Author Dee J. Adams has dropped by the Joyfully Reviewed site to chat with the bunnies…
Dee what is your most current work out?

My latest release is Danger Zone through Carina Press.

Tell us a little about Danger Zone…

Danger Zone deals with a few topics close to my heart. First, it takes place in Hollywood, and second, my heroine is dealing with a learning disability. Though she’s independent and smart, the secret she carries could destroy her career as a stunt woman. I knew I wanted to write a book about Quinn (he’s the hero’s brother from Dangerous Race), but I knew I needed someone who wasn’t going to be impressed with his playboy ways. Ellie was the perfect woman for him.

What inspired you to write in your genre? Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?

I love reading romantic suspense so it seemed natural to write it. I’ve always had a flair for the dramatic and there’s nothing more exciting than reading a good book that keeps me turning the pages, dying to see what’s going to happen next. This is the genre I started in and I can’t imagine writing anything else. Not that I’m ruling out anything in the future, but for now, this is my path.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

Oh wow. That’s a tough one. I’ve loved all my heroines. They have so many qualities that I wish I had. LOL. I probably share the most qualities with Ellie so maybe she’s the most special in that respect. But I adore Tracey’s strength and Ashley’s outlook on life. (Does it look like I’m avoiding the question? )

Who was the toughest character for you to “get right” that you have written so far?

Quinn Reynolds was tough to pin down. He really started out a very bad boy and I had to find a starting place for him that didn’t put him in too bad a light.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?

Absolutely! A few things in Danger Zone definitely came from real life. Ellie’s best friend, Ashley, tells Quinn about an accident Ellie had on the set where her nose was broken. That actually happened to me. I wouldn’t call it fun, but it was certainly one for the books. Before I left the studio to go to the hospital, I had about a dozen crew members come to see if I was okay and they all said the same thing. “Oh wow, your nose is broken.” LOL. It didn’t take a degree to figure it out since my nose was smashed so badly. It was a rough few weeks after that.

What do you find the hardest part of writing?

Coming up with legitimate ideas that readers will buy. All my books take extraordinary events and heap them on ordinary people, but I don’t want to ever go too far over a line.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.

I had a tree fall on me at 14 that pretty much crushed my knees and ended any hopes I had for being a professional athlete.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Besides sneaking chocolate and reading great romantic suspense? (I don’t think so.)

What do you need before you start writing? Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don’t flow?

A great idea. Ha!

Does music influence your writing? If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?

Not really. I know many people need to listen to music as they write, but I can’t. It distracts me. I can write in a crowded room, but generally music doesn’t play a part in my writing. With the exception of my next release, Dangerously Close. My hero is a rock star so I wrote two songs for the book. One song in particular has music to go with it that I just love. (My neighbor wrote the music. He’s a guitarist and has been touring with the Goo Goo Dolls for about three years now.)

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?

If Jed Hill can act, he’s got the role of Quinn, since he is exactly how I picture Quinn. If he can’t then I’d have to go with Ryan Reynolds. Casting Ellie might be a little tougher… but maybe Amanda Bynes or Kate Hudson. They both have very different qualities that I could see being Ellie.

Where were you when you got your first contract? Who did you tell first?

I was at home when my agent called me with the news. I called my husband first and think I had to leave a message. Then I texted him. By the time I heard back I had already told my two critique partners.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?

About sixteen. I stole a book off my mom’s nightstand table.

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/ squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?

I still go crazy over Linda Howard and Suzanne Brockmann. They constantly inspire me with their books.

If you still have one of those pesky non writing jobs what is it?

I do still have a non writing job on occasion. I work as a dialogue coach for sitcoms and I’m lucky enough to be able to narrate my books because of my background in acting.

If you could co-write with another author who would it be?

Another tough one… I’d say one of the two women I listed above, but I’d be afraid to fail miserably in their presence. Haha. I think I’m probably too controlling to write with someone else.

How do you pick your characters names?

Sometimes it’s harder than other times. I have to see what fits my characters once I’ve sketched them out. I’m also guilty of using names of some of the people in my life.

Do you prefer the love at first sight approach or a steady growth throughout?

I like both and have done both, but I think if I had to choose, I think love at first sight is a bit more dramatic and fun. That instant sizzling hot attraction is tough to beat.

Is there a genre that you love to read but don’t want to (or think it would be tough for you) write?

Not really. I write my favorite genre.

What was the hardest book for you to write and why?

Dangerously Close was a very difficult book to write. In fact, I put it aside for months when I was near the end because I wasn’t sure about it. When I finally got back to it, I had a “eureka” moment that allowed me to finish the book.

Coffee, Tea or Soda Pop?

Chai latte. Mmm.

What is the most recent romance story you have read that you would recommend?

Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann

What is in the wings for your readers to look forward to?

Dangerously Close will be released on July 23. Anyone who read Danger Zone will probably want to know what happened to Ashley and this is her story.

Where can readers find you?

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Carina Press

And for the silly side – What is your favorite type of chocolate?

Milk chocolate with almonds. Yum.