Every other Monday, we introduce you to a writer from the Writers’ Mastermind. Today we are excited to present Christie Adams. She is a storyteller, blogger, podcaster and videographer who writes short stories, children’s books, mysteries, thrillers, YA novels, and even erotica.
Learn how Christie left the rat race to pursue a life she loves and why she says that mid-life is anything but a crisis.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Where are you now? What has your life been like?
I’m a Yorkshire woman, over 50, rebellious grandmother and global online entrepreneur. Storyteller, blogger, podcaster, videographer, motivational and creativity coach, eco advocate, travel addict (on hold right now) and multi-passionate ‘squirrel.’
Whilst bringing up my family, as a single mum, and working full time, I completed a BA Hons in Literature. I didn’t want to settle for something I knew wouldn’t be fulfilling or rewarding, but leaving the rat race was a hard decision. Since age 13 I’d always had a pay slip, a regular income. There’s been tears, doubts, rebellion even anger. I’ve come out the other side and I’ve never been happier!
History… In my teens… left home, joined the army and then left again to start buying my first home. I worked two jobs, and spent Saturday nights from 2am until 8am at the cinema watching Kung Fu films. In my 20s… worked hard, partied hard – well maybe a little. Moved from my first apartment to a house with a garden and had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up. In my 30s… moved house again, became a single parent to my awesome daughter. Adopted a dog, a big dog! Faced redundancy, a few times, got promoted, and still didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up. Volunteered for the YHA, painted hostels, worked with teenagers. I read to nursery children each week. My first official taste of giving back in the community. Promotion and redundancy and led to numerous pivots in direction. In my 40s… realised my career wasn’t what I wanted to do ‘when I grew up’ so I went back into education, still working full time to afford the fees. After 6 years of deadlines and assignments I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Literature, oh and trained as a swimming teacher. Adopted a dog, a different loopy dog, and volunteered as a mentor for teenagers and students. In my 50s… having gone through yet more pivots and changes. I got married. Became a grandmother. Moved to another town, co-incidentally ending up back where I was born. I was yet again offered a change in role. You may notice a theme here! This time I decided to take the redundancy offer. I took a gap year, travelled, wrote fiction and had family time. Some of my life’s changes were my choice, some certainly came out of the blue and were well beyond my control. I’ve been there, done it, acquired quite a few t-shirts but I’ll tell you now it certainly wasn’t all plain sailing. Sometimes it was downright scary. Anyway, I’m super proud to tell you I’ve learned to embrace change and now move forward with optimism and confidence. In my 60s… Watch this space!
I write short stories, children’s books, mystery, thriller and YA novels, and even erotica.
3. What sets you apart from other writers in your space?
I believe passionately that everyone should use their voice. Mine is no better than another but is unique. We bring our own experiences, culture, perceptions, imagination and opinions to all our work. The more I write, the more I’m confident to allow my own voice be heard.
4. What drives your writing? What do you mean to accomplish with your stories?
My ‘Why’ is to support my family. I’d love to buy my daughter a home, it’s so difficult to get on the property ladder in the UK. I have always been a book addict, so writing them was a natural development.
My grand-babies love being part of the process too, and I’m thrilled to have instilled a love of books in them too. If I get a chance to mention my beloved Yorkshire I will. So far, I’ve written ‘escapism’ books to allow people to enjoy a fictional world. I am working on various non-fiction books.
My book ‘Well Really, Fairy Rose, by Ruby and Angelica Brave’ was the most ‘important’ book for me on a personal level. I want all children to see themselves in books. I commissioned an artist to base the main character on photographs of my mixed-race grandbaby. Diversity in books is improving but still a long way to go. WRFR encourages care for the planet and nature without being ‘preachy.’
5. Who are you favourite writers and books? What are your other creative influences?
I studied literature and over the years have read so many I can’t pick one favourite. I do love The Color Purple, Jane Eyre and other classics.
The recent books that have blown my mind are Sapiens and Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari. I will at some point read his others, but they are truly life changing.
