Ask the Author: D.D. Adair
Answered Questions (6)
D.D. Adair
Co-writing as sisters. It's seriously ten times easier—at least—than writing alone!
Having a valid excuse for collecting gorgeous words and lingering phrases.
Also, all the tea drinking.
Having a valid excuse for collecting gorgeous words and lingering phrases.
Also, all the tea drinking.
D.D. Adair
A book of short stories, which we'll publish this year. And two more series, both set in other hidden, or little-known periods and places of human history. I don't want to give away our themes yet because they are even more original than Atlantis. But if you follow us on facebook (facebook.com/ddadair) you'll be the first to get the announcements. Or sign up at our website ddadair.com for email notification.
D.D. Adair
Read!
I'm an avid reader—to the tune of 2-3 books a week, and so is Diana. I can tell which authors read prolifically, and which don't read much, or only read in a narrow genre. I read across all fiction and non-fiction genres.
I often don't finish cookie-cutter books. If there's nothing new or original, it's a waste of my time. Don't get me wrong, I study poorly written books with the same attention that I study marvelously written books; I learn what makes for bad writing, shallow characters, and boring plots.
But the millions of cookie-cutter books flooding the market make me crazy. We're told, as writers, to write within our genre because our readers want the same basic thing over and over. I'd disagree. Readers want the same "feelings", but with new information, fresh characters, fun new settings, etc.
You only know what's new and fresh, if you're reading what's already out there.
I'm an avid reader—to the tune of 2-3 books a week, and so is Diana. I can tell which authors read prolifically, and which don't read much, or only read in a narrow genre. I read across all fiction and non-fiction genres.
I often don't finish cookie-cutter books. If there's nothing new or original, it's a waste of my time. Don't get me wrong, I study poorly written books with the same attention that I study marvelously written books; I learn what makes for bad writing, shallow characters, and boring plots.
But the millions of cookie-cutter books flooding the market make me crazy. We're told, as writers, to write within our genre because our readers want the same basic thing over and over. I'd disagree. Readers want the same "feelings", but with new information, fresh characters, fun new settings, etc.
You only know what's new and fresh, if you're reading what's already out there.
D.D. Adair
I go on an "artist's date" like Julia Cameron suggests in her "The Artist's Way" book/course. I take myself somewhere that will be fun, special, or artsy.
Or I take a walk. This never fails. It also helps when I'm stuck for how to resolve something that's happening with the plot or with a character.
Because we co-write, we're intricate plotters. Since we started plotting, writer's block has been a rare occurrence because there's always a point on the horizon that we're writing towards. Exactly how we get there can look a hundred different ways.
Or I take a walk. This never fails. It also helps when I'm stuck for how to resolve something that's happening with the plot or with a character.
Because we co-write, we're intricate plotters. Since we started plotting, writer's block has been a rare occurrence because there's always a point on the horizon that we're writing towards. Exactly how we get there can look a hundred different ways.
D.D. Adair
From Donna; I'm constantly "writing" inside my head. Constantly describing what I see, who I meet, things I overhear, feelings, weather, humorous stuff, weird stuff... Basically, I intensely notice life around me in a way that I can re-tell it, or re-frame it, maybe capture a deeper meaning, or just enjoy it a little more.
When I'm doing this, I'm automatically clamoring to write it down. Basically, I don't have to "get inspired to write". I'm desperate to empty out my head. Mostly that "everyday" stuff doesn't make it into the stories but it is amazing practice. It keeps the pump primed, so to speak.
When I'm doing this, I'm automatically clamoring to write it down. Basically, I don't have to "get inspired to write". I'm desperate to empty out my head. Mostly that "everyday" stuff doesn't make it into the stories but it is amazing practice. It keeps the pump primed, so to speak.
D.D. Adair
In 2007, enamored by the newest quantum findings, energetic types of healing, astrology, numerology, and psychic phenomena, we decided to write a story set in a culture that could perceive energy; how humanity lived before we lost half our senses. Once we began researching Atlantis, (and other ancient, advanced civilizations by proxy), we were flooded with realities way outside our original "box". That's why it took over 10 years to research and 5 years to write this series. Our box needed time to expand.
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