Author Interview: Kelly Parra

Author Kelly Parra joins us today to talk about her writing career and the new anthology Prom Dates to Die For. 
 
When did you discover your love of writing? Tell us about how you started your professional writing career. 
 

I look back at my life and I realize I was producing creative writing at a young age with short stories, followed by getting awards, and dreaming up angst filled poetry in high school. However, the love for writing didn’t come until I was pregnant with my first child and I discovered romance novels.  I was devouring books in a few days and when I read an author bio by a stay-at-home mom who discovered writing the same way, I gave it a try.  

I joined RWA and sister chapters online and began taking online workshops. Soon all I did was write and research, research and write. I met wonderful writers online as well as my critique partner, Tina Ferraro, and after hard work and many rejections, we both made our way to publication through young adult fiction. My first young adult novel was Graffiti Girl (MTV/Pocket Books) and my first novel for adult readers was Criminal Instinct (Carina Press).

Describe some of the similarities and differences between writing young adult fiction and writing women’s fiction. 



For me, it’s definitely the tone and the world building. My writing style stays the same. I write fast-paced action with a contemporary voice and my stories are plot and character driven. With Women’s fiction I delve deeper into adult feelings and experiences.  With my YA novels, the tone is lighter and the world revolves around teen feelings.

Where did the idea for “Darkness Becomes Him” in the anthology Prom Dates to Die For originate? What was the inspiration?

I’m a big fan of action adventure, so when I brainstormed ideas for a short story for a paranormal prom anthology, I knew some kind of teen detective or hunters would be fun to write. I didn’t want to go with werewolves or vamps, so I chose the next best thing—a dark angel! I guess you could say my inspiration was a dark feather. If you read the first scene in my story “Darkness Becomes Him” you’ll read that my characters Jaz and Blake are presented with a glistening black feather with silver dust.  I developed the story just from that feather. 


What have been the best parts of the publishing process? What have been the most challenging?

I have a lot of favorite aspects of publishing--discovering the story and characters and going through the entire process from writing, to editing, to copyediting, to receiving the cover and the back blurb, and finally having the finished the product. The most challenging for me has been the change in publishing over the last couple of years. I discovered when trends change the publishers and agents most likely only want what’s selling at that time, and you may not be writing that subgenre. But with the rise of electronic fiction I’m able to write more freely instead of worrying it's not going to fit with the current trend.

What do you hope readers will take away from reading Prom Dates to Die For?  
 


I hope readers will enjoy the eclectic collection of voices and prom stories and be thoroughly entertained. I love anthologies because you get a little taste of different writers and have a chance to discover new voices.

What are you working on now? 


I’m working on a sequel to my story “Darkness Becomes Him” continuing Jaz and Blake’s next paranormal adventure.  I’m also working on a young adult novel and romance. There is always plenty to do!


Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you or your books?

When I set out to write stories, I do my best to entertain. I see stories like movies in my head and that’s how I write, with plenty of action.  So if readers are looking for page-turning reads, I’d love for them to give me a chance.

Thanks so much for chatting with me!

Kelly Parra’s earliest stories were told with paintbrushes, but upon discovering the drama and forbidden love of romance and suspense novels, those paintbrushes were replaced with a keyboard. Now a multi-published author in young adult and adult fiction, she has created memorable characters such as a graffiti artist, a psychic teen, and a tough undercover narc. A two-time RITA finalist, she divides her time between her novels, short fiction, and the adventures of motherhood, where she juggles her home life with two children, a tattooed husband, a sweet poodle, and a rowdy pit bull. 
Visit her website, www.KellyParra.com. 
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Broomies: One Year Anniversary

By Laura Chapman 

This month marks a special moment in my life – the one year anniversary of moving into a house with my two big brothers. Together we rent the small ranch house we lived in with our parents and little sister years ago. Sometimes it feels weird living there, like our parents are gone for the weekend and could return at any moment. Other times, that familiarity is nice and comfortable.

Even without Mom or Dad on hand to play referee, the three of us have managed not to kill each other. Mind you, we drive each other crazy, but I consider maintaining peace a small victory. It does not always come easily. Each of us makes compromises and concessions. And at times, none of us win. It has been a learning experience to say the least. With one year of life with my broomies (brothers/roomies) behind me, I want to share five of the big lessons I have picked up along the way.

No. 1: Listening does not matter as long as the other person responds accordingly. Unless it has to do with how much we owe on bills or when our parents expect us for Easter dinner, the broomies and I seldom listen to the entirety of anything one of us says to the other. The broomies do not care if I listen to their analysis of a football game as long as I nod in agreement. Likewise, a “nice,” is a satisfactory response when I tell them about a book I read. For us, good communication means less is more.

