. The same goes with all of the “Angel Creek” Misfits—Brooke, Sophie, Hunter, and Seth. I’m very drawn to imperfect characters because their personalities allow room for growth as the series progresses. It also makes me love them more!

If you could introduce one of your characters to any characters from another book, who would it be and why?
I think that Dawn needs a little “bad-boy” in her life. She has to learn to be more comfortable in her skin when it comes to the opposite sex (she’s so tough and brave in many ways, but quite tongue-tied when it comes to boys—no pun intended!), so it would be a lot of fun to introduce her to someone who would push her buttons. Any suggestions?

What is the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?
The Internet! I get very easily distracted, especially when it comes to social media websites. I could write at least ten times faster if it wasn’t for Twitter. But Twitter is just one of my many Internet distractions. The Internet in general is both my nemesis and my best friend. At times, I would be doing research for my writing and then suddenly find myself completely absorbed in the subject matter that I’m investigating. Hours later, I’m behind schedule with my writing!

Beyond your own work, of course, what is your all-time favorite book and why? What is your favorite book outside of your genre?
I know this is probably going to sound very silly, but I don’t have a favorite book. I’m so very indecisive when it comes to favorite books, favorite movies, and favorite songs…I have a list of at least a Top 100, and they are all so different from one another—I always worry that I would miss out on listing a favorite author!

When asked, what is the one question you always answer with a lie?
I do my best to live honestly and am very candid about most things in life—I’m a horrible flier (though I love to travel); you don’t want to hear me sing—trust me; etc. I think the one thing that I twist around a little is my height. I’m almost 5’6, though I always say that I’m 5’6. Does that count?

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I usually write in my office at home, however, due to the nice summer weather that we’ve been having, I’m currently on a writing retreat at the cottage. It’s a small cottage in the middle of Nowhere, Ontario—private lake, no one around for miles—really relaxing and beautiful. I also don’t have any cell phone and Internet service, so it helps with the distractions. :)

If you could be any mythological creature, what would you be?
This is a great question! I would probably be a mermaid. I love water and swimming, so I would enjoy living in the ocean. I’m also a horrible singer, so having a beautiful voice would be a lovely perk.

What is the worst job you have had?
In my career as an actress, I’ve had some really interesting jobs. On one specific shoot for a zombie film, I was required to climb to the roof through a tiny opening above the stairwell. If I slipped down the ladder, I’d be plunging two stories and tumbling down some steep steps! However, once I overcame my fear of ladders (and falling!) it was a wonderful shoot!

When was the last time you cried?
I have to admit that I’m very sensitive. I always cry during sad movies and heartbreaking storylines in books. I just watched “War Horse” and bawled through the entire thing—even the happy moments! I can’t stand to see animals in pain; I think that’s my kryptonite. People are a close second. :)

What is your favorite holiday, and why?
I love any holiday that brings my family together. I have a very close-knit family, and even though we may not always see eye-to-eye on everything, they are the most important people in my life. Therefore, I love spending time with them, especially when we go away on family trips in the summertime!

A simple mission turned deadly.

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.

The remarkable world that Ada Adams has brilliantly created in ReVamped is absolutely unique and amazing. It is a world where humans and vampires peacefully coexist to the extent that vampires are admired by humans. At first, it sounds over-the-top but Ada knew what she was getting into. She provides readers with rich and bold descriptive text that her creative world becomes interesting and admirable.

Nineteen year-old Dawn, a stern vampire-born warrior, is assigned a mission by her father, the Vampire President, to train four vampires in Angel Creek to become the town’s new guardians. The simple mission quickly turns out to be deadly when it becomes clear that she is being hunted. But who is hunting her? Why?

Ada’s debut novel had a touch of everything. From the paranormal/supernatural aspects to nonstop action, and the humor and romance, it filled the pages to maintain its readers’ interests throughout. The writing prose is very precise and stunning. It is amazingly descriptive with a story plot that thickens with each page turn. The twists and turns readers are exposed to are thrilling and highly captivating. Ada has a natural talent of getting readers hooked onto the story. When the story seems to be heading to the obvious, the rug is pulled right under the reader’s feet and is surprised with a shift in the storyline. ReVamped will have readers feeling emotions that have been absent for a while. A very fun and unique read and a great way to introduce a series. 

You can purchase ReVamped at the following Retailers:

   

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you ADA ADAMS for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a complete Swag of ReVamped by Ada Adams.

(A Copy of ReVamped, Bookplate and Signed Bookmark by Ada Adams).

5 Winners will receive one Signed Bookmarks by Ada Adams.

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