Who is Michael Adams?
I’m a research, writing and storytelling addict who’s lucky enough to channel his obsession into nonfiction books and scripted narrative podcast episodes. I love discovering a historical rabbit hole, diving into it, seeing where I pop out, and how this exit relates to the entrance. Then I do it again. And again. And again. Before long, a story begins to weave in and out of these portals. These yarns are always fascinating and challenging in how they shift my view of the world.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
As much as possible, I’d like to do everything more slowly. I’d like to take more time to read, research, refine, rework, reconsider, rewrite and revise. The world isn’t geared to this, particularly when AI is training us to be content with whatever soulless ‘content’ spews forth from the algorithmic churn. I’d like to be more analogue and more reliant on the physical, whether going to archives and libraries or visiting historic sites and talking to descendants.
Who inspires you and why?
I greatly admire people who make their own way in the world, following their passions, risking failure and not caring too much what naysayers think. I take inspiration from Katharine Hepburn, who did it her way far better than Frank Sinatra did it his way, and the journalist and author Robert Caro, who taught me to turn every goddamned page when doing research. In my personal sphere, I’m inspired by my partner and our daughter, who’re both very good eggs and very good company.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I hope I can make the world better for the people around me – family, friends, neighbours and folks I meet wherever and whenever. Beyond that, if my books and podcasts can help to increase empathetic curiosity about the past and what it tells us about the present, I’ll feel the work has been worthwhile extrinsically. It’s always – *always* – worthwhile intrinsically. I tell the stories I tell because I want to find out what happened. So at least one reader is happy!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Lord Howe Island. In 2018, I found my biological family – mother, two full brothers, two uncles and many, many cousins. My mum lives on Lord Howe – and our people have been there since 1842. It’s an incredibly beautiful place and the affinity I feel for it feels like it’s imprinted in my DNA.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I live in Katoomba and there’s no shortage of attractions. I take visitors for a walk around the ‘hood – Echo Point and the Three Sisters; the Aboriginal place called The Gully and the Leura Cascades; the Carrington Hotel and the Blue Mountains Craft Brewery; the gaggle of op shops and the overpriced vintage emporia.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading hundreds of 1930-31 newspaper articles from Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland and other American cities on West Coast. This is research for my next book. It’s a fascinating slice of Depression history-as-it-happened, wrapped around the crimes of a forgotten monster with a strong link to wartime Australia. I’m hoping my investigations can bring closure to the family of one victim and draw a line under a murder case that’s haunted an American city for nearly a century.
What are you currently listening to?
A playlist called Into 2025. It has some 700 songs and counting. Spotify shuffle is my friend as it random-ishly serves up Rare Earth, Bad Moon, Fontaines D.C., Public Enemy, Natalie Merchant, Cold Chisel, Hole, Suzanne Vega, Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch, Olivia Rodrigo, R.E.M, C+C Music Factory, Radio Birdman, The Doobie Brothers, Pat Benatar and any other song I’ve ever liked and added on a whim – including WHAM! I play very loud music much of the time. It’s a source of energy. I may regret it later in life. But I’m 54 already, so – worth it.
Happiness is?
Walking the dogs with my partner, the Australian bush all around us, hot black coffee in my keep cup, the sun on my skin, chatting about this and that, and knowing we’ve come a long way and have had a good time.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope to be able to do more of what I’m doing for as long as possible – just do it better each time and reach more people for a more positive impact. Failing that, I’m volunteering at my local op shop, so that will at least make the world a slightly tidier and more orderly place for second-hand shoppers.
Michael is the Author of They’ll Never Hold Me – which is published by Affirm Press and available from all leading book sellers including QBD Books.
Image: Michael Adams (supplied)