Interviews with Authors

GYWO Editor Laura Jones interviewed Stacy Hawkins Adams through e-mail on January 12, 2009. Stacy served on the JRW Board of Directors in 2007.

LJ: How long does it take you to write a rough draft?

SHA: Long before I put a word on paper, I'm getting to know the characters in my head and allowing the story to unfold there. So by the time I sit down to actually write the first draft, I have some idea of who the characters are, what makes them tick, and what the "inciting incident" of the novel is going to be. After going through this process, it took about five months to write the first draft of "The Someday List." About three weeks before my manuscript deadline, I spent every weekend in what I call my writing haven -- the spare bedroom of my friend Muriel's house, where I have the quiet time to write nonstop for as long as I need.

LJ: What is the most important element or theme of your novels?

SHA: I'm sure everyone who reads the books takes away something different, something personal to his or her particular place in life. My thematic goal with the novels is to create characters who ultimately realize the importance of looking within themselves to find everything they need, from love and self-acceptance to courage and the ability to accept the graciousness of God.

LJ: Also I learned that your experiences as a reporter helped a lot in drawing up and creating characters.
 
SHA: Very true. The people I met and issues I explored during my years as a full-time reporter have served as a template for creating settings and plots and delving into human nature. I also read several major newspapers everyday and browse through magazines. This is mostly because I love to read, but even so, sometimes the nugget of a plot or a potential name for a character catches my eye.

LJ: When a book idea comes to you, is it a single scene that builds from there, or is it an idea with an ultimate goal in mind, a theme you want to express?

SHA: I usually start with a theme that I want to express and then figure out how to bring that message to life through vibrant characters and an intriguing plot. That way, once I get into the story itself and into the minds and hearts of the characters, I don't worry so much about the "moral" of the story. I can let the characters do the work for  me. However, I have occasionally started with a scene first and built the story from there. That happened with the novellas I penned for the two anthologies in which I've published: "This Far By Faith" and "The Midnight Clear."
 
LJ: Since your first book was published you've been writing a book a year. How do you balance the demands of your life with your writing?

SHA: It can get quite hectic in my household, I must admit! Between my writing schedule, my children's after school activities and my husband's schedule, we are a busy bunch.
 
I completed two full manuscripts in 2008 ("The Someday List" and also "Worth a Thousand Words," which releases in July 2009). I also wrote a proposal for my first nonfiction book and began working on a draft of that title. As the writing demands have grown, particularly in the past year, I've intentionally pulled back from some of the organizations and groups I've participated in so that I can better balance my family time with the civic endeavors about which I'm passionate. I recently stepped down as president of the Richmond Chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and I've held off on assuming leadership roles in a few other groups to which I'm committed. I'm sure as my writing schedule levels a bit, I'll be back in the swing with these groups on a more regular basis; but for now, I'm at a good place. Enjoying my family can't compete with birthing the books.

I do have to say, though, that my family is very understanding and supportive. They love to join me at signings, and in the weeks leading up to a manuscript deadline, they join what I call "Team Mommy" and give me the space and time to write. My children aren't fazed by the fact that their mom is an author; they think it's cool that I know "real authors" -- some of the ones whose books they read!
 
LJ: Can you sum up your life in six words?

SHA: This is hard, but I'll try!  I'd describe my life as Fulfilling Interesting Inspiring Meaningful Humbling Treasured.   

More information at Stacy Hawkins Adams.

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