Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Poppy Parkes, author of sweet and sexy storiese to light your fire and make you smile. At the time of this interview, I have published forty-eight titles.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I just finished writing Sexting Santa, which is part of The Holiday Honeys series of standalone holiday romances. It’s a hilarious, sexy story of mistaken identities and all that can go wrong — and right — during the holidays.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have two young boys that I’m currently trying to help navigate remote learning during the pandemic. So my writing “habits” often include writing while distracted, procrastination, and overwhelm. That’s awkward. 😉
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh gosh, so many! It’s impossible to choose. But in terms of writing craft and persistence, I’ve been especially influenced and/or inspired by Anne Lamott, Neil Gaiman, and Natalie Goldberg.
In terms of reading for pure pleasure, I read widely throughout many genres. This year books that I’ve loved are: Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam; Master Baker by Pippa Grant; What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon; My Plain Jane by The Lady Janies; Drumline by Stacy Kestwick; and The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a few new stories for the 2020 holiday season. I already have Sexting Santa out as well as Merry Brit-mas, the second book in my mostly standalone series The Wayward Brits. I’ll also being putting out a mountain man holiday story called Gingerbeard Man and a New Year’s Eve story titled Her Midnight Engagement.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite to use is Instagram. I love photography, so enjoy making my feed as beautiful and visually appealing as possible. I also like how Instagram’s storie feature is perfect for sharing less curated off-the-cuff pieces of my life.
As to what is most effective, probably Facebook. All my reader and writer friends are there. I keep waiting for Facebook to become obsolete, for folks to give up on it and move to something else, but I’ll be there for as long as people engage with me there. You can find me over there posting memes, games, and other random fun things in my group, The Happily Ever After Book Club (www.facebook.com/groups/HEAaddicts/).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing no matter what. Keep publishing. Keep submitting. Keep refining your skills. Keep going. No matter what.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Fear is a waste of time.” — Jay-Z
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones. It’s a turn of the century cozy mystery set in England (my favorite place, hence why I’m writing a series set there) with a slight touch of magical realism.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After this holiday season, I’ll continue to add to my Wayward Brits series — next up is Her Cheeky Boys. I also have a sexy romance set in the ’80s coming up, which should be super fun to write.
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?
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
A complete collection of Rumi’s poetry
The Chronicles of Naria by C.S. Lewis (a complete series of 7 stories counts as 1 book, right?) 😉
Author Websites and Profiles
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