Today on the Indie Author Spotlight at the Seventh Star Blog, we are featuring award-winning author Mysti Parker! Mysti is an exceptional writer who has numerous releases in romance within many subgenres and we invite you to learn more about her work today in this brand new interview!
How would you describe your writing style to a reader who has never read your work before?
Straightforward with snappy dialogue and a healthy dose of humor, though the overall mood depends on the story.
What genres are you published in, and what do you like most about writing in those genres?
Mainly romance and several subgenres within it – contemporary, historical, paranormal, fantasy, and romantic comedy.
I also have 4 children’s books published under my real name.
Are there any genres that you would like to explore that you have not yet been published in? If so, then what interests you about potentially writing in those genres?
I’ve toyed with the idea of writing cozy mysteries involving cats since I’m a big fan of “The Cat Who…” series. LitRPG also sounds fun as does time travel romance.
Tell us about your latest release.
My latest release is the Sever the Crown vampire reverse harem series. I wrote with coauthor Lindsey R. Loucks. Five books in total, released a month apart. Phew. It was hard work, but super fun to write, and readers have really loved them. We based them all on a flash fiction story I wrote about a vampire girl who seeks revenge for her mother’s murder.
We’re in the beginning stages of planning a spinoff series. I’m pretty stoked about it.
What are you currently working on, in terms of your works in progress?
I’m trying to finish book 4 in my Beach Pointe romantic comedy series. I’ve only managed to release a book in January so far this year, so I’m definitely lagging on this one. But behind that, I have a unique historical idea I’m really excited about writing if I can ever get this other one done.
What do you personally find most challenging about the craft of writing?
Right now, it’s time. I started another full-time job in February. Thankfully, the office is only ½ mile from my house, and I’m also working from home now, but the job keeps me busy. That combined with the pandemic stress, social/political craziness, and my kids doing virtual school …I’m mentally drained most days. So, I’m struggling to get my head clear enough to settle down and keep up with the writing work. It sucks, but it’s just one of those seasons of life where writing must go on the back burner.
What do you view to be your strengths when it comes to writing?
I’m great with dialogue and comedy and stories with “all the feels”. My goal is to induce insomnia in every reader I can. 😊
Tell us a little about your path to becoming a writer, including when you decided to pursue writing with a goal of becoming published and what initially drew you toward writing and storytelling.
It seems so long ago now. Ten years, I think, since my first book was released. A Ranger’s Tale was the first book in the Tallenmere fantasy romance series. That started with me writing fan fiction surrounding a character I played in Everquest. It was really fun, so I took it to the next level and adapted my own fantasy world and characters from it. I’d always enjoyed writing but never pursued it as a career until then. I joined a critique group, took writing courses, and ran the gauntlet of tough feedback but kept at it.
There are now 4 books in that series, and I’ve written a lot more in other romance subgenres since then. It’s safe to say I’ve improved a lot since that first fantasy story 😊
What do you find to be some of the biggest hurdles in being a writer today?
Making a full-time career out of it amid all the competition. In romance especially, if you’re not putting out a book every month or quicker, it’s hard to earn a profit. Plus you have to spend money on advertising or you have no chance of getting seen. Not to mention all the “authors” who pay armies of ghostwriters crappy wages to pump out books and flood the market…but that’s a story for another day.
What do you see as the most important advice you could offer a new writer?
Write because you love it, not just for money. There are easier ways to make money. Writing romance is NOT a guaranteed paycheck. You’re in for a big surprise if you think that’s the case.
Writing as a career is a marathon, not a sprint. Slow and steady. Read a lot. Write a lot. Learn from those who’ve paved the path ahead of you and grow some thick skin!
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Synopsis of Emergence:
One woman. Five men. Together, they’ll sever the crown – or maybe the head that wears it.
From USA Today bestselling author Lindsey R. Loucks and award-winning author Mysti Parker, get lost in a paranormal romance that will leave you breathless and begging for more!
Wren has a dark obsession—to find her mother’s murderers before they find her. Every new singing gig brings her closer to crossing their names from her list.
When a detective shows up with a new lead, she jumps at the chance with fangs bared.
But to get the information they need, they’ll have to bust someone out of jail.
Sure. No problem.
Ashe has just been framed for high crimes against the Southern Vampire Clan—but he’s not exactly innocent either.
While waiting for his fate, a five-pointed star tattoo appears on his wrist, similar to the tattoo of a stunning platinum-haired vampire. The sudden attraction between them is undeniable. Better yet, she’s just offered to free him.
Sounds like a great deal. So what’s the catch?
Turns out, as their enemies close in, the catch could very well be their lives.
**Complete series now available! This is a medium-burn reverse harem vampire romance.**
For fans of the True Blood novels, The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Dark Hunter, A Shade of Vampire, Power of Five, and All the Pretty Monsters. A vampire romance with nonstop action, plenty of spice, and a few laughs! Perfect for fans of Charlaine Harris, J.R. Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Meg Xuemei X, Eva Chase, Alex Lidell, Joely Sue Burkhart, and Bella Forrest!
Download today and join the revolution!
Book 2: Defiance
Book 3: Obsession
Book 4: Relentless
Book 5: Ascension
Mysti Parker Bio:
Mysti Parker is an award-winning author and shameless chocoholic. She writes romance for every reader’s taste from super sweet to scandalously spicy. When she’s not writing the next best-story-ever or tackling the endless mountain of laundry, she works as a freelance copywriter and editor. Mysti resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, three children and too many pets.
Follow Mysti online at these Links: