Genre: Romantic suspense
Release date: September 6th, 2013
Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancée on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.
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About A.L. Parks
I am just starting in this crazy world of writing and publishing. Lately, however, there are just too many characters in my head begging me to tell their stories...so here I am. Writing, publishing, sharing and, hopefully, entertaining. I love a great love story, but really want to tell a story with an edge; characters who are imperfect, trying to find the perfect love.
Strangers is my debut novel, and will be released on September 6, 2013. I will have another novel, The Return, with an anticipated release date of November 1, 2013. I have been focusing mainly on short stories, but have felt a need to get to know the characters more in-depth, and in turn, tell more of their stories. I have some fairly interesting people living in my head!I have my own blog (www.parkingitrighthere.blogspot.com), where I review books, and discuss my new projects. I also contribute to www.SheReadsNewAdult.com, dedicated to the emerging new adult romance genre. We have great fun over there...be sure to check us out!
I currently live outside Washington D.C. with my family. We spend many hours exploring the area and the deep history of this beautiful land, while experiencing as much of life's wonders as possible. I have traveled abroad and lived in almost every corner of the U.S., and hope my writing reflects various cultures, people, and places.
Guest Post:
“Listening To the Voices in Your Head”
I love being a writer. Love. It.
Most people are fairly intrigued when you finally feel
confident enough as a writer to tell people that is what you do. You can see it,
right? At a gathering, meet new people, the inevitable question; “So, what do
you do?”
“I’m a writer.” Scariest answer I have ever given. I stood
still. Very, very still, waiting for their reaction. It was good, and I got
through the follow-on questions without boring them to pieces.
But there is always that one follow-on
question that could potentially move you from “interesting person to talk to at
a party” to “lunatic that is quickly removed from all future invites.”
The question: “So, how do you come up with your stories?”
Now, it is not so much the question that is the problem.
It’s the answer. Or more to the point – it’s the honest answer.
“Well, the characters really take the lead and direct where
the story goes.”
The look of confusion. “So, these are true stories?”
“No, not at all. Completely from my imagination.” (takes sip
from fruity alcoholic beverage).
More confusion, followed by silence. Then, “So, I’m
confused. How do the characters direct the story?”
“They talk to me.”
“They talk to you? What? Like in your head?”
“Yeah. Sometimes I get no sleep at all, because they are
chattering away. It can be very distracting. They mostly like to talk in the
shower.” (Takes another drink from the fruitiness in hand). “Not many jobs
allow you to work while you’re in the shower, huh?”
And that is the moment. You will never be invited to another
July 4th party again.
Okay, so I am exaggerating a bit. But it is fun to watch
people try to come to terms with how writers have conversations with the voices
in their heads. I mean, it is typically not a good diagnosis to have
psychological discussions with people that do not exist outside the confines of
one’s mind. Especially if those voices are telling you what to do – and you
listen!
The day I stopped pushing those voices away, and letting them
direct my fingers over the keyboard was the most freeing day of my life. I have
loved getting to know all my characters, and becoming a part of their lives. I
am really excited to start sharing them with others. So, I am okay with people
looking at me strange when I discuss my job. Nowadays, I like to have fun with
it.
(Returning to the party discussed above)
“So, why do you keep looking at me with your eyes narrowed?”
They have taken a couple of steps away from me, but are still intrigued enough
to continue the conversation.
“I’m trying to decide if I should use you as a character in
a book.”
“Really? What do you see me doing?”
“Dying. Violently.”
I. Love. Writing.
Thank you so much for letting me stop by today, and take over your blog. I truly appreciate you hosting my book. I hope everyone enjoys the blog, and will check out Strangers, now available on Amazon.
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