Verna Loves Books: ~Author Spotlight~ Morgan Parker

Friday, August 8, 2014

~Author Spotlight~ Morgan Parker

Morgan Parker is the pen name for a shy and introverted former banker. Because he could never balance his cash at the end of the banking day, he made up stories in order to keep his job. None of those stories was Textual Encounters, which is great because readers will discover a truly unique and original romance that has never been told before.

1. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest criticism I ever took as an author was a short one: Hire an editor. Part of the reason why it was tough is that the story in question was all text messages and people make spelling/grammar mistakes in texts all the time, but you can't respond to criticism. I would have liked to understand more about the comment -- did the errors distract from the story, did they come across as fake/forced, what was the biggest issue with those errors?

As for compliments... each time a reader leaves a review, I'm complimented. Even the not-so-nice reviews are complimentary because it shows that a reader cares enough to invest the time to review. I absolutely love that, it's THE highest compliment anyone can pay author.

2. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

I like to tell myself that my stories are 100% fiction, but sometimes when I see a teaser or quote, I remember a moment from my past that inspired that scene or moment. In many ways, Lena's early struggles with her pregnancy was inspired by a fan's story about dealing with her own pregnancy on her own. And Elliot's final goodbye with his wife was something we've all dealt with, although maybe not to that extent.

3. Can you tell us about your upcoming releases? If you have any.

Yes, Surviving Goodbye will see publication on August 28, 2014. It follows Elliot Fitch, a man whose dying wife confesses that their daughter isn't his, as he works hard at finding out who the true father is. In the process, his daughter admits that she is pregnant, which adds urgency to Elliot's search and aligns him with an unlikely ally.

4. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love reading. I've never realized how much I loved reading until I lost all time to read. I look forward to those five to ten minutes when I can pick up a book and bring words to my eyes and just lose myself...

5. You have multiple personalities, describe some of them

I'm grumpy when I don't have my cappuccino. But once that caffeine infiltrates my bloodstream, the creativity starts flowing and I consider myself unstoppable. I've got far too many stories to write than I have time... I need to lay off the caps and be grumpy more often.

6. What made you decide to write your first book?

My first book was something I had been flirting with for years. Ultimately, the deciding factor for me was a love story that I felt needed to get told. Which is interesting because that first love story really doesn't have a happy ending...

7. Do you have any strange writing habits?

No, I don't think I do. I think you're either a strange writer or you have strange habits. I'm definitely strange… yikes!

8. If you could cast your characters in a Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would play what characters?

Oh, I'm horrible at this. I think Will Ferrell could play most of my characters! But that's because I think he's almost as hilarious as I am! Almost.

9. Who are the authors that inspire you?

I have a long list of authors that inspire me. I'm always impressed with the bestselling authors that tell a different story and manage to leave a true dent in a list that is typically dominated by traditionally published authors. It tells me indie authors have a voice, a valid and loud voice that people are hearing. One of my biggest inspirations is Colin Harrison who is no longer writing (he's editing) but his stories have helped me grow and develop as a writer, a small fact that he will never really know or appreciate...

10. Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Don't be shy. I love hearing from my readers. In each of my stories, I give my readers a small piece of me, so they're entitled to contact me, to have a chat, to ask questions and engage me. Without you, I wouldn't be writing.