Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published 6 novels and non-fiction self-improvement book. The 1st three are political intrigue suspense thrillers. My last three -is a series of crime suspense mysteries, which have been my best sellers. Currently I’m employed in the financial industry and have been for the past 31 years. Prior to that, I owned my own multi-branch real estate business in Miami & Ft. Lauderdale. A lot of what I write is based on white-collar crimes and involving the reader solve the crime/murders in the novel. I have won several awards for my novels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Just released is the 3rd in the series of Ex-cop, Joey Mancuso and his 1/2 brother, Father Dominic O’Brian – a Catholic Associate Pastor. Both are private detectives living in New York, and at the same time own an Irish Pub in the Financial District of Manhattan. The Manhattan Red Ribbon Killer deals with a serial killer who is preying on young professional ladies in NYC. The NYPD contracts Mancuso & O’Brian to consult on the case. While each book can be read individually, there’s a back story with the characters that’s ongoing from Book 1. Inspiration for the crime mystery series is the Sherlock Holmes collection of stories written by Arthur Donan Coyle.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Due to the fact I’m employed full-time, I write everyday after hours, and on Saturdays and Sundays. My novels are about 70,000 words, and I try to release 2 books during the year. All my books are available in eBook format through Kindle, print book through Amazon and others online outlets, and in audiobook format via Audible.com
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For fiction my most enjoyable reads/listens are from Nelson DeMile, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, and Robert Ludlum.
Every other book I read is usually non-fiction, and more than likely about a historical characters like – Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Winston Churchill, Ben Franklin… you get the picture.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on the 4th in the series of the Mancuso & O’Brian Crime Mystery series. The Case of The Sumerian Antiquities Collector. Mancuso & O’Brian are hired by a Greenwich, Ct socialite to find his abducted daughter who went missing from her dorm at the University of Miami. However, like most of my novels, there are many turns and twists, and the brothers end up involved with an unsuspected adversary.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an official website – owenparr.com – where I feature all my books, many of the reviews, a back story on the characters and locations. All my books are through Amazon, where I have an author page. Promotion is a never ending task, and the best results I’ve achieved have been advertising in Amazon/Kindle Ads, which are available to authors who publish through Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For those who have never written a book, my best advice is to take an online course on ‘How To’ write a novel. I started with Writers Digest University, and would recommend them. Then, write, write and re-write your novel, read it out loud. A must is a professional editor, not your spouse, or a family member, unless they’re editors. Never publish a book without having it proofread and edited.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
With respect to writing, the best advice was to ‘just write.’ Stop procrastinating and write. Rewrite it later, but, just start. Then, once published, write another and another.
What are you reading now?
A Criminal Defense by William L. Myers
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue with the Mancuso & O’Brian Crime Mystery series, due to its success. Then, write a second self-improvement book on Time Management, which I touched on my 1st book “How To Sell…”
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?
Sherlock Holmes collection of stories. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Franklin and Winston by Jon Meacham. Lastly, my last crime mystery novel to enjoy myself.
Author Websites and Profiles
Owen Parr Website
Owen Parr Amazon Profile
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