My full name being Neil Anthony Parnham, I prefer to be called N A Parnham. I only recently became more interested in writing, but as such it is an art form and being a keen web designer, I thought I would instead of making the picture, I would write the thousand words that make up the picture. I am a very reserved person, I avoid confrontation, as I feel it is unnecessary and prefer a more relaxed approach to life.
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
With the first, and now I have progressed onto the second book, I find pictures that have an awe of mystery about them; I look at those pictures, and as with life I separate the individual part’s and look at what makes that picture what it is; say for example if I was looking at a tree, I would look at the leaves (in spring/summer) and then I would look deeper and see what makes up those leaves, and slowly words describing these objects or places would come to me. The next step would be writing down rough ideas; I will not write though until I can see the picture or story in my head, for if I cannot see it, neither will the reader.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
As I was brainstorming the first book, I did not feel Camerine would have such a major role within the book, but as the flow of the book progressed, more ideas shot forth and he became a fundamental part of the plot.
What is your favourite food?
Pasta and cheese. If you combine them together, you have my favourite dish. I am quite keen on strong flavours in food, kippers for example; I enjoy the smell as well as the taste, shame about the pesky bones that lurk with every bite.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I am a night owl. I do enjoy having a nice lay-in, especially in winter.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I would like to travel to New Zealand. From looking at the pictures, it appears as though a place full of inspiration; I could only wish upon what I could write if surrounded by such beauty.
Do distant places feature in your books?
In a sense they do; the hometown of Malkaretz will feature in every book, as I feel there needs to be a homely connection that binds the books together; but with each book she will be travelling, or being transported if you will, to another place.
Do you listen to music while writing?
Yes, especially opera and classical music; there is a part in my book where Avis is floating amongst other members of the village and I can imagine the song ‘time to say goodbye’ being played. With that section of the book I want readers to imagine flowing sensations, freedom and I believe that song is well suited. If this was ever to be truly successful, I do have three songs that I would like to be used in a movie production:
Beethovern Piano Concerto No.14 – I would like this used in the ending section of the book, where magick is erupting; before my eyes I see everything forming in slow-motion; the music so subtle, but you can sense a sorrow through it.
Bach - Cello Suite No.1 in G (prelude) - I can visualise this piece being used as Avis travels through Malkaretz Forest. It has a sense of excitement to it, but also it is like a mystery is unfolding.
Time To Say Goodbye – described as above; Andrea Bocelliand Sarah Brightmando an amazing rendition of this piece.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
Well first off; you may no doubt notice that I do not (not don’t) use abbreviation; it is merely a pet hate of mine and I feel words such as ‘don’t’ ‘won’t’ ‘it’s’ are merely sloppy compression methods, to which I will not partake. With the book, I have tried to show a subtle undertone of humour, dry as it may be, I feel it represents my personality. As well as this, I also was keen on integrating a feel of poetry into my book. I felt I needed to use the word ‘magick’ instead of ‘magic’ as Aliester Crowley introduced it, and quite rightfully so, to separate the meanings apart.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
That creating the book is the easiest part of the process, marketing the book is where the journey truly begins.
Is there anything you would do differently?
I spent a long time looking through the book, about ten to fifteen times; checking that semi colons had a lower-case, that letters after a question mark are uppercase, checking for common errors. I did accidently put the word ‘its’ in my proof copy, which was soon removed. I believe if I were to undertake this again, which I will, I would hire an extra editor, for a third set of eyes; for I am not the greatest at grammar and punctuation and it does help for someone else to see it as well.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
I feel it is nature that inspired me; by making the impossible possible, you look at the world around us, the mechanics behind everything, but you can never truly grasp onto the power it wields.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Plan your marketing strategy before you even start the book; it is ok publishing a book, but as with a website, there are millions to compete with, how is it that you will make it stand out from the crowd?
What are three words that describe you?
Wise, wicked and mysterious.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
My current favourite book is ‘The Cutting Room’ by Jilliane Hoffman; I believe she does a splendid job at making my heart race, especially towards the end. I have quite the costly habit of buying books then leaving them on my shelves; I currently have thirty five paperback books to read.
Follow the journey of Avis Aldebourne in the magickal world of burial of hearts the black widow’s malice. Her love taken from her, Avis must leave her birthplace of Malkaretz and venture forth into a world filled with magick and mystery. What will become of her when she faces the might of Hecate queen of witches?
I lay silent, my thoughts drifting carelessly through the midnight hour; fog loomed upon the hilltop whilst seemingly dancing with the stars of distant dreams. Dark toned whispers governed forth upon my mind, as if a potent lure for an evil demure. The hope that held deep within now set aside in a lost redemption, the vows we took worthless, the love stolen, my soul broken.
“I Avis Aldebourne, do take thee Alexander Speir, to be my lawfully wedded husband”.
These words muttered playfully through my mind, like shards of glass ripping at my silken flesh; my veins striking through as though enraged by the chariots of war.
How could my love be taken from me? Whom be it that has authority to do an act such as this?
In the distance I heard the laughing of what seemed like a hundred twisted storms, brisk and yet as such also calm; as if two voices had woven as one. I lifted my head in faith of seeing what had brought my demise; a voice rose from the laughing to speak to me:
“Come forth, your destiny awaits”.
I raised up trembling from the fear and slowly walked through the moon lit grass, hearing the eerie silence, all but of the sounds of the waking of the insects in my tread.
The voice rose yet again.
“Your love, as though a picture, heard as a thousand words of bliss; Alexander shall be yours no more until the six amulets are gathered”.
I ask in a thoughtful, yet disheartened voice.
“What are these amulets you speak of and how shall I obtain them?”
“Avis Aldebourne, the amulets you must seek are behind the six gates of Malkaretz, together brought in absolute unity, the final baronial gate shall be opened”.
List of previous books if any
This is my first (of many) books.
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
www.burialofhearts.com
https://www.facebook.com/BurialOfHearts
http://www.amazon.com/Burial-hearts-widows-malice-Volume/dp/1622090896/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_1
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