In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Georgia. So yes, I’m a true Georgia Peach even though I lived in Chicago and North Carolina for many years. Basically, I’m just your average, down to earth, wife and mother of two who has a great passion for writing and reading. Believe it or not, I’m actually kind of quiet and laid back. I can be moody and oversensitive (Pisces trait). I have a very vivid imagination that is evident in my books and I believe in a lot of theories that most people would think bizarre.

Let’s just say I absolutely love the X-Files reruns and the entire concept of spirits, guardian angels and karma. I once had a palm reader to tell me I was a writer in another life and writing is my destiny. Isn’t that powerful? Bottom line, anyone who truly knows me will state that I’m real. I’m very approachable and have a genuine caring nature (another Pisces trait). I have my

few imperfections and struggles just like the next person. However, I believe in order to really get in touch with our true spirit, we need to discover our gifts and use them to make a difference.

In 140 words or less, tell us why True Confessions would make a great addition to our personal library.

True Confessions would make a great addition to your personal library because it is fresh, original, raw, engaging and has real, imperfect characters dealing with a crisis life has thrown their way. We can all relate. Many topical issues are addressed in a straight-forward and genuine manner. At the end of the novel, the main character has grown and life lessons are learned for a satisfactory conclusion.

How did you come up with the premise for True Confessions?

True Confessions actually started out as a short story titled These Are My Confessions in the anthology These Are My Confessions (Harper Collins, 2007). Many readers emailed or excitedly asked during signings about Kennedy and Drake and their back-story, so I decided to pen the novel-length version.

Kennedy and Drake captured my imagination as well; they stayed with me long after the short story was published. I wanted to delve deeper into what made them “tick” and a short story didn’t allow that. As a writer, for me, it is always about what makes up the core essence of my characters. How did they become who they are? What event(s) shaped their lives? What brought them to this place in their lives when they are introduced to my readers? We are all products of our childhood and I adore piecing the puzzle together to create a likeable, sometimes not so likeable character(s) that has faults, imperfections, just as we all do.

Tell us about the main character(s) in True Confessions.

True Confessions starts off bringing the drama. Readers are introduced to Kennedy Logan in her most desperate and lowest moment in time. . . she is thinking her final thoughts after making the tragic decision to end her own life. Readers, hopefully, sense the level of despair she has reached, how low she has sunk to decide to go this route. Questions are immediately raised. Why? What so horrible could possibly have happened to this person?

Readers will be introduced to Drake Collins, the love interest or should I say ex love interest of Kennedy. Drake is a piece of work and proves the point that what looks good on the outside isn’t necessarily good on the inside. I can’t wait to see what my readers think of him and his foul ways.

Readers will delight in the mother/daughter bond of Dorothy Logan and Kennedy. Dorothy is like a ferocious lioness who will fight for her daughter until her last breath. . . all the while providing unconditional love. Backing her up is Robert Logan, Kennedy’s father who loves her with all he has and still thinks of her as his little girl. Kennedy can do no wrong in his eyes.

Readers will appreciate the genuine ‘best friends forever’ friendship of Taylor and Kennedy. They are two friends who have each other’s back through thick and thin. There is a genuine love and solid bond that has existed since college days and has transcended beyond being simply friends, they are family. Neither is perfect and they both come with their childhood baggage, but their friendship is an anchor that is solid.

What are some of the main themes you portray in True Confessions?

For readers that are familiar with my previous titles, they know each of my books, spicy though they may be (LOL). . . they have all dealt with topical issues such as domestic violence, molestation, dysfunctional relationships, mental illness, low self-esteem, etc. My books always have underlying, not preachy, messages that deal with prevalent issues going on in our communities.

To be honest, I’m not exactly sure where the idea for the suicide-themed storyline initially came. My characters are weird like that (or maybe I’m the weird one); my characters come to me in dreams and in my head. They tell me their stories and I’m obligated to write them as their chosen translator. I’m like the boy in the movie, The Sixth Sense who says, ‘I see dead people’. Well, I see and hear imaginary people who speak to me because, they too, have a voice to be heard.

What makes True Confessions different from other books in the marketplace?

I feel I have a unique writing style which encompasses erotica with topical issues, all told in a very genuine dialogue that evokes an emotional tie-in to my very real and perfectly flawed characters. Those qualities make True Confessions and my previous books different from others in the marketplace.

