Behind The Scenes

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I want to give you a little behind the scenes look into what made Flowers from Afghanistan. My husband retired after 26 years as a police officer and then an investigator in our city. He immediately was accepted as a trainer for police in Afghanistan and flew out months after retiring. It was something he had dreamed of doing for a few years. It was very hard to tell him goodbye. I knew when he left that a book would be born of this adventure and it was. I wanted to honor our police families and our military families, as I know what sacrifices they make on a daily basis. I wanted to show people what that consisted of. In the creation of Mac, I was doing what we call a character interview with him. It’s where you sit down with your imaginary character and ask him or her about their life. It sounds a little crazy, but it works! Anyway, when I got to the part where I asked Mac why he went to Afghanistan, and he told me. I said no, I will not write that. I had no desire to write about the death of a child. I tried to argue the character out of it, but he was adamant. And when I tried other approaches, the character just clammed up. So, dragging my heels, I wrote that scene. In my research, I read many mother’s tales of loss. It broke my heart and I wanted to write this to represent them also. So, to my dear mothers who have lost a child, I send you my highest respect and deepest sympathy. To all military families and police families, my love and prayers go out to you, as you serve in a very deep way this day. Purchase Flowers from Afghanistan

Grateful For Connections

beautiful from all sides

Many times I have read people post complaints about the shallowness of social media. However, I have been thinking about the wonderful, real friendships I have been graced to build online. Among my online contacts are; nurses, wives of police officers, truckers, musicians, painters, writers, goat farmers, people in the movie business, singers, missionaries, YouTube contributors, scuba instructors, bakers. Well, you get the picture.

All of these people have given depth to my life that would have taken years to happen without the internet, if at all.

As a writer, I have an insatiable curiosity. I want to know, what’s it like to be…? That’s where the title for my blog interviews originated. Every person I have interviewed has been so gracious to answer my ten questions. I find people, in general, to be very kind and most were honored that I took the time to ask about them.

So here’s my thank-you to all my past blog stars. Thank you for taking the time to be transparent. Thank you for giving others a small window into your life.

Who knows how many people you have inspired to get out there and take a chance on living the life of their dreams?

Speaking of dreams come true, Flowers from Afghanistan is my debut novel. Seeing this work birthed has been a rollercoaster of emotions and definitely worth the price of the ticket!

Flowers from Afghanistan is an Amazon March promotion right now, which is super exciting!

Follow the link to get your copy at $1.99

Amazon March Madness, Flowers from Afghanistan is $1.99

 

 

 

 

What’s It Like To Be Traveling Robert?

Traveling Robert Truck and Minitini
Traveling Robert’s truck and Winnebago trailer.
Traveling Robert's RV
Traveling Robert’s RV.

“I create travel videos focused on the RV lifestyle. I will show you the tourist attractions as well as off the beaten path locations. We’ll sample the local cuisine and imbibe the local ales, and meet all kinds people, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Also, tips and tricks to make our travels safer and more enjoyable.”~Robert Morales, Traveling Robert

Before we get to the interview, first, a personal note on how I became acquainted with Mr. Robert Morales:

Three years ago, I searched for things to watch on Youtube as I recovered from surgery. My husband and I discussed purchasing an RV, but our camping experiences previously had been tent camping with our girls when they were growing up. I was happy to find Robert’s videos. More than the information, I love that he writes and performs his own music and basically all filming and editing. He brings a personal warmth to his videos that reaches beyond merely giving out information about RVs. He incorporates historical information about each area he visits, along with practical tips on where to find the best camping spots and restaurants. As a bonus, sometimes his sweet wife appears in a shot!

So, now that you know a little about Traveling Robert, let’s see how he answers my 10 questions…

Q. How did you get into the business of creating travel videos?

A. My parents liked to travel. In 1958 they traveled a lot on their honeymoon. That inspired me. Even in Cuba we roamed back and forth between the coasts.

Q. What aspect of your job is the most frustrating?

A. Internet on the road. Not getting a good connection.

Q. What aspect of your job brings you the most joy?

A. Meeting new people, trying new foods, the uniqueness of each place.

Q. What is your favorite motto or quote?

A. Mark Twain said something of the—I’m paraphrasing of course; if you don’t travel, it’s like you read a book but you only read one page. And that’s not exactly the quote but that’s the essence of it.

Q. Who is your favorite character in a book or movie?

A. As a kid, Huckleberry Finn. He went on adventures with Jim.

Q. If you could be doing anything, anywhere right now, what and where would it be?

A. Eating pizza in Huntsville with you guys. I forfeit, for the rest of my life, the right to complain.

Q. If you had a superpower, what would it be?

A. Teleport. Let’s be in China right now!

Q. If you had three minutes to grab three possessions, what would you grab?

A. Phone. I don’t care too much for possessions right now. I used to collect records and photographs when I was younger. Now I collect experiences.

Q. What one question do you wish someone would ask you?

A. I can’t think of one.

Q. What advice would you give aspiring RVers, or anyone for that matter, who have a dream?

A. If you really want to do it, do it. One day it’s gonna be too late. Have no regrets at the end.

Robert’s reply to this question reminded me of another quote by Mark Twain, one of Robert’s favorite writers: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.”~Mark Twain

 

A parting thought:

I can’t get away from one of Roberts answers. He said, I forfeit, for the rest of my life, the right to complain. I think that answer will follow me for the rest of my life. 

Suzy Parish and Robert Morales

Traveling Robert Youtube Channel

Traveling Robert Patreon Page

Robert’s Blog

Traveling Robert on Twitter

Traveling Robert on Facebook

Bronze Medalist!

FFA Bronze Medal

Flowers from Afghanistan has been awarded a bronze medal in the Literary Fiction category by the Military Writers Society of America. The award took place during the 2018 MWSA Awards Banquet held in Charleston, S.C..

Special thanks to Serena Chase, who did a phenomenal job of editing. Serena writes: Congratulations to author (and editing client!) Suzy Parish on this award–a bronze medal from the Military Writers Society–for her book, FLOWERS FROM AFGHANISTAN. It was a pleasure to work on this story with you, Suzy! Are you looking for a developmental editor? I have openings available starting in January! https://serenachase.com/services/   

Thanks also to fellow author and adventurer Reba Hoffman, who was the first one to contact me with the results of the contest! Reba writes:

CONGRATULATIONS to my great friend and author, Suzy Parish! Her novel, Flowers From
Afghanistan earned a Bronze medal in the Literary category in the 2018 Military Writers Society of America. So proud of my friend and so grateful that her book has reached so many. If you have not read this novel, you simply must.

I can’t thank my husband, Chet and my family enough. You have all supported me  and encouraged me along this journey. God has strengthened me all along the way. My thoughts and prayers go out to our military and first responder families. I honor your service!

 

Flowers from Afghanistan: MWSA Contest Finalist

Flowers from Afghanistan is a finalist in the Military Writers Society of America 2018 contest. The actual awards (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) will be announced at MWSA’s General Membership Conference on November 9, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Interview with Theresa Lynn Hall

Friday’s Feature with Suzy Parish

Flowers from Afghanistan

by Suzy Parish

Today is Suzy’s much anticipated “Release Day” of her debut novel, Flowers from Afghanistan. I’m thrilled to have her here today answering a few questions and letting us get to know more about her new novel.

Welcome, Suzy! Let’s get started.

Q: Tell us about your favorite character in your new book.

Suzy: My favorite character was a surprise to even me. As I wrote, one secondary character kept stealing lines, butting his way into scenes and asserting himself quite boldly. He is a riot. He worked so hard to claim his space that I decided to give him his own book. The next book will feature him.

Q: Do you read the reviews and comments of your readers?

Suzy: I do. I like to remind myself of this quote by Benjamin Franklin; “Believe none of what you hear, and only half of what you see.” If we take the good reviews too much to heart, we risk getting the big head. If we absorb the negative reviews, we risk shutting down our creativity.

Q: How much of yourself do you put into your books?

Suzy: That’s been a question I’d like to research among authors. If we write what we know, then there are bound to be many experiences and emotions that we share with our characters. When I have a character that is going through something, I think back over my life to times I felt similar emotions. I want my writing to be authentic.

Q: Some people believe that being a published author is glamorous, is that true?

