“India R. Adams writes stories of souls on fire.”
As a child, I lived through so many hardships that I believed they were normal. I thought all children lived that way. It wasn’t until I was a teenager—still surrounded by that darkness—that I began to understand my circumstances were far from healthy.
Was it all for nothing? No—and that is exactly the point. Tragedy does not have to end in loss. It can lead to growth. It can deepen compassion. It can teach us not to judge, because we never truly know what is happening behind closed doors, even when everything looks perfect from the outside.
Sometimes, pain becomes purpose. Sometimes, survival becomes strength. Sometimes, both.
Why childhood pictures of me?
To show you parts of the real story behind the very first novel I ever wrote; SERENITY.
Serenity (name full of meaning for me) found her way into my heart through a self-help book I was reading due to traumas during my childhood and teenage years. Following the wise advice from this book, I closed my eyes and went back to a certain time in my past and give it an alternate ending. I chose a time that I had regretted. I wondered what could have happened had I let a certain someone into my life. He had kind eyes and seemed to truly want to be a part of my world, but I was afraid. Life had taught me such fears.
Would he have been accepting of my gifts? My odd ways because of what was transpiring at home? Could he have been the rock I needed?
Now I had a way to get my answer and find peace.
That certain someone became 'Dereck' in my imagination, which set a fire to my damaged soul. And, promised I would no longer be alone during all that was to come in my real life back then.
While writing Serenity, I searched for healing, friendships, found families, and a love of a man who would do his best to protect me, forever.
I'm happy to say, I found my real-life Dereck, later in life, but these pictures are from a newspaper article, describing how my father built my home where Serenity now lives...
So yes, I write dark stories... because I am a Life Warrior. Like my characters—my soul friends—I have known voyages of the heart, the grit of rising from my knees, and the strength it takes to break free from what binds the spirit. You may pick up one of my stories for entertainment, but be warned: you may finish it believing there is nothing more beautiful than a soul on fire.