Kelly Parra, Author

The Orchard: A memoir by Theresa Weir

Kelly — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:21:37 +0000

The Orchard by Theresa Weir.

Reading Theresa’s story was like reading about someone I didn’t know. The writing was so involving and exquisite that I had to stop reading, telling myself this is a real story. These events happened to someone. Someone I’ve known for years.

The truth is I’ve never met Theresa in person. We’d become friends on-line. And like many of her on-line friends, I’d learned bits and pieces of her life, learned some of her likes and dislikes, read her wonderful books, and now reading The Orchard, I felt I didn’t know as much about Theresa as I had thought. In fact, turning every page I felt like I was invading her privacy.

But she is sharing her private story with everyone. And I can’t tell you how incredibly brave that is.

I told her before I read the memoir that I was worried about crying. And knowing what the outcome would be, I thought I would get through it without shedding a tear. But once I reached the near end, I felt uncontrollable sadness.

I couldn’t not cry. I couldn’t stop myself from feeling.

If my husband hadn’t been next to me, I would have cried harder than I had in a long time. You reach an age where you learn to hold back your emotions, and as it was I let the tears roll down my cheeks as I wiped them with my hand. Again and again.

Even now I feel like I shouldn’t be sharing Theresa’s secrets, and I’m not. Yet this is the experience you will receive from this memoir. As if you’re sharing in her past, like you were there, watching over her shoulder all those years as she speaks to you about innocence lost, love gained, cherished, and pain endured, while the apple farm surrounds every aspect of one woman’s family in a way that is never forgotten…just like the memoir The Orchard.

Deadly Treats Now Available

Kelly — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:55:23 +0000

I’m excited to have a short story titled “Graveyard Soul Sucker” in the anthology DEADLY TREATS (Nodin Press, August 15th) with many talented writers, and edited by novelist Anne Frasier!

This collection of Halloween short stories features witches, zombies, vampires, food critics, crazy writers, ghosts, suburban housewives, and aliens.

How cool is that?

Deadly Treats is published by Nodin Press, and available for order in paperback from Barnes & Noble and Amazon (Temporarily out of stock due to pre-orders! With more on the way).

Here is an excerpt on my story, “Graveyard Soul Sucker.” If you get a chance to pick up a copy, please let us know what you think!

Here are blurbs for the 19 stories included:

1. Patrica Abbott, The Angel Deeb

When a pickpocket begins to have serious health isssues, he finds himself contemplating a new line of work. If you’ve never read Patti Abbott, you’re in for a treat.

2. Bill Cameron, Sunlight Nocturne

Ex-cop Skin Kadash spends Halloween day building a bat house with his neighbor, four-year-old Danny, while helicopters circle overhead looking for a murderer who might be hiding nearby. This wonderful story skillfully contrasts a lazy fall day with a brutal murder and police search. Bill Cameron writes crime fiction, and is the award-winning author of Lost Dog, Day One, and the recently released County Line published by Tyrus Books.

3. Pat Dennis, Dead Line

Sibling rivalry and a suburban Halloween decorating contest cause Kate to take a pitchfork to her sister’s yard display. Pat is a stand-up comic, popular writing instructor, publisher, and published author.

4. David Housewright, Time of Death

A young girl under arrest for the brutal murder of her cheating boyfriend attempts to convince the investigator that she is innocent, claiming the murder was committed by a ghost. David is an Edgar-winning author, and writing instructor at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.

5. Stephen Blackmoore, World’s Greatest Dad

By the time Franklin Delacorte wakes up, he’s been dead six hours and is unsure of how he feels about his sons turning him into a zombie. When Franklin’s behavior gets out of control, the boys feel compelled to undo what they’ve done, but Daddy knows best, and Franklin doesn’t want to stay dead. Stephen Blackmoore has an uncanny skill for writing black humor, and World’s Greatest Dad is a hilarious zombie tour de force. Look for his upcoming DAW release, City of the Lost, January, 2012.

5. Heather Dearly, Troubled Water

The anniversary of two deaths brings about the return of the Grim Reaper to Anya Madjigijik’s house on Cemetery Road. A haunting, moody, and beautifully written tale by this previously unpublished author.

6. Mark Hull, Friday Night Dining with Marianne

It’s Halloween, and a food critic finds herself dining on chubby Boy Scout, mountaineer eyeballs, and sea monkeys. If Bram Stoker had written comedy, it would look exactly like this. Mark Hull’s Friday Night Dining is pure charm and delight from beginning to end.

7. Leandra Logan, You Called

A bitter, lonely woman spends Friday nights drinking cheap wine and entertaining herself by redialing the days unanswered calls to harass telemarketers. But she finally meets her match. Leandra is a multi-published, bestselling author.

8. Marilyn Victor, The Ogre of Her Dreams

Fledging witch Aurora Piddleworth wants a soulmate, and she blackmails instructor Olympia Dalrymple into creating the man of her dreams.This is a clever, well-drawn, delightful story from beginning to end. Marilyn Victor is half of the crime-fiction writing team of Marilyn Victor and Michael Allen Mallory, known for their zoo mysteries.

9. Julia Buckley, Motherly Intuition

A mother’s job is never done, and death is no reason to keep Daphne’s mother from looking out for her daughter. Julia Buckley always delights, and Motherly Intuition is a great showcase for her charm and humor. Julia is author of the Madeline Mann series

10. Lance Zarimba, Fangs and All

It’s love at first bite for Billy Joe Jim Bob when he brings his first vampire home in this hilarious and deliberately cliché-packed story. Lance is a multi-published author.

11. L.K. Rigel, Slurp!

Feed your Muse takes on a whole new meaning when a writer has a breakdown on Halloween. A wicked, fresh, and clever tale by a talented writer.

12. Kelly Lynn Parra, Graveyard Soul Sucker

It’s Halloween, and group of college students visit a graveyard in an attempt to reanimate a dead serial killer with a ritual found in an ancient book of spells. Kelly Parra is the award-winning author of Graffiti Girl and the more recent Carina Press release, Criminal Instinct.

13. Jason Evans, She Came on the October Wind

A stray black cat appears nightly at Natalie’s window, bringing with it memories of a sister who ran away years earlier. Jason is the author of the blog, The Clarity of Night, where he hosts and judges a popular flash-fiction contest.

14. Paula L. Fleming, Tricks, Treats, and Terror in Tin Lake

Halloween is the one day of the year when alien Adeela can shed her costume and walk freely among the humans. Paula L. Fleming is a short-story writer and busy freelance editor living in Minneapolis.

15. Shirley Damsgaard, Bewitched

So what if you don’t have the right ingredients to cast a spell? Rachel buys a magic book from an antique store and uses household ingredients to bring Mr. Right back into her life. Shirley is the author of the popular Ophelia and Abby mysteries.

16. Anne Frasier, The Replacement

After a young man is reanimated, he has forty-eight hours to find a replacement for his empty grave if he wants to remain above ground. The best candidate for replacement is the man who murdered him. Anne is a USA Today bestselling author. Her memoir, The Orchard (Theresa Weir), hits stores September 21.

17. Paul D. Brazill, This Old House

If you want a job done right, do it yourself. Or in the case of This Old House, never hire an idiot to burn down your home. Paul is a resident of Poland and brings a fun, unique voice to the mix.

18. Michael Allan Mallory, Boo!

A lonely widower discovers that his old Halloween pranks no longer cut it with the new generation of jaded kids who are too old for trick-or-treat anyway. But when an unexpected visitor shows up at the widower’s door, they hatch a plot the teenagers won’t forget. Michael Allan Mallory is the co-author of Killer Instinct and Death Roll.

19. Daniel Hatadi, Playpen

When eight-year-old Tim vanishes while playing in Kids Playhouse, his best friend Manny must solve the crime and convince adults that there is more to Tim’s disappearance than a human abduction or childish prank. Daniel Hatadi lives in Australia and is the mastermind and puppet master behind Crimespace, an online writing world for crime-fiction writers.

Writer Inspiration

Kelly — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:55:08 +0000

Today’s I AM WRITER tip is inspired by author Kathryn Stockett, best selling author of THE HELP, which is now in theaters.

I read about Kathryn Stockett’s experience with her first novel THE HELP on Shine. She wrote this book because it was the book she wanted to write. After completing the novel, she received rejection after rejection from agents and still she would not give up. Even after everyone basically lost faith in the book, she would not stop writing and rewriting the novel she wanted to write.

Kathryn Stockett writes:

In the end, I received 60 rejections forThe Help. But letter number 61 was the one that accepted me. After my five years of writing and three and a half years of rejection, an agent named Susan Ramer took pity on me. What if I had given up at 15? Or 40? Or even 60? Three weeks later, Susan sold The Help to Amy Einhorn Books.

The point is, I can’t tell you how to succeed. But I can tell you how not to: Give in to the shame of being rejected and put your manuscript—or painting, song, voice, dance moves, [insert passion here]—in the coffin that is your bedside drawer and close it for good. I guarantee you that it won’t take you anywhere. Or you could do what this writer did: Give in to your obsession instead.”

I AM WRITER ~ Step #2
Don’t Give Up

If you’re in a slump, if you feel you’ve failed at writing, that maybe you weren’t cut out for publishing, read Kathryn’s story of perseverance and determination and Don’t. Give. Up. No, it doesn’t mean you’ll become a bestseller. It means someone has to believe in your dream and that someone starts with you.

Digital author signatures

Kelly — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:13:36 +0000

As I was making my morning Twitter browse, I stumbled upon a tweet by author Debra Kayn sharing some sort of electronic “autograph” for her ebooks. Of course, my interest was caught.

For those of you who don’t know me, I am fascinated by science and technology. The digital world is evolving everyday and as I mentioned before authors pretty much have to adapt or–eek– be left behind.

The website Debra directed us to is called Kindlegraph. Cool name, huh? Readers who would like to have a personal message by an author sent to their kindle can request one by signing up on the website through a twitter account. Of course, the author has to be already registered too. Kindlegraph states there are no fees for authors or readers, however there is a link to amazon for fee facts.

While I researched more about this cool idea, I also discovered autography. This is a website that helps authors sign with their actual signature and possibly add special graphics to ereaders. However, autography is for large author events or even virtual events not for individual requests like kindlegraph.

Per the kindlegraph twitter, there are upgrades possibly in the works in the future. As more authors sign up, it would be helpful for a search method by author or genre. At the moment the books are displayed on one page and the reader has to sort through. Here is a video to let you know more about the process.

Either way, I am impressed with both programs and the realm these creators are forging with these awesome digital ideas!

So, I have signed up with kindlegraph for my young adult novel, Graffiti Girl, and my adult suspense, Criminal Instinct. If you’re interested in getting a personal message from me–or any of the great authors who have signed up for the program–check out kindlegraph!

Time for a project board. . .

Kelly — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:32:11 +0000

I’m half way through one of my works-in-progress, and when I get mid-point, it’s time to create a plot board.

Usually writers start a plot board in the very beginning, but I don’t like to plot as much as go with my gut. So when I get half way through a book, I know I have a bunch of story and character threads that I can’t lose or drop for too many chapters at a time.

Here is the plot board I did for Invisible Touch. I had many threads for Touch that included romance, mystery, characterization and family issues that needed to gradually woven through the book and tied up near the end.

At the moment, I’m writing two YAs and an adult romance. LOL! I know crazy, huh? But I have been writing on all three each week. I go with the WIP that calls to me the most. Right now, it’s the contemporary YA.

When I read author blogs, I notice some use giant white boards with Post-Its. Some use cork boards with cards. Some just use index cards. Well when you’re a writer with a budget, a $2 project board, with a pencil and markers will do just fine for me!

As you can see, I’m a visual person, so all the tiny icons represent a thread in the book. If I didn’t see a color for too many chapters, I had to add that thread in somewhere in the gap.

I know, I’m not very complicated!

Hello Writer Self. It’s me, Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:23:16 +0000

I’m on a personal mission.

Several aspects happened over the last two years that created something that festered inside of my writer self. Something that writers are not supposed to talk about.

And the big secret is: I lost confidence as a writer.

For a while I didn’t know if I still wanted to be a writer. I no longer had an agent. I didn’t have a new contract after I sold Criminal Instinct. I kept telling myself I had to write, but write what?

Where was my heart and head telling me to go??

Not only that, but my home life became my main focus while we struggled to buy our first home. I pushed away my fears of my writing career to focus on a home that almost didn’t happen, but finally did after months! Then it took several months after the move to organize our family life.

After things settled down, the writing reality came back. I still had no agent. No contract. I would write in blasts of energy, then not write for weeks. I closed my blog, and I went back to work.

Well, this last month, something changed. I’m not going lie, the lack of confidence still lurks behind me like the Writer Boogeyman ready to pounce. I’m not sure what exactly changed, but I started to see things a little more clearly again. Not only was I going through a life transformation (new home, new job, children growing up) but so was publishing.

I realized I had to brush off my dusty laptop. And get ready to start all over again. To re-educate myself on an industry that was basically mutating. Agents had to adjust, publishers had to adjust, and so did writers.

So do I.

So what’s my solution? To treat myself as a writer. Believe in myself. Take baby steps to build my writer confidence again. Take a few chances…again.

Yeah, this may seem a little silly. Giving myself steps to build my confidence, to basically rebuild myself as a writer. But that’s okay. Whatever works, right?

I AM WRITER ~ Step #1

Write a little bit each day.

Even if it’s nonsense. Even if no one will ever read it. Even if you write a scene and later think you are going to cut it. Repetition becomes habit. And an everyday writing habit? A good thing.