Suzy: Being a published author is hilariously fun! It’s like a trip to Disney. But to arrive at Disney, there is a great deal of sacrifice. You must plan, save, educate yourself on the layout of the park, or you possibly will miss some of the most thrilling rides!

Q: Who are some of your favorite authors? Have you met any of them and found yourself having a fan-girl moment?

Suzy: Homer Hickam and Andrew Greer. Fan-girl, no, but I was impressed by both of these author’s down-to-earth demeanors. Homer resides in my city, and he and his sweet wife Linda regularly volunteer at a cat adoption center. They clean the cages and play with the cats.

I met Andrew Greer at a retreat. He was engaging and just a regular guy. I think those humble qualities say a lot about both of these authors.


Weighed down by guilt following the death of his two-year-old son, Mac McCann accepts a year-long position training police officers in Afghanistan. Leaving his wife Sophie to grieve alone, he hopes the life-or-death distractions of his self-imposed exile will build a wall between him and his pain.

As camaraderie builds between Mac and the men on base—including a local barber and his precocious little boy—Mac’s heart becomes invested in stories beyond his own tragedy and he learns he is not the only one running from loss. But when the hour of attack arrives, will he be able to see past his guilt to believe there’s still something—and someone—worth living for?

With touching details based on true events, Flowers from Afghanistan is a redemptive journey of healing, a chronicle of hope in crisis, and a testament to the faithfulness of God through it all.

Get your copy today!

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on Barnes and Noble

Purchase on iTunes


About Suzy

Suzy Parish wrote as a Community Columnist for the Huntsville Times and has been published in Splickety Magazine. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Suzy discovered her love of books as a child in Richmond, Virginia when she took refuge from the summer heat in the local Bookmobile. She believes strongly in the power of literacy to improve the lives of individuals and stewards a Little Free Library in a local park.

You can find Suzy online here:

Suzy Parish Web Site

Suzy Parish on Facebook

Suzy Parish on Goodreads

@SuzyParish on Twitter

Suzy Parish on Instagram

Suzy Parish on Pinterest

What’s It Like To Be Greg Rabbitt, Creative Director?

Maddie and Greg at Canon Beach

I love researching my novels. It’s a mix of history, geography, and of course fascinating people! I’m fortunate to be able to interview people from all over the world. While researching Flowers from Afghanistan, I was privileged to get to know the creative director of a major gourmet food company. He caught the vision for what I wanted to accomplish in Flowers and stayed the course with me until the novel published. There are people you meet in your life who go above and beyond, and Mr. Rabbitt is one of them. Many thanks!

Now, you may be thinking, what’s it like to be a creative director and how did he find that path…

Q.How did you get into the business?
A. I wanted to draw comic books in High School. I was inspired by cartoons in the Sunday paper. In college, I had a comic book published which was featured at SanDiego Comic Con 2000. I was able to attend Comic-Con and sign copies.
I liked the way the art looked, and it was a great experience, but I found it to be a demanding profession. You had to be very good and very fast. A career counselor in college recommended design classes. The counselor said,

“I know you like to create comics, but do you like to eat?”

I enjoyed manipulating imagery and ended up doing a lot of freelance web design, which led to professional work from my instructors.

Q. What aspect of your job is the most frustrating?
A. I don’t find actual designing to be frustrating; it’s challenging. The parts of the process outside of design are frustrating; for example, packaging. Sometimes the finished design has surprises in production that can’t be anticipated. Currently, the packaging is produced at an off-site printer. In an ideal world what I provided would be sent to press, and I could check the color when the bags came off the press. That doesn’t happen frequently. In the end, we are talking about something subjective.

Q. What aspect of your job brings you the most joy?
A. Designing. You could get in a rut and use techniques that you are good at as a crutch. In the company I work for now, I get to design in many different types of media, especially in my current capacity. It’s a stretch and improves your brain.

Q. What is your favorite motto or quote?
A. I have two. The first is from my Uncle. He was a Night Stalker Black Hawk pilot on the first Night Stalker team. The motto he taught me was NSDQ, Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.
The second motto is from the Boy Scouts. My brother and I are both Eagle Scouts, and the Boy Scout Motto is Be Prepared.

If you are prepared, you are not surprised. Have a plan B because bad decisions are made when you are surprised.

That carries over into the design.

