Author Taylor Adams will speak in Naples for Nick Linn Lecture Series
You might see your electric bill go up if you’re reading Taylor Adams’ books at home … at night … alone. That’s because you’ll turn on all the lights while you shriek and jump at his many unexpected plot twists.
Adams will be in Naples on Monday, Jan. 12, to talk about his new novel, “Her Last Breath,” and kick off the 23rd annual Nick Linn Lecture Series for the Friends of the Library of Collier County.
A few seats are still available for these four exclusive events at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in North Naples, which each include a chef-curated lunch, a lecture by a best-selling author and a book signing. This year’s lineup, all mystery authors, pays tribute to founder Nick Linn’s original vision when the series began more than 20 years ago.
Michael Connelly among other authors to speak
Fiction superstar Michael Connelly, creator of the Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer novels, is the final speaker on March 23. The other best-selling authors in the series are Brian Freeman on Feb. 23 and Michael Koryta on March 9. (See the info box for ticket details.)
Over the decades, the nonprofit Friends of the Library of Collier County has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the 10 branches of the Collier library system, financing the acquisition of e-books, the Children’s Summer Reading Program, the genealogy research databases, the Mail-a-Book program and many other library mainstays.
Adams, the Nick Linn Series opener on Jan. 12, lives in Washington state and sets his novels on the West Coast. He studied film in college and worked in television in Seattle while writing in his spare time, on the path to becoming a full-time novelist.
His style might be described as Stephen King meets Hitchcock, intricate plots with plenty of surprises.
“I’m just a big fan of very tight — kind of contained — stories with small casts of characters and high pressure, and I think the genre I chose has really allowed me to get to play with a lot of that,” Adams said in a Seattle magazine interview in 2017.
He talks in the Q&A below about his newest novel, “Her Last Breath,” which drew wholehearted praise from Publishers Weekly in a starred review: “Adams expertly manipulates readers’ expectations … a visceral tale of daring and deceit that will keep even seasoned suspense fans on their toes.”
And his previous book, “The Last Word,” got this approving nod from The New York Times: “Creepily satisfying.”
Adams answered some questions in advance of his visit to Naples:
You’re pretty adept at making a reader shriek in surprise and fear. What are YOU afraid of?
I don’t think I have any specific phobias like heights or spiders, but I am a HUGE worrier and overthinker. I’m always considering what might go wrong, and while that’s generally not a happy headspace to be in, it is a very helpful mindset for a thriller writer! I try to write from a place of empathy, and I really feel for characters when they’re confronted with difficult choices. Under pressure, people often show you who they truly are.
What part of a novel comes to you first — is it setting, character, a unique plot point?
Usually it’s the “what-if” of the story’s premise that first gets me excited (for example, what if you uncovered a kidnapping while trapped with strangers at a rest stop?). The characters and setting are often directly informed by that what-if and tend to fall into place soon after. Then it’s all about the ending — I try to plot stories to continually escalate and change shape, so once I’ve nailed down both the introductory hook AND what’s really going on under the surface, I know I’m ready to start writing.
Your book “No Exit” was filmed in Australia and New Zealand and streamed on Hulu (where it ranked an impressive Top 10 of the most-streamed movies when it debuted in early 2022). Were you able to be on set for the filming?
I’d hoped to be, but unfortunately COVID made that difficult. Regardless, it was an absolutely amazing experience having my book adapted to the screen. It was indescribably cool to see characters, locations and even action sequences I’d first imagined while sitting on my couch brought to life. I think the acting is extremely impressive, and I love the movie’s soundtrack — I sometimes listen to it while I write!
Are any of your other books optioned for filming?
Nothing at that stage yet, but my fingers remain crossed! We do have some gears turning in a few areas (can’t say more yet), but it’s a crazy business, and I’m very fortunate that “No Exit” made it all the way to the finish line.
What can you reveal about your next novel?
My newest thriller, “Her Last Breath,” releases on Feb. 17. It’s about two best friends who embark on an ill-fated caving expedition deep underground (what could possibly go wrong?). This novel’s setting was the perfect opportunity to apply everything I’ve learned so far about writing claustrophobia and sensory terror. It’s part survival thriller and part psychological mystery, told from differing and possibly unreliable viewpoints. The story’s intricate structure made it very challenging to write, and it’s been so rewarding to see readers enjoying it.
What authors have influenced you? What books have you enjoyed reading lately?
I first checked out Dean Koontz’s “Intensity” from the library when I was young (probably way too young), and it remains one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read, hands-down. It’s still a major influence on the type of small-scale, locked-room suspense stories I try to write. Other favorite authors are Stephen King, Joe Hill, Stephen Hunter and Scott Smith. I’ve also recently read and thoroughly enjoyed “Here One Moment” by Liane Moriarty and “The Whispers” by Ashley Audrain.
Because the Friends helps public libraries, we ask authors to share what libraries have meant to them.
When I was little, our small town’s brand-new library was the fun hangout place for local kids — I still remember the entire building vividly. When I was a little older, I did community service work there for junior high, which naturally involved a lot of re-shelving returned books. I remember getting particularly intrigued by one and reading its first chapter (paranormal nonfiction about ghosts), only to get caught by my supervisor. I’d thought I was in trouble, but she laughed and called it an “on-the-job casualty.” I’m still fascinated by paranormal stuff!
What to know
What: Author talks and luncheons that raise funds for the Collier County Public Library system
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, North Naples
When: Luncheons begin at noon. The author takes the stage at 1 p.m. Book signings begin at 1:50 p.m. after a Q&A session with the audience.
Tickets: Go to https://collier-friends.org/events/nick-linn-series/ for information about the multiple levels of tickets. Or contact Marlene Haywood, Operations and Events Manager, at mhaywood@collier-friends.org or 239-262-8135.
Join the Friends: Friends memberships begin at $50/year and also provide access and discounts to other programs. To become a Friends member, go to https://collier-friends.org/membership/ or contact Marlene Haywood at mhaywood@collier-friends.org or 239-262-8135.
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