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Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a writer and radio show host, diehard Star Trek fan, avid sci-fi lover, choir girl, dog lover and recovering Mountain Dew addict.

Can you give us insight into your publishing journey?

My journey began the day I was laid off from work in 2010. I worked in a high pressure environment that always had deadlines to meet, competition among the reps and demands from management. Approximately two months before I was laid off, I developed a twitch over my left eye. The day I departed that job my twitching eye stopped and never twitched again. While I was at home, I worked on my virtual assistant business; but I knew I didn’t want to do that forever. So one day, I was looking over a manuscript I had been writing on for about ten years and I told myself, “I’m going to get this published by my birthday.” I had worked on this book for so long and I was tired of it being on my computer. So with a little help from some friends, I did it. The first time I actually published the book was in 2011 on my birthday. Then a vanity press called me and I was sucked into the sales spiel and published my book under their name in 2012 on my birthday, again.

What’s really significant about this book is that it would not have been written without the help of my critique partner. I met her online in a Facebook group and she became my biggest supporter. I had planned on publishing via self-publishing methods again but I ended up, through her, finding an agent. The rest, as they say, is history.

What are some things you wish you’d known before pursuing your writing career?

There are about three major things I’d wish I’d known previously before beginning my dream.

Wishing to be a writer does absolutely nothing but keep you from accomplishing your goal. Until we find Aladdin’s magic lamp, we have to make something happen with the help of the Lord. Secondly, I’d wish I’d know how to build my platform earlier than now. Platform building is so important so whether it’s blogging, radio show, YouTube channel, or some other venue, an author should begin to build before they even finish their books. Third, marketing is essential to getting the word out about your book.

What is the title of your newest book and what is it about?

The name of the book is The Other Man. Leah loves her husband Jacob but she can’t even over the feelings that still exist for her ex-flame Vincent. Jacob loves his wife, but he can’t let go of Rachel. So even though Jacob and Leah love each other, their pasts continue to cause fractures in their marriage. We also get a chance to see Solomon and Celeste make brief appearances from Many Strange Women.

How have readers responded to Many Strange Women?

I can’t tell you how wonderful the response has been. I’ve received personal emails, and private FB chats about how the book has touched the reader’s lives. I had no idea God would use this story in such a way and I’m thankful to Him for giving me the gift to write.

How would you categorize your books?

I’d categorize it as edgy Christian romance. One of my pet peeves with some Christian fiction is that sometimes the characters are so holy you can’t relate to them. I’m not saying that’s the case with every Christian fictional work but I want to make my characters more realistic and hope that readers can relate.

Where can we buy your books and get more information about you?

You can by the book on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and at my publisher’s site, eLectioPublishing.com. For more information about me, feel free to check out my website at http://parkerjcole.com.