Happy Monday to you all! Today we have with usBecky Adams, author of MadamProstitutes, Punters and Puppets-
Memoirs of a very British Brothel
Welcome!! And what a title to a book!
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I had a good convent education which I wasted, trained as a horse riding instructor with the British Horse Society and have spent the last 20 years running brothels in the UK. I have appeared many times on TV and in the tabloid papers, campaigning for a change in the public’s attitude to sex work. I had to flee the UK in 2008 and hide in France as the police were determined to send me to prison after a full year of harassment and twenty four hour surveillance.Do you work another job when you are not writing? I’m a public speaker and consultant for the BBC and National newspapers on various aspects of the sex industry and women’s sex issues.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing? Walking my 3 small dogs and eating cupcakes.
What is your favorite color? Why?
Pink! Because I’m a girl!
What is your favorite season? Why? Spring or Autumn.
I love the anticipation of spring and the colours of autumn.
If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it be? Why?
I lived in S W France for several years whilst the heat died down and the police forgot about me. It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. I’ll return there I’m sure. I feel my soul is at peace in France. It’s a perfect place to write.
If you could have any car, what would it be?
A horse.
Tell us about your writing: How long have your been writing? Was it a dream, a goal or is it just a hobby?
I had never thought of myself as a writer. I’d never wished to be. Since 2004 publishers and TV companies had been interested in my story and I’d had several attempts to create a book with some very well know ghosts. It didn’t work out as I was frustrated that they couldn’t find ‘my voice’. After another failed attempt my agent (Darley Anderson) suggested I tried to write the book myself. Sitting in their smart London offices, high on sweet tea and cake I agreed, and then quickly wished I hadn’t. I had no idea what hard work writing would be.
How many hours a day do you devote to writing? On the first draft of my book ‘MADAM’ I would often sit for up to 16 hours a day in my night wear. Just typing. Re-writes and edits were more relaxed, but I seem to work better in intense bursts then periods of complete rest and dog walks.
Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?
As a new writer I just got on with it. As I progressed I realised I needed a routine. I had to get dressed! I had to feed myself and take regular breaks. I would set myself targets. I’d have to finish a chapter before I made more coffee or a sandwich.
Is there some place special you like to be when you write?
I sat on my sofa in Milton Keynes with a dog on either side, wishing I was in a cottage in Devon or the South of France.
Do you listen to music or do you need a quiet place to write?
I write in silence. I find even soft music distracting and I get quite cross when visitors arrive and bother me when I’m in full flow.
Tell us about your book: Nobody wakes up one day and thinks, 'I know, I'll run a brothel!' It was more a case of stumbling, quite by accident into the profession. MADAM is a riotously funny and touching peek through the keyhole of provincial massage parlours. I escort you through my memoirs, from my challenging childhood to brothel keeping in Buckinghamshire. My outrageous story is a witty and thought provoking tale of betrayal, friendship, love and loyalty. From saucy scandals and soft toys, to raids, robberies and Rolf Harris fetishes all accompanied by a nice cup of tea and a ginger nut biscuit. The truth really is stranger than fiction.
What is the name of it and is it part of a series or a stand alone novel?MADAM is the first book and will be followed in 2012 by the second in the series.
Where did the idea come from? How long did it take to write?
MADAM is my autobiography. It took 5 months of writing all day every day to complete the first draft, then another 7 months with much less intensity re-writing. The original draft was 140,00 words which was 60,00 too long so a lot of time was spent cutting and editing stories out which was a shame.
What is it about? MADAM begins with my childhood. It was important for the reader to understand why a well brought up middle class girl, educated in convents should choose to spend most of her working life involved in the sex industry. It then tracks my foolish jaunt into organised crime, arrest and a nervous breakdown. Opening and running brothels with my friends, taking elderly transvestites to Royal Ascot horse races, avoiding the police again and trying to keep my family together. It explores my life journey, business and personal development culminating in my selling my brothels and the tragic murder at 16 of my daughter’s boyfriend which changed all our lives.
Do you have any upcoming projects in the works or other books that have been published?
I am presently working on my second book which follows on from MADAM.
Where can readers connect with you? I love to connect with my readers and I’m happy to talk to book groups and business groups. My website is a good way to contact me www.madambeckyadams.co.uk
Where can we buy your books? MADAM is available on Amazon and Kindle with 12 5* reviews. It can be bought through Waterstones and has been number 1 Waterstones best seller for 2 weeks.
Signed copies can be bought from my website: www.madambeckyadams.co.uk
Amazon:
Website & Blog: www.madambeckyadams.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/madambeckyfanpageTwitter: https://twitter.com/MadamBeckyAdams
Watch some Video's of Madam Becky Adams http://www.madambeckyadams.co.uk/Video.html
