Clint Adams

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

As I age, I feel certain that I am living my purpose: learn compassion, while at the same time, putting myself first. Lessons to learn IS what life’s all about. It’s why we’re here. My passion for the sport of tennis will be with me forever. I’m a keen spectator and do my best to visit pro tournaments and cheer for my favorite players. Nature, for me, is not only an interest, but also a necessity. Cannot imagine being alive without it. Nature soothes, heals and even when walking alone, I know I am not.

When and why did you start writing books?

Looking back, I wish I had been an avid reader. Writers who began as enthusiastic readers inevitably have an edge at plot, story construction, character development and more. 1992. A very long time ago. I began writing out of necessity, not out of desire. To expose a truth that was covered up. Still a truth junkie, I now cannot imagine living without writing regularly. I’ve also learned that it’s a personal not professional journey.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

After 30+ years at it, I’m still hungry for success. And “tackle” is the correct work. Not possible to just stumble into a writing career; takes a lot of hard work. Some think of writing as a solo endeavor, but not at all. Takes a ton of collaboration with other creatives, techies and most certainly, readers. I’m still working on my social skills. Writing provides me with more interaction within my life and I am grateful for that.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Well, I guess it would have to be young Paul (Pauly), the protagonist in THE SEVENTH RITUAL. I have written five novels in a child’s voice and loved every minute of it. I recommend that every author write in a child’s voice at least once. When writing young Paul, I not only wrote as a child, but I had to do it in period (1960s). Had to be authentic. When you write in a child’s voice you can spot inauthentic vocabulary usage elsewhere easily. Especially in TV commercials. :-)

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

You would think this one, ‘LIVE & LEARN: A Retiree’s Guide to Keep Going,’ because it’s non-fiction/self-help. A first for me. But I did my homework big time before starting. I love writing in different genres. Always something new to learn. The hardest was THE SEVENTH RITUAL, because it was so personally demanding. Again, to get the truth out. Resulted in infinite procrastination. For sure, I thought it would be the only book I would write, because I NEEDED to. Why would I need to write more?!? Again, cannot imagine now a life without writing.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Alice Walker was an early favorite. THE COLOR PURPLE. Blending suffering, spirituality and personal growth will always be attractive to me. Deep. Now, any comedy writer in any medium. I see this as the most challenging type, for sure. Marshall Brickman, who wrote most of the Woody Allen movies and JERSEY BOYS, the musical. Neil Simon is another. They are heroes to me. They integrate humor into the human condition brilliantly.

What book are you reading right now?

Wish so much that I could recommend a great read right now. Only one thing is on my mind at this moment: book marketing. LIVE & LEARN only came out a few weeks ago. In a variety of formats (paperback, ePub, Kindle and Apple iBook). Prepping now to launch hardcover and audiobook editions soon. Non-stop book marketing will take me to the end of this year. I look forward to reading again in 2025.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

The truth. Life itself. Mine. Others. I become the most inspired from what I choose to learn in life, lessons, and equally, the lessons others have chosen to learn that they choose to share. LIVE & LEARN provides actionable, optional exercises at the end of every chapter. Giving the chance for readers to grow, value their lives lived and share their treasured stories of lessons learned.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Now, interacting more, networking. I’ll never be a social butterfly, but unquestionably one of my lessons of the day, thus, I gotta do it. I’d be a fool not to. Whether my schedule’s maxed out or filled with nothing at all: engaging in NATURE (alone). Of any sort, any time, in any way, is what I enjoy most.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Every time I have written a book, I’ve always assumed there will be no ‘next book.’ LIVE & LEARN is my seventh published book, and I’ve learned to never say never. Because LIVE & LEARN is non-fiction/self-help, I would love to write its companion book/workbook, something that prompts the reader to write, learn more than they read. Anything that will stimulate their growth, anything that keeps them going.