Rita here. Today I'd like to introduce Dorothy Adamek. An Australian writer of Historical Romance, she lives at Crabapple House with her Beloved and their three children, twenty fruit trees and Gilbert the cat. A graduate of La Trobe University, Dorothy studied Literature, History and Education. She taught secondary school English and English as a Second Language.
Dotti, you are a regular blogger. What is it called and what would you mainly talk about? Does it have a theme?
Hi Rita. I’ve been writing at my blog, Ink Dots, since 2009. I started journalling my writing adventures and sharing some of the historical details I’ve unearthed in my research. I chose the name Ink Dots in salute to olde worlde writer's ink, and picked up the dots from my nickname, Dotti. Ink Dots represents what I write ~ Historical Romance ~ The Heartbeat Of Yesteryear.
Currently, I post twice a week. On Mondays I interview an historical romance author and most weeks the author generously offers one giveaway copy of their latest release. I love promoting other authors this way, and some return to Ink Dots every year (or sooner) to celebrate a new release.
On Friday I’ve been following my 52 Author Dates challenge. Each week I step away from the writing desk to stretch myself as an author and experience various tasks/excursions I may have otherwise avoided. (I’m a chicken when it comes to swimming in cold water and entering wild places like thousand year old caves.) These challenges are designed to give me a taste of emotions my characters may face in the life I create for them. Following the author challenge has helped Ink Dots grow a faithful readership of those who visit every week to keep up with the fun. http://dorothyadamek.blogspot.com.au
Rita: Every time I've visited I find something that intrigues or amuses me. I don't always comment, Dotti, but enjoy my peep just the same.
I do believe everyone who has ever read your blog gets the feeling you're more than 'slightly' interested in history, as a pre-published writer, tell us what era you love and why? Also which settings are you likely to choose for your novels?
Dotti: I’m a serious fan of most things olde worlde. The Australian colonial era is my favourite. Anytime in the 1800s draws me and I’m currently working on a 3 book series set on Phillip Island in the 1870s. I’m also working on a goldfields series set in Ballarat in the 1850s, with yet another project set in the 1840s. You can read more about why I love history on my About and Australia Pages at Ink Dots. (Ah, I'm with you on that. Two of my last books have an Australian setting.)
Rita: Not all writers find support in this special calling. How are you finding this? Friends? Family?
Dotti: I’m surrounded by tremendous support as a writer. My family cheer ‘loud and proud’ and tell their friends and colleagues about my writing. God has blessed me with many kindred spirits in the book world who understand the peculiarities of the writing life. Readers and writers alike pray for me each day and share the writing road with all its dips and peaks. And I’m blessed to be able to return the gift of praying for my supporters, too. I know this is something not every writer enjoys and I don’t take it for granted. If there’s a writer reading this now, weighed down by little support or discouragement, please message me. I’d love to pray with you. In many pursuits, prayer is the foundational work and writing is no different.
Rita: You've been travelling around lately. Would you share where and any 'take away' thoughts?
Dotti: I’ve enjoyed two conferences and one intensive writing retreat in the last month. Together with thousands of romance authors, (waving at Narelle Atkins and Mary Hawkins) I attended the Romance Writers Of America national conference in San Antonio, closely followed by the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Sydney. As always, the conference experience delivered inspiration and the much needed opportunity to examine industry trends and meet with industry professionals. I highly recommend writing conferences for the enormous learning opportunities. Two of my favourite workshops this year were, ‘Write Faster-Write Smarter’ and ‘How the world's best storytellers do it. Pixar's Secrets.'
In between conferences, I attended a Margie Lawson Immersion Master Class, also in San Antonio. Margie Lawson teaches her own brand of deep editing in small groups of 6 or 7 and I never come away from this kind of writing retreat the same. If there’s one resource I’d share with a fellow author, whether beginning or well established, it’s the benefits of what Margie Lawson offers from her web community in the form of online classes, lecture packets and writing retreats. http://www.margielawson.com/
Rita: It's been so interesting to find out a little more of what makes you 'tick', Dotti. (Incidentally, our heroine of Green Gables, Anne, always asked that her name be spelled with an 'e' but in Dotti's case that is reversed. So from now on, Dotti, the 'e' I always used is now forever banished!)
Dotti: Thanks for interviewing me today, Rita. It's been fun answering your questions. I look forward to welcoming new Ink Dot's friends. Come and say G'day.
Rita Stella Galieh is a scriptwriter and co-presenter on Vantage Point, a 5 minute program broadcast throughout Australia. She has contributed to several US Anthologies by Adams Media and has two Historical Romances published by Ark House Press. Each year she and her husband minister in Buddhist Government schools, prisons, hospitals & churches in Thailand.
Things can change in a heart beat.
http://inspirationalromance.blogspot.com
Follow me on Twitter @RSGalieh
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| Romantic shot of Dotti and Her Beloved |
Hi Rita. I’ve been writing at my blog, Ink Dots, since 2009. I started journalling my writing adventures and sharing some of the historical details I’ve unearthed in my research. I chose the name Ink Dots in salute to olde worlde writer's ink, and picked up the dots from my nickname, Dotti. Ink Dots represents what I write ~ Historical Romance ~ The Heartbeat Of Yesteryear.
Currently, I post twice a week. On Mondays I interview an historical romance author and most weeks the author generously offers one giveaway copy of their latest release. I love promoting other authors this way, and some return to Ink Dots every year (or sooner) to celebrate a new release.
On Friday I’ve been following my 52 Author Dates challenge. Each week I step away from the writing desk to stretch myself as an author and experience various tasks/excursions I may have otherwise avoided. (I’m a chicken when it comes to swimming in cold water and entering wild places like thousand year old caves.) These challenges are designed to give me a taste of emotions my characters may face in the life I create for them. Following the author challenge has helped Ink Dots grow a faithful readership of those who visit every week to keep up with the fun. http://dorothyadamek.blogspot.com.au
Rita: Every time I've visited I find something that intrigues or amuses me. I don't always comment, Dotti, but enjoy my peep just the same.
I do believe everyone who has ever read your blog gets the feeling you're more than 'slightly' interested in history, as a pre-published writer, tell us what era you love and why? Also which settings are you likely to choose for your novels?
Dotti: I’m a serious fan of most things olde worlde. The Australian colonial era is my favourite. Anytime in the 1800s draws me and I’m currently working on a 3 book series set on Phillip Island in the 1870s. I’m also working on a goldfields series set in Ballarat in the 1850s, with yet another project set in the 1840s. You can read more about why I love history on my About and Australia Pages at Ink Dots. (Ah, I'm with you on that. Two of my last books have an Australian setting.)
Rita: Not all writers find support in this special calling. How are you finding this? Friends? Family?
Dotti: I’m surrounded by tremendous support as a writer. My family cheer ‘loud and proud’ and tell their friends and colleagues about my writing. God has blessed me with many kindred spirits in the book world who understand the peculiarities of the writing life. Readers and writers alike pray for me each day and share the writing road with all its dips and peaks. And I’m blessed to be able to return the gift of praying for my supporters, too. I know this is something not every writer enjoys and I don’t take it for granted. If there’s a writer reading this now, weighed down by little support or discouragement, please message me. I’d love to pray with you. In many pursuits, prayer is the foundational work and writing is no different.
Rita: You've been travelling around lately. Would you share where and any 'take away' thoughts?
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| Dotti with James Scott Bell, RWAust '14 |
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| Dotti's Immersion Master Class with Margie Lawson |
Rita: It's been so interesting to find out a little more of what makes you 'tick', Dotti. (Incidentally, our heroine of Green Gables, Anne, always asked that her name be spelled with an 'e' but in Dotti's case that is reversed. So from now on, Dotti, the 'e' I always used is now forever banished!)
