Electa Rome Parks
by
Sharon Hudson

Interview Conducted
July 2002

Sharon Hudson: Ms. Parks it was certainly a pleasure for me to read the Ties that Bind.  Tell me a little bit about yourself.  We’d like to know more about the woman behind the novel and spare no details.

Electa Rome Parks: Umm, that’s a hard question.  It’s not easy to define or describe one’s self in a condensed version, but I’ll try.  I was born and raised in Georgia.  So yes, I’m a true Georgia Peach even though I lived in Chicago and North Carolina for many years.  Basically, I’m just your average, down to earth, wife and mother of two who has a great passion for writing and reading.  Honestly, I don’t think I could live without books and the written word.  I’ve found that a pen to paper is a powerful tool!

Let’s see, what else can I divulge about myself and keep you interested?  (smile)  Believe it or not, I’m actually kinda quiet and laid back.  I can be moody and oversensitive (Pisces trait). So. . . be careful what you say about “The Ties That Bind” because I’m sensitive about my stuff.  (LOL)

I have a very vivid imagination that is evident in my books and I believe in a lot of theories that most people would think bizarre.  Let’s just say I absolutely love “X-Files” and the entire concept of spirits, guardian angels, and karma.  I once had a palm reader to tell me I was a writer in another life and that’s why writing validates and elevates me to be in complete sync with my spirit.  I thought that was so deep and so unbelievably true. 

Bottom line, anyone who truly knows me will state that I’m real.  I’m very approachable and have a genuine caring nature (another Pisces trait).  I have my “few” imperfections and struggles just like the next person.  However, I believe in order to really get in touch with our true spirit, we need to discover our gifts.  I feel that we are all born into the world with a special gift and I’ve found mine.  That brings me great joy!

What else?  I pretty much suck at any sport, my favorite color is purple, I’ve never weighted more than 112 pounds my entire life, my all-time favorite movie is a toss between Soul Food and The Best Man and I have tons of stories to share with my readers.  (I know, I’m acting totally goofy, but today is one of those days).

Sharon Hudson: Who has been your writing inspiration?

Electa Rome Parks: I have a great love and admiration for contemporary writers such as Terry McMillan, Eric Jerome Dickey, Bebe Campbell Moore, E. Lynn Harris, etc. to name a few.  For me reading and writing go hand in hand.  I read for entertainment, to relax and unwind, to take a mini-vacation for 250 pages or so.  Through reading I travel to new places and meet new and interesting people without ever leaving the comfort of my home.  Amazing.  So, I tend to write that way.  I like for my readers to feel like I’m letting them in on some juicy gossip and my characters are talking directly to them.  I’m a very emotional person and my characters tend to be.

Additionally, contemporary writers were the first ones to inspire me to follow my dreams.  I vividly remember the first time I read “Disappearing Acts,” I was in absolute, undeniable awe.  I discovered characters that looked like me, talked like me, acted like me and I savored each and every word like a fine gourmet dinner.  I felt the character’s pain, triumphs and their joy because I could relate.  I didn’t want that novel to end.  It was with true sadness that I read that last page.  From that point on, it was on; I devoured any African America fiction I could get my hands on; I was addicted.  To this day, I’m still addicted.

If I want to be real deep and philosophical for a few days, I read Toni Morrison, Alice Walker or Gloria Naylor.  They always elevate my spirit and mind to a higher plane.  Their words sooth my soul with their wisdom and insight.  I’ve enjoyed the classics as well with such writers as Zora Neale Hurston, Ralph Ellison and James Baldwin.

Additionally, I adore Stephen King and Dean Koontz because I’m a big supernatural/ thriller fan.  I love horror flicks and can’t wait to check out this new Jason (Friday the 13^th) flick; that’s something about all that blood and gore.

Sharon Hudson: In The Ties that Bind, who is your most memorable character and why?

Electa Rome Parks: I think Christian is my most memorable character because even though he had imperfections (don’t we all), when it was time to do right or wrong, Christian took the high road, overcame temptation and remained a loyal, devoted friend to the right person.  When you know better, you do better! 

Christian was as near to perfection as a lot of us are going to get.  That made him real and desirable and his actions, or lack of, made him memorable.  He proved that we can overcome great odds that we may be born into; that doesn’t determine the person we become.  Christian was a strong, black man. 

