Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi I’m Johnny Parker, comedy writer from Birkenhead, England. I discovered I could write humour when my English teacher said my homework was laughable. That must have been true, because I’ve gone on to win prizes for comedy stories and short films.
I’ve written two grown up books, a humour novella and my Uncle Ronnie’s WW2 biography. I also have a couple of kids picture books, which go down well with the grandkids.
When I’m not cheering Tranmere Rovers to successive promotions, I can be found on my allotment digging spuds, battling Bindweed and daydreaming about my next book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Don’t be a Hero’ is the first of a new comedy series ‘When Harry Met Barry’, the ‘hero’ Harry Harris, represents a working guy’s transition from full time dad to empty nester looking for a legacy, (and no, it’s not a bromance).
It was inspired by a part-time minimum wage job I had in a betting shop. At the time I was feeling guilty about taking time off from the normal computer contractor job to try and write a screenplay. Which of course I was going to sell to Hollywood and retire, blah blah.
The bookies job was a way to placate, unsuccessfully, my lovely girlfriend now wife, by bringing in a pittance to help with the bills.
I was a square peg in a bookies round hole and didn’t fit with the staff or the punters, but it inspired some great stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up at the crack of dawn to take our two springer spaniels for a run on the beach. The Wirral has vast empty beaches and the sea air clears the brain fog. I dictate stories into my phone as I walk and pull them together later.
I also type on the train to work in Chester, it’s amazing how those half hours add up.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first proper book I read when I was 12 (no pictures) was ‘Where Eagles Dare’ by Alistair MacLean. It fired me up to read all his books and then all the James Bond books. I’ve always enjoyed thrillers even though I don’t read many now.
Spike Milligan was a massive comedy influence. His war memoirs in particular had me giggling on almost every page.
Bill Bryson is also a beautiful writer with wit and nerdy detail.
For me the queen of humour writing is Richmal Crompton. Her prose in the Just William series absolutely sings with class and beautiful simplicity.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on book two in the ‘When Harry Met Barry’ series. Harry Harris is battling through more problems of his own making in his new ‘career’ as a BarryBet cashier.
I’ve six books drafted and the challenge is to release one a month up to Christmas 2019.
Book two is already on Amazon pre-order, so the pressure is on!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to the whole book promotion thing. BKNights on Fiverr has done a good job before when I’ve had a promo. And of course I’m looking forward to working with Awesome Gang.
I’b busy badgering friends and family and have an email list of nearly 1000 to try and get some momentum.
It would be nice to get a Bookbub but will probably wait until I have a box set.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s bloody hard work. Don’t try it unless you have no option or it will drive you mad. There’s no better feeling than nailing a story though, it’s worth all the pain.
Keep going, don’t be put off. Most of my books haven’t sold much but I’m learning and this launch has been the best yet.
Be true to your muse and don’t sell out.
Build that legacy and love the journey,
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It wasn’t exactly advice but an Oscar Wilde quote – “Just because I’m looking out of the window, it doesn’t mean I’m not working.”
Having always been criticised at school for looking out of the window and being a ‘scatter brain’, I realise now I wasn’t being stimulated and consequently my imagination took over.
Don’t be afraid to dream.
What are you reading now?
I’m trying to read some other authors in my genre. Caimh McDonnell is a very good writer I’m enjoying.
Plus a ton of non fiction book marketing books!
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I’m getting near retirement age I want to churn out all the stories I’ve acquired in a lifetime of getting it wrong. There is a lot to go at.
I’ve a Victorian Thriller screenplay I want to turn into a novel and would love to earn enough from writing to make that retirement (south of France overlooking the Med) a reality.
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?
I’d take a Just William anthology to remind me not to grow up too much.
Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything to satisfy the science and history nerd in me.
The Lord of the Rings to remind me of my youth and to escape to another world.
Author Websites and Profiles
Johnny Parker Website
Johnny Parker Amazon Profile
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