Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an English major, my bent has ever been toward the written word; I’ve always been a voracious reader and continue to read one or two books each week. I like to be entertained, so I read fiction. In addition, I read the weekly U.K. Spectator, covering international news, opinion pieces, entertainment and the arts. I’ve been fortunate to have my resume include some wonderful jobs, including the Advertising Department of Playboy magazine at their home office in Chicago and also in the Department of University Graphics and Publications at Southern Illinois University where I enjoyed working with editors and writers, along with artists and designers.
When I left Playboy, the Editorial Department asked for me and I still mentally kick myself for declining the offer because at that time I hadn’t realized I wanted to be a writer. Imagine — Playboy Editorial! I could have had a foot in the door of a publishing company — and I turned it down. Duh.
The House of Tomorrow is the first in my Paul Gregory Series. The second book in the series is To Say Goodbye, The Devil Yawned is the third and I have recently completed The Gift of Rose. The Perfume Tree is a stand alone novel about life on a fictional island in the Caribbean.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve just self-published The Gift of Rose, the last in the Paul Gregory Series. I plucked up my courage and aged Paul and Connie by about twenty years, as Rose is their 18-year-old daughter. They also have a 15-year-old son, trouble-prone Nick. Although Paul remains the handsome, enigmatic loner hero, his offspring now are coming of age.
Here’s what originally inspired me to write: Early in our marriage my husband asked me what I would be if I could be anything I chose. I immediately replied, “A writer,” at the time never dreaming I’d ever actually write a book. Well, he took me at my word and built a studio for me where I could write undisturbed and kept after me until I finally wrote my first novel, desperate for him to stop nagging. That book was The House of Tomorrow and was the first in what was to become my Paul Gregory series. That was back in 1997 and I’ve now completely rewritten it, bringing it into the 21st century and cutting 10,000+ words, thus making it a tighter, better read. So I must admit it was my darling husband who was my inspiration to begin writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I made an outline for my first book, but the characters took over and went their own ways, so I no longer bother with outlines. I have a general plan of what events will take place and a vague idea of how the story will end, but try not to force my characters to act or speak in certain ways or they will rebel. For example, in my first Paul Gregory book the hero turned out to be much more flawed than I’d planned and the guy who was to be a despicable knave turned out to be noble and self-sacrificing.
I edit all my own work and friends help me with cover creation and with technical challenges
Although I’ve always read that one must just write, sort of stream of consciousness with no editing until it’s finished, I cannot seem to follow this rule and feel I must edit before stopping for the day; the thought of leaving all sorts of mistakes behind is anathema to me. Then the next time I write I read over what I’d previously written and can more easily continue the train of thought.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I can’t say they’ve influenced me because we each have our own writing style, but those who have inspired me are Hope Muntz, Daniel Silva, Bernard Cornwell, Georgette Heyer, Rex Stout, Douglas Corleone, Steve Hamilton and so many others.
What are you working on now?
The book I’m writing now has not yet been named, but I can say that it is not in the Paul Gregory Series. What inspired it? I was trying to think of something that hasn’t already been done and came up with an idea that I think may work, perhaps because it is quite unorthodox.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still a work in progress on this subject and cannot come up with a definitive answer. I’m dazzled by all the directions one can go.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t feel I’m in a position to give advice, as I don’t obey any of the advice I’ve read from other writers. For example, I’m undisciplined. I’ve always been told I should write every day and sometimes weeks go by when I don’t write anything at all. And when I do write, it’s not easy for me. Some writers complain that while they’re working they don’t like to stop for meals or sleep; they only want to keep writing. With me, I’m continually checking the time to see if I can quit yet. Yes, writing is a chore, as far as I’m concerned; it’s not easy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something — anything — every day and don’t worry about word count. I find that even when I don’t want to write and I push myself to knock some words out, it helps.
What are you reading now?
Just finished Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. What a wonderful book! And I’m about to start reading In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Becoming famous and putting some money in the bank, I hope.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, The Chicago Manual of Style and my Kindle which can access a public library so I’d have unlimited reading material.
Author Websites and Profiles
Adair Arlen Amazon Profile