Behind the Scenes: Licence to Die by Mazzy Adams

Today we go 'behind the scenes' as Jeanette (Jenny) O'Hagan interviews the marvellous Mazzy Adams about her debut novel, Licence to Die.

Jenny: Congratulations on the release of your debut novel, Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001). What inspired you to write Licence to Die and how long has it been in the making?

Mazzy: I first met Mac, the mover and shaker behind Licence to Die, in 2012, while studying through Tabor College, Adelaide. ‘Mac’ was a mystery, first appearing in a writing exercise prompt as an image of a youth wearing earphones and, later, as a youth holding a mask, with the question, ‘What is your character concealing?’

From then on, Mac regularly visited my dreams and daydreams, insisting I discover and tell my mysterious muse’s story. By July, 2014, Mac had me engrossed in serious background research on everything from cochlear implants and hyperthymesia to ASIO’s Information Technology Traineeship Program—at which point Ben threw his hat into the game and the pair of them convinced me I’d better get on with writing their story.

Cochlear by MazArt Catie J Sercombe

To complicate matters further, Chris rocked up, insisting I include his story too. Suddenly, I had a converging narrative on my hands, a story that would not conform to genre norms, and a steep learning curve ahead. Thankfully, I also sensed God had a plan and a purpose in mind, and Licence to Die was an integral part of that.

Jenny: Our characters often have minds of their own, but it's wonderful to see how it all fits together in then end. Tell us more about the two main characters and their circumstances. What drives them? What keeps them going despite the obstacles in their way? How does this differ from your main villain?

Mazzy: The full cover shot above with blurb gives the basic circumstances. Drivers and differences? As an only son, Ben carries an altruistic notion he should follow in his father’s ‘heroic’ footsteps—be they real or imagined. He soon discovers true heroism demands a hefty sacrifice, with family and friends the first to go. Perhaps that’s why he cannot, or will not, ignore Mac’s desperate ‘need’ to be saved, and his dogged determination to identify and find Mac before it’s too late. Ben’s altruism is both challenged and fed by his growing desire to know, and be known by, Mac.

Mac is both a mystery and a paradox; a kid whose circumstances are horrendous, but whose indomitable spirit will not surrender, at least, not without a fight, which Ben discovers to his shock, amusement, and frustration!

The one thing Ben and Mac have in common, which the story’s villains lack, is the conviction to stay true to themselves, and the things they honour and value most. By contrast, the primary antagonist will sacrifice his convictions for monetary gain and self-preservation yet justify his motivation as upholding a greater good. And Ben, Mac, and Chris (who is busy finding and fighting his sense of self-worth) will all pay a hefty price as a result.

Jenny: Strong characters and high stakes. It makes good reading. Your tagline is ‘Genre Rebel’. What does that mean for you and for your readers? Where would you place Licence to Die in the genre landscape?

Licence to Die Coast Meets Ocean ‘This drown plan is foul.’ Mac (MazArt)

Mazzy: Landscape? Hmm … Combine Aussie big city sophistication, rivalries, and (deadly) underbelly with glorious (occasionally deadly) East Coast beaches, and expansive (deadly) red centre deserts.

While the short answer stems from my propensity to write various types of literature from poetry to creative non-fiction to puppet plays, drama sketches, songs, and short fiction, the ‘rebel’ arises from the way that propensity drove my non-conformist approach when writing Licence to Die. That’s where the long answer arises: 

I began my Creative Writing Degree in my fifties and realised that one legacy of the natural, experiential, and spiritual influences of my childhood, youth, and adulthood was an aptitude for stepping outside the obvious to consider things from a different perspective. I discovered words can have multiple layers of meaning and each layer can reveal hidden treasures.

From a genre perspective, Licence to Die has layers. On the one hand, it’s pure story: covert intrigue in contemporary fiction suitable for adults and senior secondary school-aged young adults, a converging thriller/suspense narrative where the plot and character arcs of three protagonists collide with each other and their deadly antagonists, ultimately inspiring growth and resolution—with a few non-essential loose ends left to power a sequel.

Licence to Die is tempered by my personal faith-based beliefs, worldview, and ethos, resulting in a clean (if slightly edgy) read compatible with Christian Fiction Suspense expectations. It also raises philosophical and ethical dilemmas for readers to ponder, eg how would you respond if a total stranger could read your innermost thoughts? Or you could read theirs? Does the proverb which suggests we are what we think in our hearts ring true? Challenge you? Etc.  

It’s rich with allegory for those who wish to dig deeper. Even the title, which flips a familiar espionage trope upside down, is underpinned by Galatians 2:20, one of many underlying spiritual, biblical, and metaphysical parallels embedded in the meaning of the characters’ names, themes, symbols, relationships, actions, dialogue, and contemplations. As the Holy Spirit revealed this layer, I was reduced to tears of wonder at His grace, and His ministry in revealing Himself through these words. As I wrote and edited, He ministered spiritual healing and restoration to me, and imparted the conviction and courage to publish Licence to Die. It is this realm where the Holy Spirit works that is so fruitful and exciting.

