Kelly(Lynn)Parra Kelly(Lynn)Parra Official Author Website
 
Meet Kelly... Kelly (Lynn) 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, 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, freelance writing, and the adventures of motherhood, where she juggles her home life with two children, a tattooed husband, a sweet poodle, and a stealth turtle.
You asked, Kelly answered >> >> QUESTION: What made you want to become a writer? ANSWER: I had a late start here. Art was a major part of my life for many years. I earned a certification in graphic design, but after I married and had my first child I began reading fiction again. Some stories were so inspiring and just "wowed" me, and I began to read everyday. It was almost like I could play the stories like movies in my head. When I read about an author who was writing at home, I thought I could start writing myself since I had such a visual imagination. First it was just a hobby, but after meeting some other great writers on-line, I became more dedicated and worked harder. I knew if I wanted to make my dream come true, I had to take steps to make it happen. I'm so glad I did! >> QUESTION: Why do you write characters with multicultural backgrounds? ANSWER: I am Mexican, Filipino, and Italian, and growing up with mixed ethnicity was an unique experience. It feels natural to write characters who come from diverse backgrounds as well. >> QUESTION: I would love to become a writer one day, too! Can you help me out, maybe even read my story? ANSWER: It's so great that you want to become a writer! I wish I could help out each person who asks me, but I just don't have the time help out everyone and write my own stories. Please research on-line for tips on writing or register with creative writing workshops and sharpen your skills. This was my first step on becoming a writer. Good luck! >> QUESTION: Graffiti Girl is written almost like a movie, will it ever be made into a movie? ANSWER: Wouldn't that be awesome! I do have some cool news--Graffiti Girl was optioned to producers! This means these producers would like to explore the possibility of Graffiti Girl becoming a movie or TV show. This is not a guarantee but it is a step in the right direction. I'll keep you posted if any news develops! >> QUESTION: I've really enjoyed your books, when will the next YA be released? ANSWER: Thank you so much!! If you would like me to share more stories, please share your thoughts on-line with a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, magazines, reviews sites or your own personal blogs. The only way I'll be able to write more books is with the support from readers like you! Meanwhile, I’m writing! >> QUESTION: I’m a reader of your young adult books writing as Kelly Parra. Will I enjoy your books for adults? ANSWER: My adult books are aimed for readers 20 years and up. So if you are an adult, YES, please read my adult titles. I promise to give you a fast-paced story of suspense and danger! If you are under 20-years-old, you are best suited for Graffiti Girl or Invisible Touch due to mature language and adult content in my adult books. :) >> QUESTION: Why did you decide to publish with an E-book publisher instead of a print publisher? ANSWER: We are now in the digital age with hand-held reading devices such as e-book readers like kindles and nooks. E-books are a faster, low-cost convenience for readers, and I am embracing this digital phenomenon and recommend e-readers for all book-lovers. Both of my young adult titles are also sold as e-books! >> QUESTION: I’m not familiar with E-books and I would like to read your novel Criminal Instinct. Could you suggest how I can read your book? ANSWER: My advice is to research e-book readers to find the best fit for you. I do not endorse these digital readers, however, there are devices that are frequently talked about on the Internet: Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, the Sony E-reader, or the new Apple iPad. You can even read e-books if you own a iPhone/iTouch or Blackberry mobile phone with specific apps. E-books can also be read right on your personal computer or laptop with Adobe Reader software programs. >> QUESTION: I am an E-book reader. When Criminal Instinct is released in the summer of 2010, which on-line vendors will I be able to purchase your novel from? ANSWER: Carina Press is working to create a Carina Press digital store to sell each of their titles. The CP team will also distribute the Carina Press titles wherever e-books are sold, including but not limited to: Amazon and Barnes & Noble. >> QUESTION: When will your next adult title come out? ANSWER: As fast as I can write it. LOL! I hope to continue to write both young adult books and adult books, but I have to keep a tight schedule in order to do so. Wish me luck!http://www.amazon.com/http://www.barnesandnoble.com/shapeimage_8_link_0shapeimage_8_link_1
 
A Little More... Kelly debuted into young adult fiction in 2007 with her Latina novel Graffiti Girl, garnering attention as a double nominee for the Romance Writers of America RITA award, and chosen for the California High School Reading Collection and National Book Foundation "BookUpNYC" program. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and co-author of the popular young adult blog, YA Fresh. On a more personal note...Kelly enjoys writing entertaining stories--a simple statement for a simple person such as herself. Her love of stories began visually through movies. She would cheer for the characters she grew up with, movies that left a compelling impression on her at a young age. (That is why she is especially thrilled that one of her books could one day be adapted for the screen.) Kelly strives to write stories that make readers feel, smile, to want to turn the page, or even shed a tear. Overall she sketches characters with words that you might want to know in real life and to cheer on against the bad guys. That's what she's writing now.
 
Career Highlights >> 2010. CRIMINAL INSTINCT hits digital stores in June of 2010, published by Carina Press! 2009. Kelly joins Carina Press, becoming a launch author for the new E-press with CRIMINAL INSTINCT, her debut into adult fiction. 2008. Kelly is featured in the Monterey County Weekly and the Salinas Californian reviews INVISIBLE TOUCH in October of 2008. 2008. INVISIBLE TOUCH, Kelly's second novel, is published by MTV Books in October 2008. 2008. GRAFFITI GIRL is chosen for the 2009 California High School Reading Collection. 2008. GRAFFITI GIRL is a double RWA® RITA® finalist for Young Adult Romance and Best First Book. 2008. The National Book Foundation chooses GRAFFITI GIRL to be part of the "BookUpNYC" program. 2008. GRAFFITI GIRL is recommended by a V.I.T. (Very Important Teen) as a "page-turning" read in TEEN magazine, Winter 2008 issue! 2007. GRAFFITI GIRL is named a 2007 Latino Young Adult Novel Top Pick by Latinidad® in December '07. 2007. Kelly is featured in the Monterey County Herald and the Monterey Bay Ink in July of 2007. 2007. GRAFFITI GIRL is given a "Five out of Five Gold Pens" review in the Salinas Californian in June of 2007. 2007. Kelly's debut Young Adult novel, GRAFFITI GIRL, is published by MTV Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster in May 2007.http://www.carinapress.comhttp://www.simonsays.com/content/destination.cfm?tab=1&pid=427725&start=1shapeimage_11_link_0shapeimage_11_link_1
Kelly’s Cyber Stops... >> Publisher’s Marketplace >> Words of a Writer >> eHarlequin Community >> Twitter >> Facebook >> Fictional Musingshttp://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/writerwords/http://writerwords.blogspot.com/http://community.eharlequin.com/users/kelly-lynn-parrahttp://twitter.com/kparrahttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Lynn-Parra-Author/111047355602643http://ficmusings.blogspot.com/shapeimage_12_link_0shapeimage_12_link_1shapeimage_12_link_2shapeimage_12_link_3shapeimage_12_link_4shapeimage_12_link_5
“Bold & Fresh Fiction for Teens and Adults...” Bio+ Events Contact Graffiti Girl Invisible Touch Criminal Instinct