Dotti: Thanks for interviewing me today, Rita. It's been fun answering your questions. I look forward to welcoming new Ink Dot's friends. Come and say G'day.
Rita Stella Galieh is a scriptwriter and co-presenter on Vantage Point, a 5 minute program broadcast throughout Australia. She has contributed to several US Anthologies by Adams Media and has two Historical Romances published by Ark House Press. Each year she and her husband minister in Buddhist Government schools, prisons, hospitals & churches in Thailand.
Things can change in a heart beat.
http://inspirationalromance.blogspot.com
Follow me on Twitter @RSGalieh
ACW SCAVENGER HUNT CLUES FOR WEDNESDAY:
Clue 7 from Dorothy Adamek: What is the real life setting of Dotti's Australian romances? http://dorothyadamek.blogspot.com.au/
Clue 8 from Rita Galieh: What is my mother's maiden name? http://www.ritastellagalieh.com/
Clue 9 from Paula Vince: What is the name of my most recent novel, released just this year? http://justoccurred.blogspot.com.au/
The Scavenger Hunt closes at 2pm on Sunday, September 7 (AEST). The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 9. Good luck!
Great interview, ladies! It's good to learn a little more about Dotti. I have been reading many of her Author Challenges. Dotti, I'm with you on the cold water thing, although I don't have your issues with caves. Catacombs, however ...
ReplyDeleteHi Iola. Yes, like Dotti, water must be blood heat for me. But my brother was an avid spelunker so I've been caving many times.
DeleteThanks so much for interviewing me, Rita! So much fun :-)
DeleteHi Iola... I'd rather the caves over the cold water! Any day :-)
Thanks so much for supporting Ink Dots. You're a huge encouragement to me.
Thanks, Rita and Dotti, for the interesting interview. I enjoy my visits to see what's happening at Ink Dots too, and appreciate the challenges. Yes, I'd love to be included in your prayers for Aussie authors, as we certainly need it.
ReplyDeleteHi Paula, I was fascinated when I first read Ink Dots and its originality.
DeleteHi Paula, thanks so much for your visits to Ink Dots. It's always a thrill to see you've popped in.
DeleteYou too, Rita. I love your words of encouragement. :-)
Great interview Dotti & Rita. I enjoyed hearing more about Ink Dots and your writing journey Dotti. The author challenges sound like scary fun and an awesome idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanette. Maybe Dottie will explain who gives out this interesting author challenge as I forgot to ask.
DeleteHi Jeanette, I've been following a book called 52 Dates For Writers.
DeleteLots of fun challenges! Lots of terrifying ones too! Soon I have to 'assume an alias.' I have no clue how to pull that one off! Any ideas?
Dotti, I love to blog, too! Have 3 blogs. I enjoyed reading this!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Sonja!
DeleteHi Sonja, thanks for your support!
DeleteWhat are the names of your 3 blogs?
Working on the beach would be a wonderful place to work... :) What a great ministry you have. May God Bless you in your ministry!
ReplyDeleteI agree Deanna, except for seagulls leaving their calling cards!
ReplyDeleteHi Deanna, the beach is a great place to think and work through my story. Thankfully, I haven't met with any seagull trouble. :-)
DeleteWhat fun to learn a little more about you, Dotti. A 3-book series. Good on you. Agents & pubs seem to prefer a series. How many of them have you written to date?
ReplyDeleteI find InkDots a lovely blog to visit, Dotti. It is so rich with your warmth and charm.
Thanks Rita for sharing your interview with us. A great idea.
Hi Ian, my goldfields series isn't as fleshed out as my Phillip Islands series. That's my current project. Very close to completion!
DeleteThanks for always having a kind word of encouragement on my Friday challenges. It's been a lot of fun sharing the lessons with Ink Dots followers.
Hi Ian. I think its exciting to follow the writing of someone who has meticulously researched the subjects of her novels. Waiting until they come into print!
DeleteDear Dotti, I didn't know you taught school. Or that you live at Crabapple House. I love the name. How absolutely fun it is to learn more about you!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see you here, dear Suzie.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm no longer in the classroom, I hope to be able to share Crabapple House with you someday when you visit our way. xx
I'll hold you to it! :)
DeleteIt's a deal, Suzie. xx
DeleteHi Suzie. I'm sure you're wondering, like me, if Dottie makes preserves from those Crabapple tree.
ReplyDeleteRita, I feel certain that if Dotti served crabapple preserves, they would naturally sweetened just because she made them.
DeleteYou'd think, surrounded by 7 crabapples, we'd get a crop of fruit... Alas, so far, they're only ornamental. But the plum tree gives amazing fruit. So jam-worthy.
DeleteThanks Rita and Dotti, that was really interesting! Its encouraging to hear the enjoyment you have with your blog, Dotti and you really do a beautiful job.
ReplyDeleteRita, your work in Buddhist Government schools sounds fascinating!
Thanks, darling Catherine. A pleasure to share the love of writing with you. xx
DeleteI think we have a host of writers here who love the writing craft. May the Lord bless them all in their calling!
DeleteLike Rita, I don't always leave a comment but I enjoy visiting InkDots. Lovely interview ladies!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea. Looking forward to featuring you and Too Pretty, very soon. :-)
DeleteThanks Andrea.
DeleteLoved this interview and the insight it gives into Dotti's passion for writing, history, and helping others. You're a gem, Dotti!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks to you, Rita :)
Thanks for stopping by, Rel. you inspire me every day. xx
DeleteThis has been fun ... all of us meeting cyberly!
DeleteIt was fun to learn more about you, Dotti (I've never been game to call you anything but Dorothy!). It touched my heart re having other writers praying for you (and you for them). My family is very encouraging but I don't know of another writer who prays specifically for my writing. For my part, I do pray for a couple of new writers I've been mentoring.
ReplyDeleteI guess when we all began we didn't realise such a wonderful sisterhood (plus the few fellows) existed.
DeleteHi Rhonda, you can me Dotti whenever the mood takes you. :-)
DeleteWe do have a great community here. I'm blessed to be a part if this writing family.
Lovely interview! Might I say that Dotti is just one lovely lady? :) And I admire the fact about ministering in Thailand, it must be huge step from one´s comfort zone and very enriching experience!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Janka. :-)
DeleteMy husbabd's name is John, and in his (Slovakian) family, he's called Janko. Are you Slovakian, perchance?
Dotti and Rita, great interview! Dotti, I never quite know what to expect when I visit Ink Dots on a Friday to read about your latest author date adventure. So much fun, and I loved spending time with you at the conferences :)
ReplyDeleteHi Narelle, thanks so much for supporting and encouraging me as a writer. You're a great friend and I'm so blessed to have travelled with you for some of the 'highlight' writing moments. xx
DeleteI loved reading this interview! I'm following her blog now :)
ReplyDeleteHi Heidi, so lovely to 'meet' you here. I look forward to chatting with you at Ink Dots, as well. :)
Deletethe conferences seemed like fun and a great learning experience
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen, lots of learning and inspiration at conferences. :) So much, in fact, I think my brain gets a little scrambled... but the time of reflection and forward planning is lots of fun at the other end. Thanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteGreat interview. thanks Dotti and Rita.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Dale. :-)
DeleteI'd love to sit down over a cup of tea with you one day and gleam some more of your experiences and wisdom. Perhaps we'll meet at a conference, once upon a time? ;) Great interview. Thank you ladies!
ReplyDeleteCatriona, I'd love to have that pot of tea with you. :-)
ReplyDeleteAre you planning a trip to Melbourne soon? Please message me if you're headed this way. Let's make it happen. :-)