Hello Writer Self. It’s me Kelly. Did you miss me?

A Nice Surprise

Kelly — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:31:33 +0000

My husband comes in with the mail on Saturday. “Your books came in.”

“I didn’t order any books.”

“Well, you got some.”

He hands me the big envelope, and sure enough feels like books. Return address? Harlequin. Hmm.

I rip open the envelope to yes, books, but–CRIMINAL INSTINCT books.

I knew not to get too excited because these were left over books printed special for a literary contest. But to receive CI in print form was such a nice surprise.

A special thank you to Carina Press!

Gone WordPress!

Kelly — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:57:40 +0000

I’ve gone WordPress!

I’ve been wanting to move my website to wordpress for a long time. But I thought it was too complicated and living off a writer’s salary is tough. I can’t afford the services of some of my favorite web designers.

Luckily, I’m not a complete novice to basic coding, and when I purchased a wordpress theme it came with basic instructions on how to make this theme into my own.

Am I still learning the ins-and-outs of WP?

YES.

I’ve always believed websites to be works in progress. So I’m building onto this WP site as I go.

So. . . here I go!

"Busy Summer with Promo!"

Kelly — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:09:00 +0000

Life is sure busy during this month in June! How is life treating you this summer? With a summer release, the kiddos home, summer sports, and lots of home changes going on, it’s definitely been a wild month. I thought it would be easier to share a list of my recent Criminal Instinct activity.

Here are a few fun blog guest spots I’ve participated in and lovely reviews I’ve received within the past few weeks.

~ Come read my cover story for Criminal Instinct on the Barnes and Noble Community blog. I chatted with talented author, Melissa Walker about the cover changes Criminal Instinct had gone through before publication.

~ Check out my writer chat interview with author Maggie Marr!

~ On author Carrie Lofty’s blog, I shared an exclusive excerpt of Criminal Instinct!

~ And tomorrow, on June 30th, I’ll be blogging with the lovely bloggers at Petit Fours and Hot Tamales!! I’ll be discussing how I used the past to add sympathy to my imperfect characters. So please stop by!

* * *

And I’m happy to share a few lovely reviews I’ve received for Criminal Instinct…

“The action is nonstop, the violence nearly constant, the emotions always just below the surface. Much like Ana. It was almost exhausting to read, but that might be because I read it in a single sitting. I couldn’t stop. The threat was always right there, and it felt too tenuous to put the book aside, even though I knew I could always come back to it. The level of detail creates a world that’s gritty and completely in your face, defying you to pretend it’s not real.” ~ Book Utopia

“The gritty world of illegal drug dealings is realistically portrayed in CRIMINAL INSTINCT, where danger is nonstop and emotions are conflicted.” ~ 4.5 Stars by Amelia Richard, Singletitles.com

“Criminal Instinct is a roller coaster ride right from the get-go. [...] The plot was like an onion that was constantly being peeled away. It had me riveted to my seat until the very end.” ~ Ann, Romance Junkies –romancejunkies.com

Whew! Yes, it’s definitely been a busy a month! And I’m hoping for this positive busy to bump on over into July!

"The Balance of First Reviews"

Kelly — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:07:00 +0000

Four days into the release of Criminal Instinct, I’ve received my first two reviews on the same day! And I have two readers who viewed the book differently, which I’ve grown accustomed to, and in a way, gives me balance. I think it’s really interesting how no two individuals will perceive something the same way.

Pearl’s World of Romance gives a wonderful and encouraging review of CI. Here are some the high points:

“What truly got me hooked were the amazing fight scenes, the action-packed suspense and the subtle yet beautiful romance. The chemistry between Ana and Jonas is sizzling, dangerous and forbidden. The sex scenes were intense and hot and the combination of action/suspense and romance was excellently balanced.”

“Kelly Lynn Para wrote a romantic suspense that hit the right note with me. I read it breathlessly from first to last page and the ending had my mind spinning. Those last few chapters were heartbreaking, spine chilling and filled to the brim with action.”

My first review on RT Book Reviews very cool new website!

Unfortunately, the reader didn’t connect with my characters—but that’s okay! She did very much understand the suspense:

“As a suspense novel, there is plenty here that will keep readers guessing. The line between the good guys and bad guys is blurred, and no one is exactly as they seem.”

What I also have to point out is Ana Moreno is not your typical sexy and sophisticated heroine. She grew up in the system and in the streets. She’s tough, and very unpolished. But what I like to believe is that she has a soft inside that I hope some readers unveil and will enjoy.

So even though I didn’t receive two stellar reviews, I’m still honored these ladies took the time to read my book and to write a review. Many thanks to Pearl and RT!!