Single Volume 3 (Single #3) Lyra Parish

ARC received for honest review

By writing this review I am acknowledging that the series is over. I’m not ready to admit that. I’m not ready to stop reading about Parker Williams. But in Lyra Parish fashion, she doesn’t make the ending easy on us. I read all day and into the night to finish this book. I wasn’t going to stop until I knew what happened. Well worth staying up late into the night. I fell in love with this series and Parker and Roxanes story. A series that will make everyone want a Parker Williams of their own!

All I can say is Thank You Lyra Parish for bringing us the Single Series. I’m thrilled to be able to have read and reviewed all three. I will miss Parker but know there will be another character from you to fall in love with.

Author Interview

Tell us a little about yourself and your background:

I grew up in South East Texas and still live in the area. I’ve been writing since 2011 and published my first novel in 2014. I have a degree in finance and one in economics and consider myself a night owl with a day job.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I was hiking a trail one day and read this plaque at the end describing the area and this story about this family. My imagination went wild and I told my husband on the way back to the campsite that I was going to write a book. I tend to do crazy things on a whim, writing was one of them.

What book has had the most influence in your life?

I would have to say the Harry Potter series. I read a lot when I was a kid (Goosebumps and Babysitters Club) but then the older I got the less I read until I was introduced to Harry Potter. Ever since then, life hasn’t been the same.

How much truth is in your fiction.

I think it’s a flip of a coin considering which part you’re reading. I think one of the underlying messages that I try to relay is that love still exists.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor and why?

Oh, this is a hard one. I didn’t really have too many people that helped when I first got started but recently I’ve had several colleagues that have gone above and beyond to help me with my questions. They know who they are!

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I think juggling a day job and writing almost full time is one of the biggest challenges that I face. I have to be well organized and dedicate my time between writing/admin duties/and getting sleep so I’m actually a human being at work.

Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?

I think the strangest thing I do is write chapters on post-it notes. The squares are super small and I will write tiny and fill them up. It’s just something I do when I’m on my lunch break.

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

I don’t think they are a make or break for me. I’ve written characters and haven’t even named them yet. Usually I look for names that fit their personality and the way they look.

Are you a plotter or a pantster?

When I first started writing I would have told you I was a panster, but after I wrote my first novel that NEVER got published, I became more of a neo-panster or neo-plotter..lol.  It’s one of those half-full/half-empty things. I loosely plot. More than likely I have key scenes plotted and my story arch written plus the ending. The most recent super secret project I’m working on, I actually sat down plotted the entire story line so we will see if it makes me more efficient or not. Sometimes the characters speak and they want to do their own thing regardless of where I’ve plotted them, when that happens, I allow them to as long as I get back on track at some point.

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

I think it would have to be finishing that first book. It was an amazing feeling to know that I set my mind to writing it and did finish.  Six books later and that feeling never gets old!

Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?

I would think M/M romance. Not that I despise it any way, I think love is beautiful in every shape, form, and even color. I just don’t think I would be any good at it.

Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

I don’t think so. Sometimes I feel like my words just aren’t doing it for me and when that happens, I let it sit then go back to it from another angle.

What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

The unknown. The what if’s drive me crazy!

What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?

Keep writing. Not everyone will like your work but take their criticism creatively. If you want to write a book and publish it, I say do it! If I can, I swear anyone can!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be writing full-time, camping half-time, with 60+ books published.

Characters often find themselves in situations they aren’t sure they can get themselves out of. When was the last time you found yourself in a situation that was hard to get out of and what did you do?

I would say the last time that happened was when I was writing Eluded last year. I had let my characters lead the way which made it difficult to keep things going forward because I had no idea where the story was going. When this happens, I’ll let it sit until I think of something that gets me out of the debacle. I loosely plot so have key points that I hit throughout so it was a matter of logically getting from point C to D. I like to let my characters lead the way.

Does your significant other recognize his moves in your writing?

LOL!!! He says that all of my male characters are based from him. Just call him Finnley Felton the next time any of you see him at an event with me. haha. He will get a kick out of it, for reals.

What literary character is most like you?

I’d like to think I’m like Hermoine Granger. J

What secret talents do you have?

I used to direct show for the theatre. I’ve been several lead parts in musicals while in college.

Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?

I would love to visit London or Ireland. I love castles and towns that have tons of history. One day!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Do some authors actually have spare time? Lol. Just kidding!  Camping is one of my favorite things to do along with riding my bike.  It’s nice to be away from the every day static and just surround myself with nature.

Blurb

Roxane’s heart is a traitor because she no longer has control. With each smile, touch, and kiss Roxane realizes that she is falling in love and one man is to blame–Parker Williams.

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