Welcome Sonya Parsons, historical romance writer and co-chair of the RWA Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter Golden Quill Contest.
Tell me about your relationship with flying and the aviation community.
My husband, Matt, has had his private pilot’s license for many years. I could describe myself as a “safe” person and prefer to decide which areas of my life I become adventurous in. Flying was never one of those areas, but he has such a passion for it I constantly push myself to understand the thrill and fulfillment he experiences while flying. It’s the one area of his life where he is completely organized and in control. I don’t fly, I just trust him completely and give up all control as I sit beside him. You could say I’ve pushed myself far out of my comfort zone to be closer to the man I love. We’ve developed interesting friendships and have visited places on a whim we probably never would have if we didn’t fly.
This summer we took what we like to call our “Southwest Tour.” Phoenix to Las Vegas. Then Catalina Island, San Diego, and back to Phoenix. A different locale every day. In September, we had the incredible experience of attending the Reno Air Races. With front row box seats on the tarmac, I was awestruck by the beauty of the thunderous machines. Jet fuel exhaust are no longer stinky words to me, but a necessary byproduct of a powerful Bearcat or P51 engine as it takes off to speeds exceeding 500mph. Military pilots have a whole new “hero” status with me. I was physically blown off my chair by the erupting sound of six Navy Blue Angel F18s flying at nearly the speed of sound right over my head. They actually fly only 18” apart in formation. And did I mention how incredibly sexy all those military pilots look in their pristine flight suits and dress uniforms?
Tell me about your writing.
I have just completed my first manuscript with the working title "Secret Masterpiece." It’s a historical romance set during the Napoleonic Wars, or the Regency Period, but is not a traditional Regency. It centers around the London art world of the period and the Royal Art Academy in London. I’m revising and rewriting as I submit to agents. I’ve traveled through Europe, am a huge history lover, and have a degree in Interior Architecture (Design). So now I’m putting the images and places I’ve seen and studied into stories.
Tell me about the what you do for the Desert Rose chapter and the benefits to you and your writing?
Currently, I am co-chairperson for their 13th annual Golden Quill contest for romance novels published in 2009.
Do you use any of your flying experiences in your writing?
I haven’t yet. But when I write anything set during the 20th century or now, I will definitely write a pilot as the Hero or Heroine.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I mainly read historical and some contemporary romance fiction.
What's your favorite "flying" book?
My favorite “flying” book is currently the POH –Pilot Operations Handbook for our Bonanza A36. It helps me calculate how many bags I can take with me on our next adventure or shopping expedition.
Sonya Parsons, Aspiring Historical Romance Writer, Co-Chairperson of the Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter of Romance Writers of America, RWA.
For more information about the
Contest for Published Authors
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment