Ask the Author: Addison M. Conley
Answered Questions (7)
Addison M. Conley
My apology for the late answer. I've dove in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Australia's Great Reef, Cozumel, Bonaire, Aruba, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos.
I see you live in Wahiawa. I lived in Kapolei for three and a half years.
I see you live in Wahiawa. I lived in Kapolei for three and a half years.
Addison M. Conley
I will either work on something else or just go out and have fun. Sometimes, I need to completely take my mind off writing for a couple of weeks.
Addison M. Conley
Making a reader feel good after taking them on a ride of plot twists.
Addison M. Conley
Never give up. Find your niche and continue to hone your craft. What genre do you like to write? Do you prefer short stories, novels, or both? Take writing classes (in-person or online) that cover numerous topics – writing an effective hook, plot and character development, “show don’t tell,” point of view, dialogue, etc. because a good story will fall dead if not delivered properly. There are plenty of good articles on the web, but I’m still a fan of taking a class. And most important, read tons of the genre you want to write. Step back from the reader enjoying the story and think analytically. When you try to publish, persist and don’t give up over a few rejections. Don’t fret if a publisher or editor asks for a rewrite or corrections. Do it and resubmit. And if you get signed to be published, learn about marketing because it’s more than social media. Lastly, join a professional group. I’m a big fan of Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS), and the GCLS Writing Academy is one of the best.
Addison M. Conley
Two women who met in Afghanistan – one a military officer and the other a high-level civilian – go through turbulent deployments as co-workers and friends. Desire smolders underneath, but the strain of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT), and a difficult operation split the two apart. Even after the fall of DADT and failed relationships with others, obstacles keep popping up. The characters and romance are fictional, but the setting is based on my real-life deployments as a Department of Defense civilian employee. I served under DADT and the aftermath. I served with some of the best military folks in the world, and a few whose conduct was harassing and borderline unethical at times. In one unit, homophobic slurs and gossip were rampant despite the fall of DADT. And the LGBTQ community is well aware of a history of “good people” that ignore the subtle phrases and those that know just when to deliver those phrases out of earshot from those that might object. Combine this with an attitude of “grow a thicker skin,” and real-life becomes like a novel with emotions and conflict that rises and falls over and over.
Addison M. Conley
Walking in the quiet woods gives me the solitude to think which is an inspirational technique. People watching and my own life experiences as a lesbian give me a good base to draw on. Personally, I wanted to bring snippets of my journey and living through a dysfunctional family into fictional stories which have a happy ending. I like romances. And who doesn’t enjoy the warm, fuzzy feeling when two people find happiness? So, my first published book is a romance. Whether writing a romance, sci-fi, or another genre, I want to take the reader on a roller coaster of emotions to the happy ending. In the process, I hope to provoke thought as well as make the reader feel the character’s struggle and joy.
Addison M. Conley
The romance between Jordan and Emmy is intertwined with historical events, same-sex marriage in West Virginia and later the Supreme Court of the US decision that spread marriage equality to every state. The main characters and what they must deal with are shaped by how family members support or inhibit their path to happiness. Jordan has a few more obstacles to overcome than Emmy, including a painful secret from years ago. The town is fictional, but the setting is based on the eastern panhandle of West Virginia which is where I currently live. WV is truly an eclectic mix of people, including a lot of conservative people.
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