Fine Lines

by Ellen Parker

I love interviews. When they are with friends, I am often surprised by their answers. When they are with new friends, like today, I feel as if I'm on the way to knowing them better. Either way, it's always a pleasure. - Liz

Raised in a household filled with books, it was only natural that today's guest author Ellen Parker grew into an avid reader. She turned to writing as a second career and enjoys spinning the type of story which appeals to multiple generations. She encourages her readers to share her work with mother or daughter – or both.

Ellen currently lives in St. Louis. When not guiding characters to “happily ever after” she’s apt to be reading, walking in the neighborhood, or tending her tiny garden. You can find her on the web at www.ellenparkerwrites.wordpress.com and www.facebook.com/ellenparkerwrites.

What is a favorite, and least favorite, thing about yourself?

I view myself as able to focus on a task, and in most cases, complete it in a timely manner.     Least favorite? I tend to be quiet and not stand up for myself as often as I should.

Is there a particular line you won’t cross in writing, even to satisfy a trend or make a story more compelling?

I’ve realized that I’m unable/unwilling to write an explicit sex scene. The bedroom door is firmly “closed” in all my writing. (I'm right there with you on this one. I have in the past, so I know I can, but I'm just not interested. - Liz)

What do you do on those days when you’re pretty sure the muse has died and you’ll never again write a publishable word?

If possible, I get out of the house and take a walk or visit a park or attraction. Of course, reading is an activity that also helps.

What would you want to be if you weren’t a writer?

Writing is a second career. My first was medical laboratory work—which involves lots of details and deadlines. So perhaps the two careers share more characteristics than a person would guess at first glance.

Looking back, what do you know now that you wish you’d known the first time you opened a file and typed “Chapter One”?

When I started, I had no idea the publishing industry was in such a constant state of change.

What was a best day of your life? A worst?

One of the best was getting results from a national registration test in my profession.       Worst was coming home after an evening with friends to discover the babysitter for our young children was not in the house.

Do you have favorite writing advice?

Yes, “join a writing group”. This made a huge difference and I doubt I’d be published or even writing without like-minded friends.

When you are choosing a book to read, what do you look for?

I generally decide by reading the blurb. I often want a different setting and general plot from my immediate previous read.

What writer would you like to spend the afternoon with?

Louise Penny or Julia Quinn

Character-driven or plot-driven? Where does your writer’s heart lie?

Character, character, character. I feel that if the characters are interesting, the plot will follow.

Blurb for Fine Lines:

In criminal defense attorney Mandy Price’s experience, men are untrustworthy. Life is better when she concentrates on career. Rumors of an impending retirement at the law firm spur her to pursue becoming the firm’s first female partner.

Police detective to the public and fine artist off duty, Cal Collins follows established rules to keep his two occupations separate. Until now, not dating local women has preserved his dual vocations and kept his past private. However, this is St. Louis, a city where degrees of separation in the professional world decreases toward the vanishing point.

Purchase link: for Fine Lines:

            Kindle: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

            Nook: https://bit.ly/4rVvd7M