No. 2: Cupboards are difficult to shut. And apparently it is impossible to press “reset” on the microwave after taking a dish out before the time is up. When this happens, I find it is best to just close the door and clear the timer and get on with my life. Then I let it go, or rather I make no complaint to them. Even though it drives me crazy, I have learned to pick my battles. Getting into a fight over one of these pet peeves just is not worth it.

7UP made lawn work slightly better in 1962...
No. 3: When it comes to lawn work, chivalry should not be dead. I hate mowing the lawn more than any other chore. I tried it when I was 16 and a neighbor criticized my technique. I swore off doing it ever again. Somehow, I have managed to get through a year without ever having to touch the lawn. And I plan to make it through another. I will load and unload as many dishwashers as it takes to stay off lawnmower duty. In return, I will hope neither of them catches me when I say it is not my turn in the yard.

No. 4: In other cases, being a man means nothing. This past winter our household came under siege from some unwanted guests: mice. We had two take up residence, and even though we found the source of their entry, getting them to leave was a challenge. We set up traps, filled every entrance to the outside with steel wool and monitored the mouse activity. There were a lot of tears (all mine), screams (from everyone) and arguments. And eventually, using a seemingly ridiculous concept I found online, I caught the bastards. What did we learn from this? We all hate mice, and sometimes the little sister can save the day.

No. 5: Under no circumstance should I leave my underwear anywhere but my clothes hamper or dresser drawer. This goes for my makeup, shoes and anything else that falls in the “girl” category. Unless I want broomie retaliation in some horrifying or unimaginable form, I cannot fail in this task. So far, I have avoided falling prey to any of these threats, but fear is still there. Boys are gross, and I do not want to see what they come up with.

Here’s hoping we make the peace last into year two.


Laura Chapman is a journalist, blogger, book reviewer and yet-to-be published novelist. In 2010, she founded Change the Word, a blog that follows her writing career and offers book reviews, author promotions and writing tips. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, she has two completed novels in editing and is hard at work on her third, which she is adapting for a web series. A regular contributor at Good Humor Girl, you can find out more about Laura here.

Book Review: Tales from My Hard Drive


Tales from My Hard Drive follows Melissa, a Los Angeles writer who moves to New York City after finding her husband with another woman. At 40, Melissa tries to find her way in a new city that seems to be full of people who are much younger. After looking for employment, she takes a job as a cyber-dater for The New York Beacon. Her task is to anonymously date and review the many Mr. Wrongs who live in NYC. This is a good fit for Melissa and therapy for her broken heart, until she meets Ted who could be exactly what she has been searching for.

Tales from My Hard Drive describes a story that is all too familiar but not any less poignant. Faced with the shock of infidelity, the courage that Melissa has to pick up her life and move across the country to essentially start over makes her a hero of sorts. The reader will find themselves cheering for her to make it through and to find love again. The book is hilarious and addicting and sheds light on how online dating has its ups and its (way) downs. It is also refreshing that it isn’t an automatic fairytale ending and the reader has to wait until the end to know Melissa's and Ted’s fate.

Megan Karasch was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After college, she assisted with the production of stories for a nationally televised entertainment news program. Currently, she practices law and writes. Tales from My Hard Drive is her debut novel. Megan lives in Southern California with her cat, Squeaker, and enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and playing drums for a local indie rock band. Her website is www.talesfrommyharddrive.com and you can connect with her on Twitter.
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7 Things I Learned: From Sleepless in Seattle

By Nancy Scrofano

Sleepless in Seattleis one of the best romantic comedies of all time. The official meet cute happens at the very end of the movie, which is unconventional but still classic. The two main characters who are meant to be together hardly interact at all until the last few minutes. Nevertheless, this movie is fantastic. Some people may not like romantic comedies (chick flicks) or even understand their appeal, but there are all kinds of lessons to be learned from them. Here’s what Sleepless in Seattle taught me:

If your significant other has a laugh you can’t stand the sound of, then the relationship isn’t going to last. Sam (Tom Hanks) knew that Victoria was not right for him. Her annoying laugh had to get on his nerves. Sam’s son, Jonah, really disliked her, too. “She laughs like a hyena.”

If you hide in a closet to listen to the radio to hear a man you’ve never met but might be falling in love with, your live-in fiancé will find you, and you’ll have some explaining to do. Annie (Meg Ryan) is desperate to hear Sam on the radio, but doesn’t want to wake her fiancé, Walter. Sam is called “sleepless in Seattle” by the radio psychologist, but Annie is actually “sleepless in Baltimore,” too. She knows that she doesn’t belong with Walter, but she also thinks finding “the one” through a radio program is unrealistic. (Note: Obviously, this was before online dating, otherwise Annie might have been more open to what was happening, but then the movie wouldn’t have been as good.) “It was Miss Scarlet, in the closet, with a radio.”