Sharon Hudson: Was there an overall message you were trying to convey in your modern day love story, with a twist?

Electa Rome Parks: I’m a realist and I know that in real life, relationships do not always have a happily ever after ending.  That seems to be a central theme in many relationship stories.  In the end, the girl gets the boy, then they skip off, hand in hand, into oblivion and they live happily ever after.  Not!  That’s not always life.  That’s Harlequin Romance novels.  (I hear some amens in the corner over there)

I wanted to write realistically about the flip side of relationships where there may be some topical issues going on larger than HIM cheating on HER or vice versa. 

Mia represented a collage of women I’ve met during my lifetime who are looking for their soulmates in life.  Unfortunately, a lot of times, they are looking for someone to make them happy and complete them and they haven’t quite figured out you have to be happy with yourself first.  Love yourself first and then you won’t be willing to put up with a lot of BS.  In fact, you won’t allow yourself to be treated as anything less than a Nubian queen. 

Sharon Hudson: How do you see yourself uniquely impacting the personal lives of your readers?

Electa Rome Parks: Primarily, I’m writing for entertainment value first.  I write for the readers who want a mini-vacation without ever leaving the sanctuary of their home.  I write for that reader who on a cold, wintry day, wants nothing other than to curl up under a warm afghan in front of a toasty fireplace, sip on some hot tea, and read about somebody else’s life.  Not just read about it, but get pulled in, engulfed by it and feel the pure emotion.  Feel the heat.

If readers take something away in the process, then that’s great too; that’s an added bonus.  I’ve accomplished my goal and much more.  It makes it all worthwhile. 

Everytime I feel like giving up because the self-publishing game is too hard, there are too many hats to wear, I receive an e-mail or a letter from an avid reader and it makes my day to realize I’ve made an impact on somebody’s life.  I can’t describe that feeling. 

Sharon Hudson: What do you, or whom do you plan to spotlight next?

Electa Rome Parks: Many readers have approached me at signings and through e-mails longing to know what happened to Christian, Brice and Mia at the end of “The Ties That Bind.”  Well, they don’t have to wait much longer; I have a sequel, “Loose Ends” scheduled for release in late September.  It’s going to answer all those unanswered questions  It’s amazing, I’m constantly asked about these characters like they are real people. 

“Loose Ends” starts out five years later. . . All I can say is check it out.  Readers will be in for another steamy roller coast ride filled with drama, drama, drama.  Did I mention steamy?  You won’t be disappointed. 

Sharon Hudson: What is across the bridge for you?

Electa Rome Parks: I wish I could peer into a black crystal ball and tell you that “The Ties That Bind” and “Loose Ends” are going to blow up, get picked up for movie rights and I’ll get a 3 book deal through a major publishing house.  (smile)  Believe me, I’m claiming it.  The only place where your dream becomes impossible is in your own thinking.

I honestly can’t say what’s across the bridge for me.  I wrote and self-published “The Ties That Bind” to get a feel for how readers would respond to that story.  To say the least, the response has been overwhelming.  The encouragement, support and love that I’ve received from avid readers, book clubs, and bookstores is gratifying.  It touches my heart and makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside!  This response has validated my belief that I’ve indeed found my niche, my gift and it’s only upward bound from here on.  Ain’t no stopping me now! 

Now, if there are any agents, publishers, or editors reading this, let’s talk.  Call me.  We’ll do lunch . . (smile)  Seriously, regardless of where this road takes me, I’ll always write in some form or fashion.  If I live to be a little old lady, I’ll be in my wooden rocker, rocking away, with bifocals perched on the tip of my nose and pen and pencil in hand!  There is no other way to describe it, writing is in my blood; I have an intimate love affair with the feel of the keyboard and the crisp, clean touch of paper and the firm, sure grasp of a #2 yellow pencil.

Sharon Hudson: Do you have a website? How can readers keep a breast of your writing career?

Electa Rome Parks: Yes, I have a fabulous website that was created and designed by Mardessa Smith of Jadis Communications.  She’s another person I feel was placed in my life for a reason.  Destiny/fate lets you travel roads you never would have imagined possible.

My readers can keep abreast of my writing career through my web site at www.electaromeparks.com.  And please, readers, drop me a line, give me some feedback (remember I’m sensitive now), just holla at a sista at novelideal@aol.com.