Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I spent my early years in Waco and graduated from Belton High School and Texas A&M back in the 70’s. This Central Texas boy married a West Texas girl, Ann Becker, in 1977. We moved to Midland, her hometown, in 1980 after I received my Master’s degree. I went to work for Gulf Oil as a landman and was just happy to have a job. I’ve been a landman ever since. Sometimes with a company and sometimes independently. Our four children grew up in Midland. We now have five grandchildren with one on the way. I’ve always enjoyed books, words and letters. My writing, until recently, has been for family, friends and church. A couple of years ago, about the time our grandchildren started coming along, my muse took off and I started writing books and songs for children and young people. I’ve completed two books and am now working on two others.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and first published book is titled SHAKY MAN. It was inspired by the man in the mirror and the boy he used to be. He had a story to tell his grandchildren. They are my muse.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write mostly in my head. I’m not one of those who sit down to meet a writing quota every day. When I write, it is in furious spurts. I wrote what I think are the two best chapters of SHAKY MAN in one day. I wrote several chapters of my first, unpublished, book NATIVITY TALES in a cabin at Pagosa Springs, Colorado over one weekend. I’m not what you would call disciplined.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD has always been my favorite book. I’m also mindful of the characters, dialogue and plots of Larry McMurtry’s good books. I still love Dr. Seuss and his messages. Other important books include OLD YELLER, WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS AND SOUNDER.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sequel to SHAKY MAN titled SKINNY BOY. I won’t give to much away since I don’t know yet how it’s going to end. I didn’t know how SHAKY MAN was going to end until I wrote it. I’ve also started a book based on the early life of my wife’s grandmother. She grew up in China and Burma in the late 1800’s as the daughter of a Baptist missionary during the Boxer Rebellion. It is titled BESSIE GRAY. That one is going to take some time. It needs a lot of research.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
First and foremost is my website, http://marksparker.com/. Then I take full advantage of GoodReads, Texas Association of Authors, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Lone Star Literary Life and, of course, Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find what works for you. Seminars and conferences are great. Writing classes give wonderful suggestions. In the end you have to work within yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know.
What are you reading now?
LOST IN THE SUN by Lisa Graff.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m lucky that I enjoy the marketing side of the business a lot. Selling books has kept me pretty occupied lately. I’m speaking at a seminar in Odessa next week.
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?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, LONESOME DOVE, CATCHER IN THE RYE and THE BIBLE.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Parker Website
Mark Parker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile