Interview with Judith R. Parker on 5-20-03

Marsha: My guest for this interview is author Judith R. Parker, who has been writing mysteries, suspense, and Western novels, as well as short stories, for the past twenty years. Her latest novel, a Western, is Cato Wahl, which was released by Whiskey Creek Press this month. Judith, I'm so pleased to have this opportunity to interview you. How long have you been writing, and how did you get started?

Judith: If you can call writing long letters to imaginary friends about make-believe adventures, and skits for imaginary friends to perform "writing", then I've been writing since I was about four...well over half a century.

Marsha: When did you first know you were a writer?

Judith: I don't know that I am a writer. I've never had any desire to write the "Great American Novel" or any interest in "educating" or "inspiring" anyone. I think I am just a storyteller. I hope that my books entertain. That's enough.

Marsha: Storytelling is fun. I used to tell stories to the neighborhood children—when I was a child! You're more than "just a storyteller," since you get paid for your work. What pivotal moment made you decide to write for publication?

Judith: I don't believe there was such a moment. I first wrote non-fiction articles for trade journals on such boring subjects as accounting.

Marsha: Well then, what led you to write fiction for publication? Who first published your work, and what was the piece?

Judith: My first fiction was written and submitted as a joke. It was a short story titled "Verna's Dream Vacation," and published in "True Confessions" magazine. No one could have been more surprised than I when I received an acceptance letter and check. My first published full-length book was a suspense novel, The House Sitter, published by Zebra Books.

Marsha: What categories or genres of writing do you most like to do, and why?

Judith: I'm not sure my writing really fits into any category, except maybe my Westerns. I write first, then try to decide what category it most closely fits. When I'm writing, I don't think about genre, only the story. I abhor the current formula writing, which is probably why the New York publishers aren't interested in my books.

Marsha: What sparks a story for you?

Judith: Ideas are everywhere. A newspaper article, an overheard phrase, a passing scene...almost anything...can make me think, "What If?"

Marsha: What type of writer are you? Do you plan ahead, or plot, or do you simply dive in?

Judith: I'm a diver. I once attended a workshop where we had to do a complete outline. It would have been a good book, but I never wrote it. I already knew the ending.

Marsha: That's funny, but sad, too. We have to write in our own way, though. Do you start writing with names, characters, a title, phrases?

Judith: I like to think my books are about people coping with situations. I usually start with a scene that demonstrates the basic character of the person. It may or may not be the beginning of the story. But knowing the characters is important because it determines their actions and reactions.

Marsha: How many words or pages do you aim for each day?

Judith: I don't do this. Some days I may only get a couple of sentences done. When the story is flowing, I may write for hours.

Marsha: Been there, done that! My husband used to get up in the middle of the night, all bleary-eyed, and find me still writing. Night-time is my energized time. Do you write best at a certain time of day?

Judith: Usually in the morning when it is quiet. My husband was watching television one evening and I was typing away on a story and suddenly what my fingers were typing didn't feel right. I stopped and read what I'd written—the dialogue right off the TV! Now when I'm writing, the TV stay off!

Marsha: What type of writing schedule do you have? How do you handle life interruptions?

Judith: I don't have a schedule. I write when I can and if I'm interrupted, that's okay. Life is to be lived and a story is just a story.

Marsha: That's wise advice! Do you get blocked? Any hints on how to stave it off?

Judith: Oh, yeah. I usually have two or three books going. When I block on one, I put it aside and go to another one. I've found that my blocks are usually caused because the story is going wrong. I try to think of my story as being on a wheel, then I think..what if I turn the wheel a quarter of a turn...a half a turn...? Those magic words "what if". I generally find if I change one or two things my story is back on track.

Marsha: What is the thing you like most about writing? Least?

Judith: I like telling a good story. If a reader tells me they like my story, it's made my day. I dislike dealing with the publishing end of it.

Marsha: That is a groaner. It's a rare writer who enjoys dealing with anything but writing. What is the best advice you've ever received, and what advice would you offer someone just starting out as a writer?

Judith: The best advice I got and what I'm passing on is: Watch people! The next time you are in a mall, take a few minutes, find a seat and just watch people. Study the way they walk, their gestures, facial expressions. In a restaurant, eavesdrop on conversations. Characters make or break your story. The second most important thing is motivation...constantly ask WHY. Why is your character acting or reacting the way they do. Always keep in mind the two basic questions: What If?...and Why?.

Marsha: Who are your favorite authors? Which ones are your role models or inspirations?

Judith: I have a lot of favorite authors but I don't really want to write like anyone else. The authors I read and re-read are ones that tell a good story, that have believable characters, ones I can care about. I couldn't begin to list them all but here is a start: Louis L'Amour, Ernest Haycox, Dick Francis, Alistair MacLean, Jo Dereske, Carola Dunn and many more.

Marsha: One of the generally unknown tasks of being a writer is that you, as the author, having to promote your books yourself. What are some ways you promote your books?

Judith: I have a web site and that's about it. I used to do book signings but healthwise, that's not much of an option for me any more. I can tell you some of the things I've done in the past that have worked. First, put together a press kit and a short talk on any subject—doesn't have to be writing, just a subject you are comfortable with. Contact libraries, senior centers, service clubs, any groups within a comfortable distance from your home, and offer to do a free program. Once you have a speaking engagement, DO NOT expect the library or club to do the promotion! DO IT YOURSELF! Send out notices and your press kit to the papers, radio and TV stations. Include a letter stating that you would be available for an interview before or after the event. Take a supply of your books with you and display one near the podium. If you have flyers, etc., distribute them before the meeting on chairs or tables. And always carry change. This has always worked well for me in the past.

Marsha: Thanks for all that good advice. Have you won recognition for your works?

Judith: Ride A Cold Wind won the 2002 Eppie Award for Best Western. [The Eppies, open to members and non-members, are awarded by EPIC (the Electronically Published Internet Connection) for outstanding achievement in E-Publishing.] Winter Kill was a Bloody Dagger Award nominee. Both Deadly Diamonds and While Hyenas Laugh were 2003 Eppies Finalists. A Kind of Justice was a 2002 Eppie Finalist.

Marsha: What is your next project?

Judith: I have three Works-In-Progress: two suspense and a Western.

Marsha: Thanks to you, Judith, for agreeing to this interview. I have had a delightful time absorbing your wisdom.

Judith: It was fun. Thanks for asking me.