Everyone needs a friend like Becky. Not only does she send Annie’s letter to Sam because Annie doesn’t have the courage to do it herself, but she also sends Annie to Seattle, telling her that maybe she could do a story about radio talk shows (Annie is a reporter for the Baltimore Sun and Becky is an editor there). Becky encourages Annie to take risks and go after what she really wants.

When An Affair to Remember is compared to The Dirty Dozen, An Affair to Remember always wins, despite what men think. Sam’s sister, Suzy, bursts into tears while describing An Affair to Remember, which is one of the best scenes in the movie. In response, Sam simply says, “That’s a chick’s movie.” Then, to top it off, Sam pretends to cry while describing The Dirty Dozen. Hilarious!

If you travel all the way from Baltimore to Seattle to meet a guy, then you should say more than “hello” to him before running away. When Annie sees Sam in Seattle and they exchange “hello” and then she leaves quickly, I always yell at the screen, “Cross the street!” If only she had just crossed the street and approached him instead of turning around. Yes, she thinks his sister is his girlfriend, but she’s just assuming that. She made all that effort to get there, and then she flees without giving anything a chance. “All I could say was hello.” Really? Come on!

If your young son hops a plane across the country without your permission, then he should probably be grounded (pun intended), unless it forced you to follow him there where you then meet the love of your life. Sam was furious with Jonah, but once Sam reached the Empire State Building, found Jonah, and saw Annie, all the worry he had over Jonah’s brief disappearance seemed to melt away.

There’s always a happy ending—or happy beginning, depending how you look at it. The movie ends happily, Sam and Annie holding hands as they head down the elevator with Jonah. The beginning of a happy family.

Nancy Scrofano is the editor of Good Humor Girl and the author of True Love Way. She is also the editor of The Chick Lit Bee, a book blog that promotes and celebrates women’s fiction, and she writes book reviews for a prestigious book review magazine Nancy is at work on her next novel. For more information, please visit www.nancyscrofano.com.   

The Mommy Files: File Under Exhausted

By Lori Verni-Fogarsi

I’m exhausted. Truly I am, and I don’t see a reprieve anywhere in sight!

Today alone, I’ve officiated a goldfish funeral, compiled paperwork for a tax audit, cleaned up cat puke, breastfed the baby six times, wrote three articles for work, hosted my (tongue-clucking) mother-in-law for lunch, and played Little People for two hours. And it’s only three o’clock!

Looks like much more fun.
Yesterday was even worse! I took both kids to the pediatrician for checkups, where the nurse and I spent twenty minutes trying to find two-year-old Rose because she ran and hid once she heard that she was getting a vaccine. This was followed by having to hold her down, with her screaming as if her arm were being amputated. At Mommy and Me, where I was paying $25 because I have two kids in the class, both girls sat in the corner refusing to participate—Rose because she was “so injured,” and eleven-month-old Grace because her sister was doing it.

The tub is filthy from their baths yesterday because while painting at the easel in the back yard, they mixed all the colors together, then had a fit because everything was brown. I will have to clean the tub before bathing them tonight, and I myself haven’t had a shower in three days!

My hair is disgusting, not only because it’s unwashed, but also because I haven’t had it colored in over a year due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. It now consists of three colors: My natural colors of dark brown and grey, with the faded out lighter brown on the ends from when I used to color it. My clothes don’t fit, and I refuse to buy new ones because I absolutely plan to lose all this baby weight, which you would think I’d have lost by now, being that there is barely any food in the house because it’s so much work to food shop with a baby and a toddler.

My husband is working long hours in order to support this family of ours, and while he does help in the evening, I need that time to return my phone calls and get some work done for what’s left of my formerly-successful career.

As I said, I’m exhausted. Every bone in my body aches, and I am so tired, I could literally lie down in the middle of the aisle at Wal-Mart and take a nap, if only I wasn’t worried that they’d cart me off to the funny farm. Then again, maybe that would be a good idea! Maybe not the funny farm, but a hospital would be great! I could lie in bed watching TV and eating nonfat ice chips. If I needed something, I could press a button and a nurse would come and plump my pillows! People would bring me flowers and magazines, and I could laze around, recuperating and indulging in the occasional Jell-O!
 
Unfortunately, I don’t think it will be covered under our insurance. Which would then cause more paperwork for me, not to mention expense, resulting in my husband having to work even more, which would make me have to work even more, which would not be helpful at all.

Don’t worry, I’m not hysterical. Okay, I am hysterical. But it’s fine, really it is. Somehow each day goes into the next, and I manage to get through it all. Sometimes there are even good days! They’re just hard to think of at a time like this.

Lori Verni-Fogarsi is the author of the hot new novel, Momnesia. She has been a freelance writer, columnist, journalist, and seminar speaker for 15+ years, and has authored one nonfiction book. Lori is a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. A regular contributor at Good Humor Girl, you can learn more about her here.