Visiting us today all the way from New Zealand, please welcome author Jean Adams!
Tell us a little about yourself Jean.
I started writing about 20 years ago, thinking I would be the next
Agatha Christie, but of course I had no idea how to craft a story, let alone
work out a murder mystery. After a lot of false starts, someone introduced me
to Mills & Boon, and it was love at first read. Of course I was no better
at them, but it started me on a journey to further my knowledge of the romance
genre.
What is your
favorite non-writing pastime?
When I’m not writing or working, I really enjoy walking, particularly
along the beach.
Is writing a
full-time career for you? If not, how else do you spend your work day?
Not yet, but here’s hoping. At the moment, for my sins, I’m a
telemarketer. But I shouldn’t complain—the hours suit my writing schedule, and
it’s work I don’t have to think about. I get a lot of good ideas while I sit
daydreaming, making notes, etc. In fact I’m working on a new one right now that
has me very excited and jumping out of bed at 4.30am.
If you had to sum up the book in 30 or less words, what would
you say?
THE FIRES OF PASSION is the story of Blaize
Hathaway, a jeweler who despises rich women until he meets one who challenges
all his long-held beliefs. Then he’s in trouble.
What inspired the
idea behind your book?
It’s a follow-on from the first book in the Patiki Bay series,
YESTERDAY’S DREAMS
Do you have a
favorite character in the book? Who and why?
Yes, there is a Maori character, Moana, who is integral to both books.
She is very down-to-earth and watches over both heroines like a mother hen, but
from a distance. Always has plenty of wisdom to impart.
Without giving it
all away, please tell us a little something about how Blaize is going to get through their biggest challenge.
Blaize has to realise that not all rich women are users and that he
must forgive himself for his past.
What is your
favorite scene in the book?
There is a scene in THE FIRES IF PASSION where Blaize takes Kim on an
underwater boat ride. She is terrified because of something that happened in
her past. But because he so understanding, she overcomes her fear of going
under the water.
Do you share any personality traits with the main
character?
I can identify with Kim, the
heroine in THE FIRES OF PASSION, who guards her independence fiercely. Although
she loves her family dearly, she will not allow them to interfere in her
freedom.
Do you have to be
alone or have quiet to write?
Yes, I need absolute quiet.
What has been your
greatest pleasure in writing this book?
Both books gave me the chance to showcase
the beautiful Bay of Islands, at the top of North Island, New Zealand, one of
my favorite places in world. Kim, the American heroine, takes to New Zealand
life like a duck to water.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a
series?
I am at present working on an historical
trilogy set in ancient Egypt. Three separate stories under three different
pharaohs. I’m very excited about the series.
What do you have in
store next for your readers?
I have a new book coming out soon with The
Wild Rose Press, A MAN LIKE SAXON, which is set on a New Zealand farm. Saxon is
a Hollywood director, using the heroine’s farm to make his movie.
What has been your
greatest pleasure or personal success as an author?
Making so friends in the romance-writing world.
What type of hero
do you like best?
I must admit to having a soft spot for misunderstood bad-boy hero who
comes right in the end and proves everyone wrong. YESTERDAY’S DREAMS has one
such hero.
What type of
heroine do you like best?
The kind who gives the hero as good as she gets-but loves him secretly.
Is there any place
and time in the world and in history that you would like to visit?
I would love to go back to the golden age of ancient Egypt, the 18th/19th
dynasties. One of my great passions is ancient Egypt and would like to see the
pyramids as they were originally meant to be. I would also like to visit
pharaoh’s court.
Is there a genre
you wish you could write, but haven’t made the plunge? Which one and what
appeals to you about it?
I would like to write Arthurian/Celtic novels, the other passions of my
life. Maybe when I’ve finished the Egyptian WIPs, I’ll take a look at an
Arthurian trilogy. LOL. I have Celtic heritage so I would love to do it
justice.
What is the best
piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Don’t let naysayers and dream-stealers talk you out of going for your
dreams.
Do you believe in writer’s block? Has it ever happened to
you?
No, I don’t believe in writer’s
block. I believe the phenomenon is something that happens to writers who don’t
know their characters or their back-stories very well. I think that if they got
to know their characters more, delved deeper into their pasts, the authors
wouldn’t experience writer’s block.
Have you ever literally deleted or thrown away a book you’ve
written?
Yes, several in the
beginning. Now I don’t throw them away,
I put them aside for future reference.
Sometimes I cannibalize them for newer books.
The Fires of Passion
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: Out Now!
Every woman should know a man like Blaize Hathaway.
When Kimberley Holland shrugs off her family
and relocates to the other side of the world, never does she imagine
meeting the drop-dead gorgeous stranger who threatens her newfound
freedom. His touch leaves her questioning far more than her good
breeding, and leaves her hungry. Her grandmother’s wise words encourage
living life to the fullest -- but is one week long enough?
Blaize Hathaway despises wealthy women. They
are predators who prey on ambitious young men, and the one he's been
tasked to spy on is no different. Then he meets Kimberley, who
challenges all his beliefs.
Before Blaize can surrender to the fires of
passion, he must escape the torments of a darkened past. Will he find
the peace and love he yearns for or will he be too late?
Book Content: These books are 'spicy' and both contain sexual content.
YESTERDAY'S DREAMS
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: January 19th, 2011
She was his strength—and his weakness.
Ten years ago, Emma Davenport gave her
innocence to a blue-eyed bad boy guaranteed to break her heart. Little
did she know, a teenage love would eternally haunt her dreams and change
her life.
Now Kane Hunter’s back. With him comes a
whirlwind of memories and unrequited dreams. He possesses the means to
repair Emma's fractured world and guilt drives him to do all he can for
the woman he’s never forgotten.
But when he learns he has a daughter, Kane
confronts the one fear that all his success can’t negotiate. Will
youthful passion become a reality, or will their love always remain
yesterday’s dreams?.
Buy from your favourite book store, Or now in electronic form online.
PDF versions of the Patiki Bay duet,
YESTERDAY'S DREAMS and it's companion, THE FIRES OF PASSION by Jean
Adams as a prize. Both books are contemporaries and set in New Zealand. Comment for a chance to win!
Jean Adams, the author
Jean now lives in New Zealand after migrating from England. Her great
passion is writing, followed closely by ancient Egypt and anything
Celtic. She writes mainly contemporaries and
is also working on an Egyptian trilogy. She is a course junkie, so you
might meet her on one course or another.
