Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am John J. Parrino, a Goodreads indie author and Psychologist. Much of my writing in the past has been in self help and advice, particularly in the area of stress management. My first book, From Panic to Power: The Positive Use of Stress, was published by a major publishing house, received national exposure and led to a two year stint as the Stress Doc for a local TV station. After many years of working with literary agents and submitting to publishers with less than stellar results, I decided to go the indie route.
My writing has evolved from advice to humorous advice and now to a coming of age, comic novel – with an inspirational message – that’s loosely based on my early experiences in a Sicilian family (not the mob version, though there was a significant amount of that activity in the neighborhood as well). The book is Carnal Envy at Valencia High (currently in the Goodreads Giveaway). It features Joey Tormente. His name says it all: This tender-hearted hero is tormented by many issues in his adolescent life, but especially an unfulfilled desire to be a babe magnet.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Carnal Envy at Valencia High, a comic, coming of age novel – with an inspirational message – based on true events in my adolescence. I grew up in a neighborhood of immigrants from Sicily, Cuba and Spain whose message – get your education so you can take advantage of what America has to off – was ignored by my peers and me until a mysterious series of events took place that awakened us.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read just about every book written by Lawrence Sanders and feel certain that his writing has influenced me, perhaps at an unconscious level as I write. Certainly, Ed McClanahan, the humor writer/professor from Kentucky. I have read his hilarious book, The Natural Man, twenty times or so.
What are you working on now?
I don’t have any new projects going on. Primarily, I’m trying to get my past books published and marketed.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve recently become involved in Goodreads as an author and reader, and for the first time, I have joined a group (Roundtable) to connect with readers and other authors. The Giveaway and advertising programs at Goodreads sound promising.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you must. The process of writing is the reward. Wealth and fame may never come, so creativity has to be first.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go get your head shrunk. Over the years, therapy has opened me up to the creative side of my brain, and certainly has helped with my life in general.
What are you reading now?
You may have guessed: Four or the remaining Sander’s books that got left behind. My current one is Stolen Blessings. Not his greatest, but a fun and engaging read nevertheless. But I always fit in another read of The Natural Man, for a persistent belly laugh.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I like to write children’s books, so I may embark on another in the near future.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything by Sanders (I don’t mind reading his books over and over again, particularly the Deadly Sin series, and Timothy Cone series). Of course, The Natural Man, to get me through the grief of being without my wife, family and friends.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Parrino Website
John Parrino Amazon Profile
John Parrino’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile