Interview with Lillian Dove of Admit to Mayhem by D.J. Adamson

We’re thrilled to be talking to Lillian Dove from D. J. Adamson, Admit to Mayhem. It is a pleasure to have her with us today at Pimp That Character!

Thank you for your interview, Lillian.  How old are you and what do you do for a living?

I am 30+ and work for the Frytown Police Department as a telephone facilitator. Which means, I answer the phones.

What is in your refrigerator right now?

Let me go look!  Okay, I don’t do much shopping. There is a yellow, slimy head of lettuce, a package of bologna, and a half-can of Feline Delight for my cat, Bacardi. The Feline Delight has been in there a while because Bacardi will never eat anything refrigerated.

What is my favorite food?

Whatever is still edible in my refrigerator.

Do I like to cook?

I cook for Bacardi. He’s pretty easy. Can-opener and a can of Feline Delight. For me, I grab something at the Dairy Queen. A chili cheese burger if I take it home. Or I go to Louise’s Italian Restaurant down by the lake. Chief Kaefring also eats there. It’s where Detective Jacque Leveque caught the Chief and I. He’s been trouble ever since!

What is your greatest fear?

I guess my biggest fear is that I will fail. I am a recovering alcoholic, but I’m not afraid of drinking again. Pouring booze into a glass wasn’t difficult to stop, although the clink of ice against a glass still sets my teeth on edge. I have other additions and compulsions harder to overcome, like Pepsi, chocolate, men, being afraid, being afraid of not being afraid, men again, and my independence and co-dependence, and habit of doing what I shouldn’t. Other bad habits, too, you know?  Life is full of things we shouldn’t do.

Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?

D. J. Adamson has done a great job putting my story out there truthfully. Telling the truth is the hard part. She doesn’t make me more heroic than the next person and sees my frailties as being human. Plus, she knows people who live in the Midwest. Her own family roots grow deep in Iowa.

Are you a loner or do you prefer to surround yourself with friends?

I always wanted to be one of those people who were surrounded by friends. But I’m not. Don’t get me wrong, I have friends. Donna Stockman who works for the Frytown Dispatch is a good friend. She’s the Gossipedia of Frytown. I think I’d say I have more acquaintances than close friends. I’m pretty busy trying to pay the rent and staying out of trouble. I also take care of my convalescent mother, Dahlia. Dahlia’s a handful. She’s contrary. She’s always doing what she shouldn’t. My brother Frank dumped her on me. Now we are stuck with each other.

What is your favorite weather? 

I guess you haven’t spent much time in the Midwest. In Iowa, the weather creates your day. It can be warm and sunny in the morning, and by noon a storm comes up, blackens the sky, and threatens to make life miserable. Or the weatherman will report a small snowstorm coming, and you wake up to find snow piled up to the roofline and you can’t get out of the house. Weather brings out the best and worst in people. I think that’s why I love living here. Nothing is ever the same.

If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?

I would like to say I would tell everyone I loved them. And I would.  Maybe I would even tell Dahlia that I know she’s been the best mom she could be. But if I were truthful, I’d probably spend the day obsessing about dying tomorrow. 

About the Author

D. J. Adamson is an award-winning author. Her family roots grow deep in the Midwest and it is here she sets much of her work. She juggles her time between her own desk and teaching writing to others at two Los Angeles area colleges. Along with her husband and two Welsh Terriers, she makes her home in Southern California.

Her latest book is the mystery, amateur sleuth, Admit to Mayhem.

For More Information

• Visit D.J.’s website.
• Connect with D.J. on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about D.J. at Goodreads.
• Visit D.J.’s blog.
• Contact D.J..

About the Book:

With a contrary attitude and an addiction for independence, Lillian Dove admits she has not been a success in life. In fact, she considers failing as one of her addictions. Yet, when she comes across a suspicious house fire with a history of arson and murder, she instinctively attempts to help someone trapped. Lillian becomes the only possible eyewitness to criminal arson, and her life begins to spiral out of control.

Lillian Dove is an endearing “everywoman” struggling with life issues, emotional complexities and a habit of doing just the opposite of what she’s told to do. These qualities in a heroine give the reader an ability to vicariously struggle along with the protagonist in this intriguing Midwest Noir mystery.

For More Information

• Admit to Mayhem is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.