Q. Who is your favorite character in a book or movie?
A. Don Draper in Madmen. His character arc is interesting because he is so flawed. As the series progresses, he violates his own code.

Q. If you could be doing anything, anywhere right now, what and where would it be?
A. Maddie is my dog who is a black German Shepherd mix. She is a rescue who was poorly treated before we got her. I would love to take her to a national park and let her off leash to play.

Q. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A. I have thought about this before because I am into comics. Telekinesis would be the most useful!

Q. If you had five minutes to grab five possessions, what would you grab?
A. Oh man, that’s fantastic. Three things come to mind: I have a challenge coin given to me by my Uncle. They held a court of honor when I made Eagle Scout. My Uncle gave a long speech and presented me with a coin made for me with NSDQ.
The second thing would be the copy of the book Ender’s Game that I had as a kid.
The third thing would be a gift given to me when I reached a certain level of training in Martial Arts. My instructor presented me with a Japanese short sword.

Q. What do you wish someone would ask you?
A. It’s not a question, but I like it when I can tell someone, “I didn’t know that.” It blows people away.

People like to feel they are contributing to your life.

Q. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to appear on my blog. I enjoyed our interview, and your answers were thought-provoking. Didn’t you also have a play produced?
A. Yes, the latter three years in college were huge. I had two comic book stories produced, and a play I wrote was selected for production.

Q. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
A. That was kind of the thing, I could have gone three different ways. Design was the best compromise between having an interesting job and being able to monetize it.

Thank you, Mr. Rabbitt.

Greg Rabbitt is a creative director based out of Portland, Oregon by way of Long Island and the Bay Area. He regularly posts at:

Who Grew The Flowers Featured On The Cover Of Flowers From Afghanistan?

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Last August I had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Frances Brosemer of Brosemer Farm. Mary’s table is one of the first stops in our local farmer’s market for me each Saturday and now I can tell you why. Her flowers are the vibrant ones in the boot on my book cover! I wanted something bright, and the purple, pink and orange flowers express for me the love the Afghan people have for beauty. They contrast well with the dusty, tan, weary look of the boots. Mary’s flowers symbolize hope, as the subtitle says, “Hope Blooms In Unexpected Places.” If you look closely at the flowers on the book cover, they are not uniform. They are not perfect. They are grown in a field and as such are exposed to the elements of wind and heavy rain that greenhouse flowers do not have to endure. What an excellent illustration of life in Afghanistan. Hope blooms. Not perfect, but vibrant and hardy.

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In celebration of the August 10th release of Flowers from Afghanistan, I’m posting a throw-back blog post from August 2012.

What’s it like to be Mary Frances Brosemer of Brosemer Farm?

Q. How did you get into the farming business?

A. I was raised on a farm and lived in seven states all over the country. I decided to raise flowers. I’ve always had a flower and vegetable garden. I couldn’t imagine working in a cubicle. We also have bee hives.

Q. How many hives do you have?
A. Twenty-one.

Q. Is it difficult to raise bees?
A. Half the bees in the country have died off. I think it’s due to pesticides.

Q. What aspect of your job brings you the most joy?
A. I like to see customers enjoy the flowers and appreciate their beauty. It makes the hard work worthwhile.

Q. What aspect of your job brings you the most frustration?
A. The weather. Also, when you have people who are supposed to show up for work, and they don’t.

Q. If you had a superpower what would it be?
A. To be perpetually young.

Q. What is your favorite motto or quote?
A. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Q. What is your favorite book or movie?
A. I like Homer Hickam’s, The Keeper’s Son. Homer sent letters to two of my grandsons in Atlanta when they became Eagle Scouts, so I appreciated that.

Suzy Parish: Bailey Cove Market is bustling. People come to sample and purchase locally grown produce and home-baked goods.
Mary Frances Brosemer distributes more than flowers and honey. Her superpower, perpetually young, is evident in the way she greets customers at her flower booth. Mary Frances hands out compassion with each bouquet. She focuses on every person as if they were the only individual at the market. Her warm personality matches the bright shades of flowers that nod in the breeze at her sale table. If you are not able to attend the farmers market, you can make your purchases directly from Brosemer Farm at their open house. Brosemer Farm holds an open house the first Sunday in October.

 

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