I call it ‘Upmarket’ fiction because there is scope for book clubs and/or Christian study groups to explore the underlying spiritual, allegorical, philosophical, and literary elements. I’m hoping to put together a study guide for such situations. But with its quirky, good-humoured Aussie vibe, it’s more light-hearted and ‘genre friendly’ than classic literary fiction.

Jenny: I love the layers and totally agree (from my peek preview) light-hearted and ‘genre friendly’ as well as fast paced and entertaining. Which authors have inspired you and/or influenced your writing?

Mazzy: I’ve always loved mysteries and spy thrillers—from Enid Blyton to Robert Ludlum. These days I read more Australian authors, especially those who bring Australian characters and settings to life, and I have a refreshing collection of books written by Australian Christian authors. But if I had to name an author/book (other than the Author of Life and His book) who most influenced the direction I took with Licence to Die, I’d choose Madeleine L’Engle’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’—which I read for the first time in my fifties—and her statement that “You have to write the book that wants to be written.” She also said, “A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.” Perhaps I got my genre rebel tendencies from her.

Jenny: Good company to keep :) You’ve joined the ranks of enterprising Indie authors. What challenges and joys have you found in the process of publishing your book baby? Any advice to others aspiring to do the same?

Mazzy: 

Challenges: In Licence to Die, one of my minor characters says, “Don’t strain your brain.” That’s not an option if you want to Indie publish!

Joys: You have time to re-evaluate, time to seek wisdom from God and from others with relevant experience, freedom to set your own deadlines—or break them if you need to—and the opportunity to discover God really does do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think.

Advice: Don’t cut corners; if it’s worth committing yourself, your resources, and your energies into independently publishing your book, it’s worth doing all things well both for your own sake and the sake of your readers.

Jenny: Great Advice! What do you know now about the craft and business of writing that you didn’t when you started?

Mazzy:

Craft: Don’t use the word suddenly! (As I did earlier in this interview ;)) Or expect the process of producing a quality novel will be fast or easy. Hire (and learn from) a good editor. Be willing to recognise the gemstones in positive and negative critiques.

Business: Be willing to wear the pragmatist’s hat while daring to pursue the dream.

Jenny: Now that you’ve released your first novel, do you have any plans for other books or projects in mind? Will they be connected to Licence to Die or do you plan to venture forth into a new genre or story?

Mazzy: Yes, yes, and yes. I have a roughly outlined sequel demanding attention and two other standalone thriller/suspense novels outlined, so I’d better get my pen into gear. A potential anthology and several other projects hover in the wings.  

Jenny: Fantastic. More great reads to look forward to. TThanks for giving us a peek behind the scenes, Mazzy.  All the best with the launch of Licence to Die


Mazzy: Thanks, Jenny, for the opportunity.

Images by MazArt Catie J Sercombe

Book Launch Details: Save the Date!

If you’re within cooee of Toowoomba, the Quirky Quills are plotting and planning Licence to Die’s book launch.

When? 2:00pm Saturday 24th September 2022
Where? Danish Flower Art and Café Complex, 10347 New England Hwy, Highfields QLD 4352
(Bonus: that’s the middle Saturday of the Qld school holidays, following Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers week so Toowoomba will still be abuzz with floral beauty.)
How/where can you get Licence to Die (GRUnGE.001)?

Online purchases can be made via the following links to your preferred retailer through Booklinker  or Books2Read . You can also follow the arrows to either link from my website’s landing page at https://mazzyadams.com/

Or ask your local bookstore and/or library to order Licence to Die for you; it’s readily available through IngramSpark’s Distribution network:

Title: Licence to Die
Series: GRUnGE #1
Author: Mazzy Adams
Publisher: Zest N Zenith Creative & Academic Group
Publication Date: 22-07-22
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-6489726-0-0
eBook ISBN: 978-0-6489726-1-7

Mazzy Adams, Author, Genre Rebel -- Intrigue and Inspiration with an Upmarket Down Under Vibe

Mazzy Adams wrote (and performed) songs, Aussie bush poetry, puppet plays and drama sketches for several years before graduating with a Creative Writing Degree through Tabor College, Adelaide in 2014.

With a growing portfolio of published works in multiple anthologies and formats, Mazzy happily identifies as a bona fide genre rebel. Her picturesque, tongue-in-cheek writing style injects a quirky Down Under vibe to intrigue and inspiration alike.

Mazzy also employs her think-outside-the-box neural pathways and passion for words, pictures, and the positive potential in people to guide students through the perplexities of English written expression.

Best of all, her wonderful husband, amazing children, and delightful grandchildren make Mazzy’s otherwise ordinary life most extraordinary. For that, she is eternally grateful.

Discover more and connect via:

Website: https://mazzyadams.com

Email: maz@mazzyadams.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intrigueandinspiration