I am so excited to feature the amazing author Janelle Parmer this month. Janelle's debut novel, The Other Side of the Ledge is available in paperback or digital format on Amazon.
Her new book, Chasing Calla Lilies is expected to be released in early October.
What inspired you to start writing?
I have been writing ever since I can remember. The first time I felt my writing was special was when I won a writing contest in elementary school. I remember this wonderful feeling of complete joy, excitement, and pride that I had never experienced before.
How has writing changed your life?
Writing has always been a part of my life - just not always an active part. I started my first novel, The Other Side of the Ledge, over ten years ago. It wasn’t until I was on furlough for two months because of the pandemic that I finally had time, and no excuses, to finish my book and get it published.
I think many of us writers are constantly thinking about characters, plots, and storylines; it’s just sometimes we take a break from it, but it is always a wonderful feeling to pick up where you left off.
The only way I can describe it is like when you meet up with an old friend for dinner and the conversation starts off just as you left it weeks, months, or even years before, without missing a beat. My sister encouraged me for years to start a website for my short stories. I also finally gave in and post my short stories at https://sliceofwrite.com/
Tell me about your upcoming book:
Chasing Calla Lilies follows the modern love story of a woman in her early thirties. Bryn soon learns that being with her soulmate is not as simple as it looks in the movies, and the survival of the relationship will require sacrifices from both her and Rob.
Through the care and comic relief of their friends and families, Bryn and Rob attempt to overcome life’s obstacles. Their relationship is put to the ultimate test to see if they are able to make-it or should part ways before either one gets hurt again.
What inspired you to write this book?
Chasing Calla Lilies has been in my head for a very long time - I just finally typed it all out. I think it is a combination of my own life experiences, along with fictional experiences, meshed together to create a fun story.
Tell me about your writing ritual(s):
The running joke with my husband is that when I was on furlough for two months last year I kind of turned into Jack Nicholson from The Shining. I would only stop writing to eat, sleep a few hours, and shower. It was pretty amazing and I loved it.
My normal routine is my day job and then I try and write during the evenings a few nights a week or on weekends when possible. I am usually a mood writer. I usually think about stories for a while before I write them out. I can just re-play one scene in my head over and over for days, or even weeks, sometimes if I don’t have time to write it out. As most of us indie authors say, there is never enough time in the day to write.
In 10 words or less, how would your best friend describe you?
Funny, sarcastic, loving, thoughtful, empathetic, and caring.
What non-writing accomplishment are you most proud of?
I went back to school to get a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). My undergrad was in English Literature, but I really wanted to challenge myself and try something different. I tell people all of the time, I remember sitting in some of my accounting or analytics classes thinking, I am a lit nerd, what the hell am I doing in this math class? It was challenging, but totally worth it, and I met some wonderful friends I otherwise would never have connected with.
Cat person or dog person?
I am definitely a cat person!! Although we grew up having dogs so I like dogs too. They are just a lot of work and maintenance. Cats pretty much do their own thing and I just have to try and win their affection. Simon is our crazy cat and he loves the camera. We call him our diva cat. Simon is super fun and is always making me laugh.
Ebooks, hardcovers, audio books or paperbacks?
I think whatever helps someone read more books should pick whatever works best for them. I tried an audio book recently for the first time and had to stop before the first chapter ended. My mind wanders a lot and I lose focus too easily - not just with audiobooks, with life in general, so it wasn’t for me. I enjoy the ebooks because they are convenient and cheaper, and hard covers are ok, but my go to is paperbacks. I enjoy paperbacks because that is mostly what I grew up with. Also, I love to go back and re-read sentences or conversations in books between characters and for me it is easier to just flip through the paperback to find passages.
Music or podcasts?
I love music! I am not musically inclined at all, but I love listening to it.
Music often plays a role in my writing. In my debut novel, The Other Side of the Ledge, I listened to "In Un'Altra Vita" by Ludovico Einaudi over and over in some of the more difficult and heart wrenching scenes because it is an extremely beautiful, powerful, and emotional song. There are parts in The Other Side of the Ledge where I feel that my writing follows the rhythm of a song.
For example, on page 68 of The Other Side of the Ledge, starting with the line, "I arrived home and put the groceries on the counter," about 50 seconds into the song, is where the collision between music and words begin, and then continues for about a minute.
Then on page, 69, starting at, "I took my shoes off and dove in headfirst," I pick up with the song at about 3:57. To me, it sounds, reads, and speaks so loudly as to what I was feeling and writing at the time. It is a very special part of the book for me, and I worked and struggled and loved this scene many times over when writing it. I was trying to convey what Kara was feeling into words and sometimes that's so difficult...music definitely helps me with this obstacle.
Favourite drink?
Besides cosmopolitans, it’s iced tea! Mostly black teas, but I also enjoy green tea as well. I am currently obsessed with blackberry sage iced tea.
Favourite book and why?
The Awakening by Kate Chopin. I am a total lit nerd and love the classics. Plus, I am a sucker for a flawed protagonist and story lines that are tragic and deeply meaningful.
Connect with Janelle:
Thank you so much, Janelle! It was great to get to know you a little better. Keep an eye out for Chasing Calla Lilies which is expected to be released in early October.
Come back next month when we feature another awesome author. Do you want to be featured? Reach out! info@reginagrimmauthor.com
With Love,
Regina Grimm is the author of erotic fairytales, written for the uninhibited readers 18+. Check out her books - Snow White and the Wicked Curse: Chapter 1 and Snow White and the Vicious Curse: Chapter 2. Snow White and the Seven Thieves: Chapter 3 coming soon!