Peter James writes great detective novels. I’ve just discovered Gregg Hurwitz who is a genius at page-turning thrillers. Stieg Larsson books are dark but inspire me to embrace a darker story.
6. Do you write in silence? Background noise? Or music? What kind?
Depends on what I’m writing. I can’t write fiction is anything with lyrics is playing. If I play music, classical, instrumental, even whale music I cut off anyway and don’t hear it as I’m deep inside the world of my characters. If I’m doing admin etc I listen to podcasts.
7. What is your favourite thing to do when you are not writing?
Toddler wrangling, board games, Top Trumps or drawing on Procreate with my grandbabies. We also have a great game of storytelling. We each get a couple of sentences and then take turns to build a story. I hope it’s helping them know it’s OK to have fun with words. We also watch Tiktok together. I love that they know their Nannan works on social media, so they see a positive side.
Helping my daughter as she builds her new business. Knitting, sewing, rock painting, creative stuff. TV, addicted to real crime, NCIS, Law & Order etc.
8. Who is your current celebrity crush?
Along with the other 5 million, @taylor_thatdancer on Tiktok.
It’s important to remember that fiction is not desire or ambition. The darkest fiction is often written by the most generous and settled writers. By allowing our shadow side to be indulged in our writing, we release from our ‘real’ world.
9. Why do you think it’s important to write fiction?
It’s important to remember that fiction is not desire or ambition. The darkest fiction is often written by the most generous and settled writers. By allowing our shadow side to be indulged in our writing, we release from our ‘real’ world.
Books have power. It can be a way to give a political or revolutionary thought. Story can be life changing or life affirming. It can also just be a good read. It doesn’t always have to be ‘important.’
I have no idea why I love it, but I will always make things up.
10. Who would be the best writer, alive or dead, to tell the story of your life?
Great question. Stephen Fry does ridiculously well researched books and makes the facts easily understandable. I guess me, coz there’s so much that others don’t know. Lately I have been thinking of writing a bio. Kafka, too dark. Attwood, I’m too humble. Dickens would be fun, just to show he can write good women after all.
11. What are you working on right now?
Lol! Erotica, as it’s bringing some money in. Editing (ugh) my next thriller. A business planning book. A children’s book. I’ve also got a book that I’m writing twice. No idea if it’ll work, but I’m toning it down to a YA book, and making it extremely dark as a post-apocalyptic horror.
Ashes – A Jezzabelle Jones Mystery
A warehouse fire leaves a homeless military veteran dead. In his pocket a dog-eared birthday card, and a faded photograph of a young girl.
Jezzabelle ‘Belle’ Jones, insurance investigator, is surprised when she’s trusted with the case. It could finally lead to her long-awaited promotion. Her instincts tell her this fire wasn’t an accident.
When her boss comes under pressure from the wealthy warehouse owner, she’s told to close the case quickly. She knows she should follow the rules, but Belle’s never liked doing as she’s told.
She calls on Barnaby ‘Mac’ St John, a reclusive ex-firefighter, to help her work out what happened. The little girl in the photograph deserves answers.
Then there’s another fatal fire… Can Belle keep her job long enough to catch the arsonist? How many more people will die before she solves the case?
This first Jezzabelle Jones murder mystery is set in Yorkshire, England. If you love crime solving duos, this new pairing will not disappoint.
June 2021 – This version is a rewrite and edit. It is the same story, but the book has been improved overall for the reader’s enjoyment. Link: https://books2read.com/ashesmystery
The 2006 Christopher Nolan film The Prestige, based on the novel by Christopher Priest, has a lot to tell us about how to write magical stories.
Though there are many things to learn from the way it presents us with a story of two rival magicians, perhaps the most important learning point is the concept embodied in the title itself. For those who don’t know, “The Prestige” is the third act of any magician’s trick, in which what they previously destroyed, or made to disappear, returns – to the delight and adulation of the crowd. As Michael Caine’s character, Cutter, observes, “It’s not enough to make something disappear. You have to bring it back.”
“It’s not enough to make something disappear. You have to bring it back.”
Our mythologies and religions are full to bursting with gods and human beings who return from death. From the wounded King Arthur, who will one day come again from beyond the veils of Avalon, to the crucified Jesus who lay three days dead in the tomb yet rose, to the dismembered god Osiris, who was reforged from scattered body parts by his wife, Isis, the list goes on and on.
The recurrence of this image throughout history and across innumerable cultures is evidence that the idea of a “prestige” is hardwired into our deepest psyche. We yearn for what was lost to return to us. The concept has filtered through into modern-day popular culture too: The Return of the King, The Return of the Jedi, even Superman Returns. There is a sense that true heroes, true saviours, come back to us when we need them the most.
Of course, sometimes this deep human need is exploited for quick cash grabs, as in the “endless sequel” effect in which our favourite characters just keep coming back time and time again. In these instances, often it is the case that the story begins to lose all meaning, because there are no real stakes; the heroes are invulnerable, and even if they seem to die, they always come back without a scratch.
However, when this mythic principle is handled with sincerity and integrity, it can produce some of the most startling and moving moments in cinema, prose, poetry, indeed, any medium. The initial disappearance of the figure who is going to return need not even be via death; it can be just that: a disappearance. Consider how Gandalf leaving Helm’s Deep in the second Lord of the Rings movie shapes the narrative. He leaves the story for some time, long enough we almost forget where he’s gone off to, but at the critical moment, when all hope seems lost, he returns to save the day (bringing with him the “lost” Rohirrim) in a sublime eucatastrophe.
I often hear writers talking about how they have “written themselves into a corner” by disposing of an artefact, character, or even a place. Many of these issues can be fixed by building the concept of a “prestige” into your fiction from the get go.
A sad death at the end of a book can be devastating. But a “prestige”, a triumphant return, is infinitely more powerful; it shakes to the bone.
And on that subject, I always admire a writer who has the guts to kill their characters, and sometimes a character simply has to die, and die forever, for a story to end, for it to have any meaning. But whilst the bitter fruit of death, or loss, is sometimes what is needed to round out a tale, the far sweeter fruit of return also has its place. This is more true of horror, not less. In Nolan’s 2010 film Inception, he remarked that “Positive emotion trumps negative every time”, and I also happen to agree with him on this front. A sad death at the end of a book can be devastating. But a “prestige”, a triumphant return, is infinitely more powerful; it shakes to the bone. Death, after all, is merely existential.
As someone who helps upcoming writers refine and structure their work, I get a lot of questions about my craft: how I do what I do, the secret knowledge of how narrative works. All great writing is built on a deep philosophy which, at least in a healthy organism, evolves over time and with greater learning and understanding. Many people look to me for guidance about the underlying principles of narrative and how to work spells upon your reader.
This Patreon, the Mindvault, is built to give you the answers to these questions.
Once a month, I will share with you a Lost Relic – a piece of occult writing expanding on a narrative idea. For higher tier backers, I’ll also be sharing short behind-the-scenes videos about my creative process, the tools I use to create fiction and narrative, the hobbies that feed my creativity, and more. This is your chance to get up close and personal with a fully tentacled mindflayer.
Every other Monday, we introduce you to a writer from the Writers’ Mastermind. Today we are excited to present J.A. Cox. He is a veteran of the Iraq War, the author of Mastering Your Scenes, and is currently working on his first Sci-Fi trilogy.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Where are you now? What has your life been like?
I am a Christian, disabled veteran, husband and father. I was born in Florida but left to join the Army which I spent most of my enlistment stationed in Vilseck, Germany. I did two one-year tours in Iraq, starting with the invasion in 2003 and got a severe nerve injury during my second deployment in 2005 which has changed my life greatly. Currently I reside in WA in the vicinity of Tacoma. My life has been full of ups, downs and failures and success. God has kept his hand upon me through all and has sustained me with his mercy, especially during my failures. In my darkest moments I came to truly know how great and powerful his mercy really is. I also came to understand that his love is a tsunami that hits you like a feather.
2. What kind of stories do you write?
I write non-fiction stories and fiction stories. For fiction, sci-fi is my thing but I am also a fantasy lover.
3. What sets you apart from other writers in your space?
I really don’t know what really sets me apart, but I know that I share the drive to either help or entertain others through writing.
Although, I believe when it comes to scene writing, I offer a perspective that is very unique. The literature that I have perused involving the subject on scenes does not really give you a true idea of what is really involved in a typical scene but places more of a focus on general structure. I come at scene writing with the focus of helping the writer to truly grasp all the many ingredients or materials that you have available to help generate endless creativity and produce their greatest masterpiece. or instance, I incorporate the importance of understanding how to get the most out of your locations. More often than not, writers tend to underscore how essential the place that your scene plays out really is, even if it is outer space, out on the ocean or in the air. I mention these because they are considered to be just empty space but don’t be deceived. The sky naturally has varying degrees of pressure and currents based on altitude. There is also the weather itself such as brewing storm clouds and then there is the fowl depending on season and place. Just imagine the type of situation your characters would have flying over the Bermuda triangle compared to the area between the Bahamas and Florida during hurricane season. The point is while this space is somewhat empty it really is filled with many naturally occurring factors that can be put to use to help create a dazzling scene masterpiece. This is just a tiny fraction of the things that I introduce to writers in my book Mastering Your Scenes to help them develop a true masterpiece through the use of a handful of other elements the are part of a single scene.
4. What drives your writing? What do you mean to accomplish with your stories?
In a word, passion is what drives my writing. It does not matter if it is fiction or non-fiction, I believe my passion for getting across my point or entertaining the reader comes across very clearly. In my non-fiction works my goal is to inform, empower or to teach. In my fiction along with entertainment I enjoy touching on serious topics from different perspectives to help people to walk away with something meaningful. For instance, in my current sci- fi work in progress I deal with the collateral damage caused by my main character on their quest for vengeance. Most of the story is propelled along dealing with the back lash from her single-minded quest which interferes with her actual goals but forces her to come to terms with the fact that the destruction she causes to achieve her goal does not justify the livelihood of others that is sacrificed in order for her to do so.
5. Who are you favorite writers and books? What are your other creative influences?
When I was in high school I was enamored with the 3 Dark Traditionalists: Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. Out of the three Poe was my absolute all-time favorite, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven and The Poem about the bells were my favorites. Aside from that life itself is my most creative influence. I am a firm believer that fact is stranger than fiction and love to stretch that strangeness to its limits in my writing.
6. Do you write in silence? Background noise? Or music? What kind?
It varies. When I write non-fiction, I prefer silence. When I write fiction, I love listening to music. My music of choice is soundtracks from battle scenes of different anime that I have watched such as Sengoku Basara, Re:Creators, Bleach, One Piece and Naruto just to name a few.
7. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?
My most favorite thing to do when I am not writing is spending time with my wife.
8. Who is your current celebrity crush?
I don’t have one.
9. Why do you think it’s important to write fiction?
I think writing period is very important because it allows for the things trapped within the subconscious to be expelled in a way that liberates us from their influence. Fictional writing is a way to live the life we have always dreamed or experience our impossible fantasies as if they really happened. Of course, it is also a way to tell the world at the top of our lungs that, we are here, we are here. That last part is for all of you Horton hears a Who fans.
10. Who would be the best writer, alive or dead, to tell the story of your life?
Honestly, I don’t know.
11. What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on wrapping up book one for my sci-fi trilogy Fulfilling a Vow. The first book’s title is Fulfilling a Vow: Searching for Answers.
Mastering Your Scenes
Learn how to produce magnificent scenes in your writing every time. You will be given an anatomical look of what composes a scene and understand what goes into creating scenes that are engaging, seamless, and bristling with activity without any fluff. Mastering Your Scenes gives you the practical advice you need to keep your readers turning pages and falling in love with your characters. With the steps you will learn there will be no more question of if that scene fits or seems out of place.
J. A. COX enjoys investing into and empowering others with the things that he is knowledgeable in. It brings him great joy to take out the time to help another person understand something that he has an interest in and has put the time into studying and researching, to aide them in gaining a greater perspective on the subject. In the end it is the love of empowering that teaching brings along with it that brings him the greatest joy.
On Monday, I had the the pleasure of being on Boomers on Books with Vince Stevenson, a livestream show that features emerging and established authors. Vince is also known as The Fear Doctor and is a leading trainer and bestselling author on overcoming the fear of public speaking.
This was a most fortunate circumstance for me. Being my first livestream video, I was nervous. But you will see that Vince is a charming and skilled host, and we enjoyed a great conversation. We covered many fascinating topics other than my books—relationship dynamics, addiction and mental illness, self-doubt, and life in Panama. Not your same ol’ author interview!
Boomers on Books is a video channel for emerging and established authors. We welcome authors from all continents, ages, genders, colours and creeds. The video interview is live-streamed on YouTube and available on-demand and indefinitely for people’s viewing. The hosts are boomer Vince Stevenson and boomer Mark Shultz (although due to Mark’s wife’s medical issues, Mark has been unavailable to participate).
Vince Stevenson
Vince Stevenson is known as the ‘Fear Doctor’ and describes himself as a ‘recovering speaker’. He works in London and around the world encouraging people to speak their own truth. Vince has worked from Brazil to Bangladesh with top companies and NGOs, assisting their senior executives to become improved communicators. He runs regular classes in London and is a popular choice as a conference speaker. Vince has a devilish sense of humour and he loves talking about his fears, foibles and failures. Vince can be contacted at the College of Public Speaking London.
The Writers’ Mastermind recently celebrated its 1st year anniversary. Now that we’re well beyond the beta stage, we are raising our membership rates.
If you have been thinking about taking your creative life to the next level by joining a virtual writing group, this is your last chance to enjoy a 30-day FREE Trial of the Writers’ Mastermind and get locked in at $19 a month.
Our price will go up to $29 a month on July 1st, 2021.
Your membership includes:
SELF-GUIDED MASTERCLASSES
Classes on the craft of writing, marketing, mindset, creativity and more. Learn at your own pace. The entire bank of classes will be available to you at all times.
WORKBOOKS AND GUIDES
Accompanying guides ensure you are learning something new every month and taking the steps that bring you closer to becoming a successful author.
ACCESS TO EXPERTS
Join our monthly featured experts for live Q&As. Ask questions in the Facebook group and get answers from people who know.
GROUP EVENTS
Join us for members only promotional events, member spotlights, interviews, recorded readings, and features in our newsletter. Member books are also featured on our website.
ZOOM MASTERMINDS
Join us on Zoom for live mastermind meetings on a new topic each month. Experience the explosive synergy of learning from others and sharing your experiences.
LIVE ZOOM WRITE-INS
Get your word count in and stay motivated with 60-minute write-ins. We meet several times a week to write together on Zoom and check in on our progress.
PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP
Post news, questions, and requests for feedback. Get support from our helpful worldwide community of authors any time, any day.
CRITIQUE PODS
Our upcoming critique pods are small, intensive genre-specific groups so you can get the feedback that you need to turn your book into a masterpiece.
What makes the Writers’ Mastermind unique among online writing groups?
No more:
tedious webinars that try to sell you something at the end.
point systems or popularity contests to get feedback.
restriction to genre, age, location, background, experience, gender, traditional, self-published, or unpublished status.
Say yes to:
short, actionable classes that fit into any busy schedule. Learn what you need to know and actually apply it.
relationships and collaborations that will accelerate your growth as a writer and open new doors for your talent.
results—Stop drifting off course. Set goals. Be held accountable. Make your dreams happen!
