Thomas Adams and I have been friends for a long time. I don’t even know how long. It all started when we got in an argument on Facebook, and I realized we had a heck of a lot in common. We’ve been friends ever since. He is a writer, a martial arts practitioner, a champion swordsman, and he’s great with kids and animals. He’s also single, by the way. He recently did me the favor of answering some pressing questions about his varied life. I hope you’ll enjoy learning about this up and coming author.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? Where do you live now? What did you want to be when you grew up?
I was born a long time ago in a land far away called west Michigan. Over the years, my aspirations changed quite frequently. Then one day I woke up as a martial artist, poet, storyteller, and youth mentor.
What made you want to start writing? What motivates you to keep writing?
It all started when I read the “Chronicles of Narnia” as a child. I thought, “Boy, I’d love to write stories as cool as this!” I dare say like most writers, my earliest efforts were quite embarrassing, but I think I’m getting slowly a little bit closer to Lewis-level quality over time. I might get halfway there when I’m about 90.
What is your latest book about?
It’s about a faithful shepherd dog and his efforts to protect his master’s flock of sheep, while often being misunderstood and slandered by the very sheep he risks his life to protect.
When did you start writing (originally, not this specific book)?
I was about 12 or 13, I think. Some of my earliest works still make me cringe when I look back at them. Good thing they were never published!
How did you come up with the idea for this book specifically?
My new book is an allegory that came to me one day when I was in the shower reflecting on the state of the modern church. I was lamenting how many Christians today tend to be judgmental toward old fashioned sorts that they don’t understand. It’s amazing to think of how even the greats like Lewis, Tolkien, Chesterton, and MacDonald would be looked on with skepticism by most evangelical Christians if they were not already celebrated saints of the previous century. Free thought and intellectual integrity have taken a backseat to emotionalism and pseudo-spiritual buzzwords in our current generation. I sat down to write, and suddenly the entire book just flew out of me in less than an hour, as if the Holy Spirit was guiding my pen. The ancient Celtic Christian poets called this the “awen” or a kind of “divine inspiration.” Just so we’re clear, I am not equivocating my book to Holy Scripture, but I do believe that God intended to show us something through my book, and He gave me a story that was more than I could have planned on my own. Much of the Shepherd’s dialog in the story turned out to be taken directly or paraphrased from scripture.
How was this book different from any of your others?
I typically avoid writing overt allegory and prefer to write a story solely for the sake of a good story with whatever spiritual implications the Lord might providentially weave into the theme. This is the first and probably only time I’ve written a full-on allegory that covers overtly biblical subjects and parables.
How did you go about publishing your book? Would you do it that way again? Why or why not?
I’m actually looking for a publisher now! I may go the self-publishing route as I have in the past, but I would like to try a traditional publisher.
Are you planning on writing more? If so what are you working on now?
I’m always writing! I’m currently working out some stories based on Merlin, and every once in a while I submit poetry or short stories to LogoSophia magazine.
Can you tell us about your other books?
My first published novella was called “Arthur and the Vale of Shadows.” It’s a thriller imagining if the vampire Dracula had taken shape during the Arthurian era as a demonic spirit possessing a Roman nobleman. The story follows King Arthur and Sir Lancelot as they battle Dracula and his demonic forces, exploring themes of faith and courage against terror.
What helps you to write? Music, pets, reading, specific pen, etc.?
What helps me to write is inspiration that strikes at random, typically a result of a strong emotion or passion. Sometimes, a song will cause me to reflect deeply on a subject, or reading a book with themes that really speak to my heart will cause me to want to explore a theme more deeply. When that happens, I follow the thought, I pray about it, and see where it goes.
What has writing taught you?
Writing teaches me something new every time. It helps to remind me to slow down and fully examine a thing before I make a decision. But more often than not, it causes me to re-examine myself and my thought processes, and I get to know myself better through my writing.
What authors inspire you?
C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, Stephen R. Lawhead, Robert Treskilard, and you, Ian Wilson!
Awe sheesh. Thank you!
Do you go back and reread your writing after it’s been completed?
Occasionally. Sometimes I cringe, but I don’t usually find some enjoyment in it. I’d much rather read the writings of others, though.
What is your advice for writers?
Don’t write what you think other people want to read. Write what you want to read. The popular stuff is a dime a dozen. A truly unique story is something only you would write, and those are the stories that become unforgettable.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Each of us is created with unique gifts and talents, and sometimes, we may feel like we weren’t created for the world we live in. I know I sure wasn’t! But we were put in this world for a reason, and that reason is directly related to our gifts. Never put yourself, your imagination, or your God into a box. Live fearlessly, seek wisdom, find the calling that your gifts are
I want to personally thank Tom for his time and attention, and I wish him the very best of luck publishing his future works. Please stay tuned for information about Thomas Adams’ works. I will be sure to publish updates as they come.
Thank you all for reading and have a great week!