The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel was the winner in the Writing/Publishing category in the 2025 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Karin Adams.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that The One Week Writing Workshop was chosen as Winner in the Writing/Publishing category for the 2025 IRDAs! I know that this wonderful honour will go a long way in highlighting my book as an inspiring resource for writers. That was my purpose in writing this book, and having this recognition helps spread the word. Thank you for this amazing accolade, and congratulations to all the other award winners!”
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel. It was published on October 17, 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
“YOU MAY BE STARTING your first novel, stuck in the middle of a draft or wanting to refresh a project that didn’t quite turn out as you’d hoped.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
When you want to write a novel, you don’t want to read another book about writing—you want to WRITE! My fun, inspiring fiction writing guide is based on my live and in-person creative writing workshops that I’ve been offering since 2010—but it’s in book form so you can use it whenever and wherever you want! It breaks down my seven-step novel writing process into bite-sized writing activities that you can start doing right away. Whether you want to get going on your new story—or get back to that older one whose time has come—let The One Week Writing Workshop guide you through novel writing essentials and the practical tactics to get it done!
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
When my first novel was published, I looked for opportunities to offer writing workshops in my community to writers of all ages and stripes. I love sharing what I’ve learned about story and the writer’s craft, and helping others tap into their creative potential. There was nothing more exciting to me than watching someone bring their story to life or push past a block by using my strategies and tactics. I realized that I could reach even more writers by gathering my activities and approach into a book—and that’s how The One Week Writing Workshop came to be!
What’s the most distinctive thing about this book?
Many writing guides focus on the final product—the novel—by breaking it down into components for you to learn and master and apply to your own story. I take a different approach by focusing instead on the process of writing a novel. I help you to grow your story organically, starting with sparking your idea to life, and then building on your ideas through the actions and steps I take in my own writing and that I’ve taught to other writers. We certainly cover the essentials of story structure as we go, but we’re doing it in a fun, action-based way as you grow your idea—and that’s what I think makes my book stand out.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
You’re dreaming of writing a novel (or another novel) but find yourself unsure of the next steps, or how to get (re)energized for the work ahead. My book will guide you through the process every step of the way—and help to make it fun!
When did you first decide to become an author?
My mom always read to me at bedtime. The moment we “graduated” from picture books and began reading chapter books together, I was hooked. I was absolutely captivated by how a book without pictures could put such vivid images in my head! I knew that I wanted to write “pictureless books” one day, too.
Is this the first book that you’ve written?
No, although it’s my first non-fiction book! I’m also the author of five middle grade novels, including Frostbite Hotel and the novel/graphic novel hybrid Mermaid Warrior Squad published by James Lorimer and Company (Toronto, Canada).
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
Workwise, I’m always doing something related to writing, like offering writing workshops or creating courses. I also post writing tips and articles on my blog (https://www.karinadams.com).
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I work on my fiction writing (mostly) daily, but I generally take weekends off. I think that rest is an important part of keeping up creative energy. But sometimes in the throes of a project or if I’m very inspired, Saturdays and Sundays are fair game! I also spend time writing articles about the writing process and posting writing tips online to help inspire others in the craft.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I’ve been reading a lot of Agatha Christie lately. She was prolific, iconic, and dynamic! I’ve also always admired Judy Blume, especially her books for middle grade readers. I’m in awe of her ability to create such genuine characters and vivid worlds without pages and pages of description. I’ve tried to read her books to objectively study her techniques, but usually I just get lost in the stories themselves!
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Honestly, I love the thrill of discovering a great read so much that there’s nothing out there I wish I wrote—because then I couldn’t experience it as a reader.