Member Q&A: Rae Ann Parker
Author: Jody Wallace
Original Publication Date in Love Notes: July 2008

Rae Ann Parker is a neighbor of mine in the city south of Nashville where we both live. Let’s get to know her!

Q. We’re so glad to have you as a member of MCRW.  Are you a native of Nashville or somewhere else? If somewhere else, where, and how did you end up here?

A. I am a Louisiana native.  After spending the last 15 years living in New Orleans, I moved to the Nashville area last fall.  We decided to relocate and picked this area because we have family here and really like the area. 

Q. What made you decide to try your hand at writing romance novels? 

A. I wanted to write a book for a long time and finally decided to give it a try.  I love romance novels and middle grade novels.  I started with romance.

Q. Tell us about your "WIP" or work-in-progress?  What in specific do you write?

A. My WIP is a middle grade mystery.  It is a school story of a brother & sister hot on the trail of a musical thief.  When I finish revising my WIP, I have a romance (a reunion story set in a small Southern town) that needs some revision before it goes on another round of submissions.  I also write young adult (fantasy & contemporary).  Yes, I like all books.

Q: How do you balance your writing with your other responsibilities? (Yes, as always, I'm looking for tips...)

A. I am a write-at-home mom, so during the school year, I write when kids are in school.  During the summer, I write in the morning while kids are sleeping/watching TV/playing computer games.

Q. What do you do when you're not writing?  Do you have a "day" job, hobbies, obsessions?

A. I love to go to movies and plays.  I also enjoy listening to live music, so I think I moved to the right place. 

Q. Do you have children, pets, plants, a spouse, dust bunnies, a thimble collection or anything like that?

A. I have one husband and two kids.  No pets or plants.  Note to self:  Need to buy some plants.

Q. What are some of your favorite books, romance and other?

A. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon; Lions and Lace by Megan McKinney (all-time favorite romance novel); I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter; Holes by Louis Sachar; A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck.

Q. If you could go on a dream vacation anywhere in the world on someone else's perfectly legitimate dime, where would you go, who would you take, and what would you do? 

A. I would go to Italy with the hubby and kids.  I would relax, eat, and read.  And I would need a translator.

Q: Tell us a secret!

A. I would rather read than sleep. 

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