Interview with Janice N. Adams, author of A Heart’s Journey, A Twisted State of Mind, About My Father’s Business, and About My Father’s Footsteps (Coming Soon - Deep Waters: A Heart’s Journey Part Two)

Author’s Bio: A Virginia native, Janice N. Adams is a published author who uplifts the human spirit through fiction and non-fiction literary works. In 2008, she wrote and published the novel, A Heart’s Journey, and two books of inspiration, About My Father’s Business, and About My Father’s Footsteps. Her novella, A Twisted State of Mind, is published in Another Time Another Place, by New York Times bestselling author, Zane. Janice contributed to editing the Show-Bible for Black Rose that won the Best Drama Actress Award at the 2015 New York Television Festival. She’s a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (aka Virginia Tech) with a B.S. degree in Sociology. She enjoys photography, interior design, sports, music, and movies; and is the proud mother of two sons.

DL: What’s the inspiration for writing your books?

JA: To empower women (and men) as we journey through the complexities and beauty of relationships within our inner most circle of family, friends, lovers, and co-workers. To position people to persevere with strength and passion.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

JA: After journaling for several years, Terry McMillan’s book, Waiting to Exhale was the turning point for me when I started to believed that “I can do this.” I wanted to see a book with my name on it in the books stores. In 2008, that dream came true with my novella, “A Twisted State of Mind” published in Zane’s Anthology, Another Time Another Place.

DL: How long did it take to write your books?

JA: It took me about 3 – 4 years to write the first four books, collectively. It has taken me 8 years for my current project, Deep Waters. As my mom and grandmothers would say, “God willing and the creek don’t rise,” I plan to complete Deep Waters in 2018.

DL: Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?

JA: I start with an outline first to have a sense of the plot, characters, setting, etc. Then the story flows organically, growing and morphing along the way as the characters become alive on paper.

DL:  Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?

JA: Yes, I listen to music when initially composing the story. However, I do not listen to music when editing. My attention to detail is a bit different when editing; I focus better without music when I’m editing. As for theme songs, I like the following for my novels:

a.       A Heart’s Journey (Mariah Carey - “I Don’t Want to Cry”)

b.      Deep Waters (Johnny Gill/New Edition - “This One’s for Me and You”, or Mariah Carey’s “Anytime You Need A Friend”)

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your books?
JA: Visibility and Word of Mouth: Social Media, Website, Book Festivals/Special Events – I like book festivals and special events the most because I enjoy engaging and interacting with people/customers.

DL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

JA: Learn the business as well as your craft. Keep writing and reading, know your genre, discover your style, and know when to stop editing. There will always be something you want to change.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from “Deep Waters”?

JA: Sure. This scene occurs in Northern Virginia at a Christmas dinner party among the main characters.

Copyright@2018 by Janice N. Adams

Chris approached the townhouse, eyeing his beloved Cierra the entire way. He desperately wanted to embrace her. Cierra and Paul descended the brightly lit steps adorned with Christmas lights. As they passed Chris, Paul observed him trying to touch Cierra’s hand. He tensed, then quickly extended his hand to greet Chris, causing him to cease his obvious intention.

“What’s up? Chris, right? I’m Paul,” he stated in a matter of fact way.

Humph - This clown must be trippin’. What the hell has Cierra told him about me? Chris wondered. He ignored Paul’s gesture and continued to look at Cierra. He walked slowly past her and whispered in her ear, “What are you doing? You know where your heart belongs.”

Cierra pretended not to hear him and held onto Paul’s arm as they kept walking to Paul’s car.

Chris lingered at the front door as Rachel hung up his coat and Damien greeted him.

As Paul drove past the townhouse, Cierra and Chris’ eyes met, seconds before Rachel closed the door. Cierra thought about seeing his bracelet in Rachel’s jewelry drawer.

“Ci, are you OK?” Paul asked, concerned where her thoughts had taken her.

“Yes, I’m just tired.”

“It’s been quite the evening,” Paul admitted.

“Yes, it has,” she agreed.

As Paul drove, Cierra stared at the starry sky and prayed.

Lord, please reveal the truth to me. Something feels weird about all this, and I’m not even sure what ‘this’ is, but something is not quite right. Amen.

DL: What’s next for you?
JA: Create a book trailer, complete and publish Deep Waters.

DL: Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?

·         Website: www.janicenadams.com

·         Amazon Author Page: Janice N. Adams

o   “A Heart’s Journey: To Quench a Thirsty Soul” by Janice N. Adams

o   “About My Father’s Business” by Janice N. Adams

o   About My Father’s Footsteps” by Janice N. Adams

o   “Another Time Another Place” by Zane

·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janicenadams.author/

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.