Where does your inspiration come from?
Welcome to my interview with renowned Missouri author, Todd Parnell, retired President of Drury University. Todd Parnell is inspiration personified. Here are his thoughts, tidbits, and advice to future authors.
Photo by Bob Linder
Interviewer: Todd, your books are unique. What is your inspiration?
Todd Parnell (TP): I began writing historical non-fiction to capture my family history to pass down through the generations. A legacy of sorts.
Interviewer: How did you get into writing fiction?
TP: My wife. We were on a trip and started talking about writing and she suggested writing fiction.
Interviewer: How do you handle writer’s block?
TP: I have never had writer’s block. I write for fun and never take myself seriously.
Interviewer: What is your writing routine?
TP: I write for an hour each morning. I wake up each morning, while the house is quiet I sip my hot coffee and write.
Interviewer: Many authors use a whiteboard for plotting characters, storyline, etc. They have inspirational posters and pictures to aid writing. What does your writing nook look like?
TP: I don’t use outlines. I just write and let the story dictate the direction. This goes back to writing for fun. I try not to be too serious.
Interviewer: What are you working on now?
TP: First, I am passionate about environmental issues and wanted to focus on that. I have four books coming out this year. There is a trilogy of the next generation introduced in the Ozarkian Folk Tales Trilogy and Pig Farm (Acclaim Publishing), set in the context of a real-life environmental tragedy alongside America’s first national river – the Buffalo. I have two fictions in the works with a broader focus. The first is Spring Field and should be available by December.
Interviewer: Is there anything you would like to add?
TP: Don’t let fear get in your way. Don’t take yourself or your writing too seriously.
Don’t forget to check out Todd’s new blog, River Rant.
Next week: Writing for a Cause with Todd Parnell