Navigating Harmony: Ingrid J. Adams Discusses Writing, Motherhood, and Enchantment
In a candid conversation, acclaimed author Ingrid J. Adams — the force behind the phenomenal Descended series — reveals the genesis of her literary masterpiece. The idea for the series was born after her youngest child ventured off to preschool, leaving her house empty and her mind free. Her husband's suggestion to write the book she had always dreamt of penning ultimately set the wheels in motion.
Adams discusses how her childhood anxiety served as the inspiration for the series, which she describes as a "love story infused with fantasy and magical realism." Exploring themes such as fate versus free will, life after death, soulmate love, and the complexity of mental health, the Descended universe offers solace and an interpretation of the world that helps her make sense of the universe.
Speaking about the juggle between motherhood and her writing career, Adams shares her strategy for managing her time, alternating between writing during school hours, and dedicating weekends to family matters, while still finding time to work on her manuscript when inspiration strikes.
For aspiring authors overwhelmed by their everyday responsibilities, Adams offers practical advice: "Just write. Just bang that first draft out. It will be terrible, but that's what editing is for." She suggests using writing as a means to unwind, rather than wasting time on social media.
The transition from book writing to screenwriting has presented unique challenges for Adams, with the focus on dialogue and external actions rather than internal thoughts and feelings. Building trust in others to bring her beloved characters to life on screen remains a challenge for the author, who considers the series as her fifth child.
In the face of being compared to "Australia's Stephenie Meyer," Adams remains humble and acknowledges the special place Twilight holds in the hearts of many. The comparison, however, has not significantly influenced her writing journey or interactions with fans.
Escaping daily responsibilities and finding inspiration proves easier for Adams, who counts daily workouts, meditation, yoga, and travel as her go-to methods for recharging and nurturing her creativity.
Looking ahead, Adams emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's vision and persevering in the face of rejection. Her message to aspiring authors is clear: Be original, stay true to your intentions, and never let the word "no" deter you.
In her discussion of personal experiences, Adams touches upon the impact of her newfound free time on her lifestyle, mentioning how she discovered a passion for home-and-garden activities as a means of relaxation and escape.
As she delves deeper into the world of screenwriting, Adams intentionally infuses her home-and-garden surroundings into the settings of her series, creating a vivid and immersive lifestyle for her characters.