What genre is True Confessions and who is the target audience?

The genre is erotic fiction. The target audience is any adult reader searching for an entertaining, steamy storyline that is fast paced, thought provoking, relationship based with an added twist. Readers will be fascinated and appalled at what drives some people to get what they want at whatever cost. I think I have birthed characters that my readers will develop a love/hate relationship and hopefully will be talking back to the book as they experience the various emotions that my characters pull out of them. True Confessions will make for heated book club discussions across the country and readers will definitely be talking about it the next day.

What advise would you give to those who are interested in getting published?

I know this is going to sound sappy, but so be it. . . Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and never give up. Picture where you want to be a year from now, five years from now and claim that space. We all have stories to tell, but there are only a few of us who actually sit down and put pen to paper. That makes you unique in itself.

Believe in your gift and use it every day. Network and surround yourself with people and places that uplift and promote your creativity. Listen to your inner spirit. The only place where your dream becomes impossible is in your own thinking.

I’ve Learned:

1. You can’t please all of the people all of the time. Everyone is not going to love or even like your novels. And that’s OKAY.

2. Everyone, their mother and cousins will want to point out any editorial errors they may find within the pages of your books. Everyone’s a critic.

3. You don’t necessarily have to go to college to become a successful writer. I believe there are elements of writing that comes naturally, just like breathing.

4. Everyone thinks they can write a book. However, every book in the marketplace isn’t necessarily a good book.

5. Everyone thinks their life story should be a book.

6. Talent will only get you so far. Sometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right time.

7. The right “handlers”, i.e. agents, editors, pr person, make all the difference in the world.

8. Every fiction novel has some element(s) of truth. Don’t believe the hype.

9. Writing is a business. Sales are the bottom line. No matter how talented you are, if you don’t have the sales, you won’t get the next deal.

10. There is such a synergy when creative minds come together; it’s magic.

11. There is such a sense of freedom and joy in having the ability, from the very core of your soul to express yourself to the world; it’s almost like giving birth.

12. The new “renaissance” authors are making history and some are creating legacies.

13. Writing is a lonely and hard business to be successful in. Most of us can’t quit our day jobs.

14. Every author should pen at least one book that gives back to the universe in a positive, appealing manner to the masses.

15. You have to have a real love affair with the beauty and power of words in order to stick with it because the industry, like a lover, will take you through ups and down and sometimes screw you over.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

A few years ago I came into the industry wearing rose-colored glasses. A lot of my illusions have been lifted at this point in the game. However, my most valuable lesson about the publishing industry is that it is a business first and foremost. The bottom line, the dollar bill, still takes credence over talent and creativity. Even though I was a business major in college and realized this at some level, I naively thought considerations would be adhered to based on a level of talent.

So. . . the hardest lesson I’ve learned about the publishing industry is accepting the fact that talent alone will not take you to the next level and guarantee a successful writing career.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

I’m currently working on my next novel (always) and penning my first screenplay, which is exciting. I would absolutely love to see my books played out on the big screen, even the small screen. That would be a dream come true. So, producers, call me, let’s do lunch and chat!
Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

To Yasmin and my APOOO readers, I love you guys and I sincerely appreciate all your support, encouragement, and kind words you’ve sent my way over the years. Muah! Hugs and kisses!

Primarily, I’m writing for entertainment value first. I write for the readers who want a mini-vacation without ever leaving the sanctuary of their home. I write for that reader who on a cold, wintry day, wants nothing other than to curl up under a warm afghan in front of a toasty fireplace, sip on some hot tea, and read about somebody else’s life. Not just read about it, but get pulled in, engulfed by it and feel the pure emotion. Feel the heat.

If readers take something away in the process, then that’s great too; that’s an added bonus. I’ve accomplished my goal and much more; it makes it all worthwhile.

Every time I feel like giving up because the publishing industry is too stressful or the monsters have reared their ugly heads, I receive an e-mail or a personal letter from an avid reader and it makes my day to realize I’ve made an impact on somebody’s life. I can’t describe that feeling.

Check out my soon to be revamped website from time to time to get news on my upcoming tour schedule, appearances, happenings, etc. And please sign my guest book page; I’d love to hear from you.

Contact Electa Rome Parks online:

www.electaromeparks.com
www.myspace.com/author_chick
www.facebook.com/electaromeparks
www.electaromeparks.blogspot.com

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