Ask the Author: Mary Jean Adams
Answered Questions (7)
Mary Jean Adams
Hi Rachel,
I'm hesitant to post a traditional synopsis because it would necessarily contain plot turns that I don't want to post publicly. However, here's the back of the book blurb I've been working on. Hopefully, this will give you what you're looking for. Thanks for the question!
Wilmington DE, 1774
Sarah Stevens is the sheltered daughter of a Loyalist. Her father will do anything to protect his daughter, including marrying her off to a British officer. At least safely ensconced on his estate in England, she'll be far from the tempest about to erupt in the colonies. In an effort to escape her fate and her fiance, Sarah comes face to face with the notorious Jack Garrett. A stolen kiss on a deserted balcony has her questioning her resolve—in many ways. Little does she know, there will soon come a time when she may need Jack's protection from those she most trusted.
Unbeknownst to the good folks of Wilmington, Jack Garret is a rebel in name only. True, he's not fond of the oppressive yolk of parliament anymore than his fellow rebels, but he's seen enough violence in his lifetime. First his mother. Then his sister. If putting himself in the middle of the conflict can help him keep the peace and protect the people around him, then so be it. But this time, the one who needs him most is the enemy. Or is she?
I'm hesitant to post a traditional synopsis because it would necessarily contain plot turns that I don't want to post publicly. However, here's the back of the book blurb I've been working on. Hopefully, this will give you what you're looking for. Thanks for the question!
Wilmington DE, 1774
Sarah Stevens is the sheltered daughter of a Loyalist. Her father will do anything to protect his daughter, including marrying her off to a British officer. At least safely ensconced on his estate in England, she'll be far from the tempest about to erupt in the colonies. In an effort to escape her fate and her fiance, Sarah comes face to face with the notorious Jack Garrett. A stolen kiss on a deserted balcony has her questioning her resolve—in many ways. Little does she know, there will soon come a time when she may need Jack's protection from those she most trusted.
Unbeknownst to the good folks of Wilmington, Jack Garret is a rebel in name only. True, he's not fond of the oppressive yolk of parliament anymore than his fellow rebels, but he's seen enough violence in his lifetime. First his mother. Then his sister. If putting himself in the middle of the conflict can help him keep the peace and protect the people around him, then so be it. But this time, the one who needs him most is the enemy. Or is she?
Mary Jean Adams
I love to read across genres. I think it helps hone my style and skills. That said, if I'm looking for inspiration, I'll go right to a gold old-fashioned historical (preferably colonial or Revolutionary America) or to an actual history book. The first is more to set the mood, the latter helps me come up with ideas for the plot.
Mary Jean Adams
For me, it's the freedom to work whenever and wherever I choose. I've always been very independent, even when I worked for others. But working for myself gives me even more freedom. That said, there is a downside to freedom like this. If you actually want to make a living at it, you better be self-motivated. I know a LOT of good hard-working people that just can't get the job done unless someone is looking over their shoulders.
Mary Jean Adams
Don't immediately leap to self-publishing. I know it's seductive. The speed at which you can get a book published. The freedom not to have to cut out your favorite passage. Not having to pay those darn royalties. However, book publishers know a lot about what sells and a good editor can do wondrous things for your writing skills. Every editor I have worked with has been a huge help. Even if you end up self-publishing, the process of submitting a book to a publisher can be a learning experience if the publisher takes the time to give you their opinion. Many of the independent publishers do.
Mary Jean Adams
The same place I get all my inspiration - from reading history books. I tend to make up "the stories behind the stories."As readers of my blog know, I am a great fan of audible and especially enjoy listening to the Great Courses seres. The one titled Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon was immensely helpful as I was working out the storyline.
Mary Jean Adams
I’m currently writing a novel set during the French Revolution. It’s still romance, but it starts out a bit darker than my typical historical romance. It’s hard not to when the heroine is waiting to be beheaded in the first scene.
This novel is my first to have recurring characters. The hero is Neil Blakely, Amanda’s younger brother from Caution to the Wind. The heroine is Christiana Saint-Ange, Mont Trignon’s youngest sister in Le Chevalier.
This novel is my first to have recurring characters. The hero is Neil Blakely, Amanda’s younger brother from Caution to the Wind. The heroine is Christiana Saint-Ange, Mont Trignon’s youngest sister in Le Chevalier.
Mary Jean Adams
I just keep writing. I mean, one can always go back and edit later, and I do! I must go through my novels 100 times before I send them to my publisher. The first time through is just to get the story skeleton down. The I go through and flesh it out a bit. Third time through, my characters are starting to tell me who they are so I go with it. Fourth time, I add texture...color, sound, smells, tastes. Of course, I'm simplifying the process, and it doesn't always happen in such a logical sequence. But, at the end of the day, you can't be too judgmental in those first few drafts or you'll never get started.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more