Adam Blumer Talks about life and his New Book

Adam, what do you love about The Tenth Plague?

This, my second novel, explores the idea of a killer using the biblical plagues of Egypt as a playbook for revenge. I had a lot of fun plotting and researching this one—and I think readers will be pleased.

 

What unique thing did you learn during the writing and/or publishing process of this particular book?

The power of the collaborative process. I had a fairly strong first draft, but I was stuck. A novel editor provided a creative springboard and helped me see where my true story lay. Without her help, I doubt this story would have seen the light of day.

 

Tell us something about this particular book that we won’t find from your web site.

This novel required a ton of research. From an old mining tragedy to autism, from adoption law to anthrax, from pheromones to the Oklahoma City bombing, the research for this one required much more than I ever expected. I’m so thankful for technology and ease of access, thanks to the Internet. Without Google and so many resources at my fingertips, I’d probably still be researching this story. 

What’s been a favorite work experience you’ve had so far in life?

During one summer between years in high school, I worked at a library, a book lover’s paradise. Granted, a lot of the work involved stocking shelves, but being surrounded by so many fascinating books and interesting authors was pure heaven. I was born a die-hard book lover, and I’ll probably die one too. 

 

If you could do anything you want, what would it be?
Travel the world and write, publish, write, publish, write, publish . . . you get the idea.  

What’s the most exotic place you’ve traveled? 

Israel, in particular Old Jerusalem

What do you see outside the closest window right now?

My rather dead-looking raspberry patch, which is eagerly awaiting spring

What do you tell people when they ask “and what do you do?”

 I’m a book editor who publishes fiction on the side.

Where’s your favorite place to grocery shop? 

My wife does the grocery shopping, and she gets her best deals at Super One.

What, to you, is worship?

The word worship literally means “to bow down.” In the context of my faith, worship means bowing to God’s wishes for my life, regardless of what area it may be. Every breath should be breathed for God will and His glory.

When you take all of the things that make you unique, how does that come out in your writing?
I love suspense fiction and history, so a blending of the two always seems to come out in my writing. In high school, I won awards in calligraphy; Gillian Thayer, my female lead, is into calligraphy in a big way (it’s her job). I’ve always been intrigued with how one’s past impacts his or her present and future. This is a recurring theme in my novels because it’s part of who I am. Now that I think about it, what I write is inseparable to some degree from who I am.

Introduce your book – plot summary and main characters, and what’s your favorite part of the story (if it doesn’t give anything away).

Water turns to blood. Flies and gnats attack the innocent. Marc and Gillian Thayer’s vacation resort becomes a grisly murder scene, with a killer using the ten plagues of Egypt as his playbook for revenge.

When their friend turns up dead, Marc and Gillian put their vacation on hold, enlist the help of a retired homicide detective, and take a closer look at the bizarre plagues as they escalate in intensity. Meanwhile, a stranger is after the Thayers’ newly adopted baby. Will they uncover the truth behind the bitter agenda before the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn son?

My favorite part is when the firstborn son is revealed and the novel culminates in the tenth plague. This is the most suspenseful and action-packed part of the story, with several key characters in jeopardy. I had a blast writing it. Thank you, Lisa, for the opportunity to talk about my latest project.

My pleasure, Adam.
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Adam Blumer is the author of two suspense novels, Fatal Illusions (Kregel) and the upcoming novel, The Tenth Plague (Kirkdale Press). A print journalism major in college, he works full time from home as a freelance writer and editor after serving in editorial roles for more than twenty years. He lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Laura and Julia.