Interview Judith Parker

by

Christine Poe

I have the honor to do this interview with a very talented multi-published, murder mystery, action/suspense, and western author. Please say hello to Judith R. Parker.

1. Judith, the very fact that you write in different genres is intriguing. You write wonderful action-packed mysteries and suspense, and you also write deep, passionate westerns in the tradition of Louis L’Amour. How do you get your story ideas?

A. Now that is hard to answer. For me ideas are everywhere: a casual word, a view out the car window, a newspaper article. I used to do a workshop entitled: “Ideas: Where to find them, how to develop them.”

2. Whether writing in the present or the past, you manage to draw your readers into your books. What is the one element you think most appears in both genres?

A. Coping! I like to think that all of my stories are about people coping with challenges, whether physical, mental or emotional.

3. Your latest release is a western, the first in a series I believe. Can you tell us a little bit about it and when to expect the next book in the series?

A. Actually the second Jason Locke book, Winter Kill, was released first by another publisher.

4. Ride A Cold Wind has won the prestigious EPPIE 2002 Award. How does it feel to have your book chosen number one out of so many electronically published books?

A. Thrilled beyond belief! And I am even more thrilled that it is coming out in print.

5. Being able to portray the Old West as it used to be is one of your accolades from many reviewers. Are you a history buff, or is it just the part of the country you live in that inspires you?

A. My great-grandfather homesteaded in Montana. As a child I read and re-read his letters and I still remember sitting on his knee and listening to his adventures. Most of our family vacations were spent camping in the Rockies. My mother would bury herself in a book while my father and brothers were hiking or fishing. I'd bum a ride into the nearest town and hunt up the oldest people and beg them to tell me their stories. Later, I spent a lot of time reading old letters and journals, and listening to talking history tapes. I think those experiences have helped me catch feel and flavor of the period. And, yes, I've done a lot of research.

6. Your characters are compelling and full of personality. How do you breathe life into your characters?

A. To me they are all very real people. I can see them, hear them talking, feel their emotions. When I am writing, I am there.

7. Writing mystery/suspense and westerns an author needs to be accurate. Do you have personal knowledge or how do you research your books?

A. Both. I have been to all of the places mentioned in all of my books and am familiar with all of the locations. In While Hyenas Laugh, I did run the manuscript by certain persons to be sure that reactions of various agencies were within reason. Yes, I do a lot of research.

8. I understand your books are considered general fiction and that they don’t fall under the category of romance. Are there no underlying love stories in any of your books?

A. Depends on what you mean by love. If you mean love/sex, then no. In Ride A Cold Wind, there is a lot of love: Jason for his little sister, for Moira, for the children he rescues. In While Hyenas Laugh, the basis of the story is love: love between Richard and Rachel, love of country. In Diamonds, it is Diana's love for her dead husband and his family. All my books have a lot of love but no sex.

9. Some authors relax with music, some like to watch/read old movies/books, some like to plot out their ideas while doing daily chores. What is the one thing that inspires you to write?

A. Peace and quiet. My head is always filled with stories. I usually have three or four WIP in my computer. It's just a matter of finding the strength and energy to write. I'm older than dirt, don't you know.

10. What’s in store for your “hooked” readers in the near future?

A. My suspense novel, Twist Of Terror, will be released in July from Wings ePress.

Judith, it was wonderful to meet you. Best wishes for continuing success in your writing!

Thank you!

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