{"id":353,"date":"2020-11-04T13:03:52","date_gmt":"2020-11-04T13:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elizabethhollandauthor.com\/?p=353"},"modified":"2020-09-29T09:27:21","modified_gmt":"2020-09-29T08:27:21","slug":"author-qa-with-kevin-parham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elizabethhollandauthor.com\/?p=353","title":{"rendered":"Author Q&#038;A with Kevin Parham"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Author Q&amp;A with Kevin Parham<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*This post contains affiliate links*<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-112\" src=\"https:\/\/elizabethhollandauthor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Black-and-White-Beauty-Quote-Pinterest-Graphic-200x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elizabethhollandauthor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Black-and-White-Beauty-Quote-Pinterest-Graphic-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/elizabethhollandauthor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Black-and-White-Beauty-Quote-Pinterest-Graphic-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/elizabethhollandauthor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Black-and-White-Beauty-Quote-Pinterest-Graphic-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/elizabethhollandauthor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Black-and-White-Beauty-Quote-Pinterest-Graphic.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>1. Tell us about your writing \/ published books.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My entrance into the writing world occurred purely by happenstance. Unbeknownst to me, my uncanny ability to casually relate personal anecdotes to family and friends had, over time, morphed into a full-fledged campaign encouraging me to write a book\u2014something that, in my mind, was an unrealistic endeavor.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">However, after having given it some thought\u2014though still not convinced I could accomplish such a feat\u2014I began jotting down a few memories of my life on Martha\u2019s Vineyard with my siblings, cousins, and our strict grandmother, Carrie White, from the late 1950s through the early 70s. It wasn\u2019t long before I had compiled enough material for my first book, and, over the course of three years, I wrote a coming of age memoir entitled: <b><i>The Vineyard We Knew\u2014A Recollection of Summers on Martha\u2019s Vineyard.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=ehollandautho-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=0984948503&amp;asins=0984948503&amp;linkId=425a4b3c44045cf7abe743d920707a26&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=false&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=GB&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=elizabethholl-21&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=GB&amp;placement=B00N9L4JU4&amp;asins=B00N9L4JU4&amp;linkId=85a39801579c652360a7feab63c6290c&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My second book, <b><i>Keeper of the East Bluff Light<\/i><\/b> is a whodunit murder mystery about a former sea captain, Sam Biggs, who becomes a lighthouse keeper. However, there\u2019s something strange about the lighthouse, for it is used as a means to commit heinous crimes that Special FBI Agent, Max Landcomb is tapped to solve. There are many twists to the story, including an unknown family connection to Sam and the lighthouse that could be the key to solving the mystery. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=ehollandautho-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=0984948538&amp;asins=0984948538&amp;linkId=e5728798e746ef3c4c1d05d160efa39b&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=false&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=GB&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=elizabethholl-21&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=GB&amp;placement=B07DND764Q&amp;asins=B07DND764Q&amp;linkId=80bbe4eba75c4b9d08a3b624cd420cb9&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The third book, entitled <b><i>Westville<\/i><\/b>, is an autobiographical novel about a young aspiring musician named Jimmy James and the vibrant community from which he comes.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Jimmy follows his dream of becoming a famous bass player. However, as he pursues a career in the music industry, he soon discovers that the road to fame and fortune fraught with pot holes, U-turns, and dead-ends. In the end, he sees that what we travel the world in search of can oftentimes be found at home where it all began.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=ehollandautho-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=B07FLPPJLL&amp;asins=B07FLPPJLL&amp;linkId=cd994c041e2008acbe39ba01f1265cdb&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=false&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=GB&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=elizabethholl-21&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=GB&amp;placement=B07FLPPJLL&amp;asins=B07FLPPJLL&amp;linkId=5656df1b6417deb89dcc02024b898f32&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>2. Have you always wanted to write?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">No, I can\u2019t honestly say that I\u2019ve always wanted to write. In fact, it never really occurred to me. In addition to being a late bloomer, I had never considered myself as a writer (far from it!) While most writers begin their literary journey early on, the writing bug didn\u2019t bite me until I was well into my fifties. But I\u2019m pleased to be among many who enjoy the love of writing and sharing their stories with others.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>3. Do you like reading the same books you write?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Since I choose to write in different genres (contrary to popular belief), there\u2019s no specific genre that I enjoy reading. Consequently, the answer to your question is, no.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I find that I learn a great deal by reading everything I can get my hands on. There\u2019s so much to be gained by delving in to various types of literature that I might not have considered if I had read only one particular genre.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>That said, I can certainly understand those who choose to read only what they write, but, to me, that\u2019s very limiting and can stifle any opportunity to expand one\u2019s literary prowess.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>4. What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Wow. Now that\u2019s a good question! One important piece of advice I\u2019d give to anyone wanting to write their first book is to take your time. Decide what you\u2019d like to write about (though common knowledge states that you should write what you know). Also, it\u2019s critical to do your research when delving into areas such as historical fiction, etc.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When you\u2019ve finished writing your draft manuscript\u2014and this is very important\u2014you should work with a good developmental and\/or copy editor that specializes in the genre you\u2019re writing! A good editor has the knowledge and experience to make your manuscript shine and ready for publication. And if you\u2019re thinking of indie-publishing and have the financial means, then consider hiring a professional cover designer and interior book designer.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Doing so will put you ahead of the crowd in terms of having a professional-looking book that is readable and free of plot issues and grammatical errors. Even if you\u2019re going the traditional route, it\u2019s important to have an error-free manuscript when querying agents for representation.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>5. How do you handle criticism?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Let me begin by saying that a review (good or bad) is only an opinion. It\u2019s very subjective. To be honest, I have no problem with constructive criticism. If anything, a good critique only makes you better at your craft! All aspiring writers should develop a thick skin and accept the fact that not everyone is going to give you a five-star review. If you go in with that understanding and have confidence in your ability, then there\u2019s nothing anyone can say that will rattle you. No matter what, it\u2019s important to keep writing, regardless of the criticism received. That\u2019s the only way to maintain a balanced perspective and improve as a writer.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>6. Tell me about your current work.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My fourth book, <b><i>M\/V Islander\u2014Resurrection<\/i><\/b>,\u00a0will be released in spring, 2021. It\u2019s a paranormal novella about a man\u2019s internal struggle with his superiors at his place of employment and revolves around his interactions with a ghost ship. The storyline involves a quest to restore a guiding principle that was lost to the ages. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=ehollandautho-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=B08JCJZ3BN&amp;asins=B08JCJZ3BN&amp;linkId=22f24c0885e75ec18211a1281477a4a7&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=false&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><iframe style=\"width: 120px; height: 240px;\" src=\"\/\/ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=GB&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=elizabethholl-21&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=GB&amp;placement=B08JCJZ3BN&amp;asins=B08JCJZ3BN&amp;linkId=8b324554f70b89777979f20e7025e8a3&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Kevin_Parham14\"><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">You can find Kevin on Twitter. <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Author Q&amp;A with Kevin Parham *This post contains affiliate 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