INTERVIEW: Elizabeth Adams Hides Names, Places, and People from Real Life in Her Books

Welcome to the Tuesday Author Interview with Christina Boyd for the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

CHRISTINA: I first became acquainted with Elizabeth Adams when I read her Pride and Prejudice variation On Equal Ground. Lord, I can't tell you how her story affected me. I've read it a couple of times and listened to the audiobook at least three times, and I sobbed my eyes out every time, even though I know the story well. So, when I was assembling my team for the Rational Creatures multi-author anthology, I knew I had to get her on board. And lucky I did, too, as she has turned out to be a good friend, invaluable beta reader, and fount of marketing information. She also wrote stories for two more anthologies: Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl and Yuletide. In fact, she was among the authors of the Yuletide anthology to present the first royalty check to Chawton House.

Authors Elizabeth Adams, Joana Starnes, Caitlin Williams, and Anngela Schroeder presented the first royalties check to representatives at Chawton House. The multi-author anthology Yuletide was created in 2018 to donate royalties in perpetuity to Chawton House, library, and the Centre for Early Women's Writing. Summer 2019.

Which of your own novels is your favorite?

ELIZABETH: Sons of Pemberley is probably my favorite, but a very close second is A Curative Touch. I love a gutsy heroine.

CHRISTINA: Yes, I loved Sons of Pemberley! And A Curative Touch is still in the queue.

If you could have dinner with three people, who would be at your table—and how might that go?

ELIZABETH: This is so hard! I think I’d like to see Maya Angelou, Edith Wharton, and throw in Jon Stewart. If I got a bonus person, I’d add Dorothy Parker.

CHRISTINA: That sounds like a great dinner party!

What comes first: plot or characters?

ELIZABETH: Usually plot, but occasionally characters, especially if it’s in first person.

CHRISTINA: If you were to revise any of your books, which would you choose and why?

On Equal Ground by Elizabeth Adams

ELIZABETH: I kind of want to revise Unwilling and On Equal Ground and make them more mature in the progression and dialog—I’ve learned so much since I first wrote those—and probably add some love scenes because I think it would enhance the books. The relationships are such integral parts… But I really need to revise my first book, The Houseguest, because it is very much a first book, and I cringe just thinking about it.

CHRISTINA: I love On Equal Ground. Love. One of my favorite Austenesque novels. I'm not sure how I feel about you "improving" it.

Do you hide any secrets in your novels only a select few might know?

ELIZABETH: I’m so glad you asked! Yes, I do! I often name houses, places, and people after things in my real life. I like to think of them as Easter eggs I’m hiding for my kids if they ever read my work (or future biographers, LOL).

CHRISTINA: Have you gone on an author pilgrimage or research trip? Where and what was the most memorable moment?

ELIZABETH: I have! I am a big fan of research trips and letting the novelty of a place inspire you. I was wildly inspired in Italy. I wanted to write the entire time I was there – it is brimming with creativity. You can feel it in the air.

Chatsworth. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Adams

CHRISTINA: Well, you know, I still want to buy a $1 House in an ancient Italian village… Think of all the writing we’d get done after we rebuilt the house. But you should definitely write a book set in Italy! Good excuse to go back.

ELIZABETH: As far as a pilgrimage goes, I went to England in 2013. I visited a friend in Scotland first, then took the train down to Derbyshire. I missed my stop because someone got in a fight and the conductor didn’t announce (the only stop he didn’t call!) and I was reading and didn’t see it until it was about to pull away. Now I know to push the door open button before getting my suitcase—it would have bought me a minute to get off the train.

CHRISTINA: Oh my gosh! That’s hysterical.

Sheep at Chatsworth. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Adams

ELIZABETH: Anyhow, I stayed at a gorgeous inn and traipsed to Chatsworth, across fields dotted with sheep. The house was amazing, and the grounds were just lovely. I really like how people aren’t so precious about property boundaries in the UK as they are in the US. Most places I’ve visited there have paths cutting across people’s private land and it was so normal. I was amazed.

CHRISTINA: Yes, I remember that, too. I loved wandering about, feeling very much like Elizabeth Bennet, running down hills and through pasture. It’s called Freedom to Roam. Eight percent of England is covered by the “right to roam,” an ancient custom that allows anyone to wander in open countryside, no matter who owns it.

If you could tell your 21-year-old self anything, what would you share?

ELIZABETH: Invest in Index Funds! Start now, even if it’s small! And avoid processed foods.

CHRISTINA: La! If only I had money as a young person to invest. And I know I was told not to eat processed foods, and yet, I did anyway.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and sharing your experience. I look forward to your next book! Always such great reads. And someday, I promise we will meet in real life.

Elizabeth Adams, author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Adams is a book-loving, tango-dancing, Austen enthusiast. She loves old houses and thinks birthdays should be celebrated with trips—as should most occasions. She can often be found by a sunny window with a cup of hot tea and a book in her hand. 

You can purchase all of Elizabeth’s books and book-related merchandise directly from the author at FoxpinePress.com.

You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at EAdamsWrites.com.