We caught up with Mills & Boon Historical author, Parker J Cole to talk about her debut book, writing advice and getting ‘the call’.

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Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I love talking to people. They tell the best stories – either about themselves, their lives, or something they may have heard. I’m obsessed with the Lord and a plethora of many other things. Suffice to say, you can’t box me in. There’s not a box that will fit me.

Why did you want to become a romance writer? 

Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always wanted to write romance. I’ve read Mills & Boon romances for years. Romance is the story of a couple’s path to togetherness and there are so many interesting ways we get a chance to root for them! I like the idea of putting my own spin on different tales.

What were the major steps in your journey to becoming a published author?

I was fired from my job, which was a relief, let me tell you. I had another manuscript on my computer for a long while. Losing my job led me to get that manuscript out there. And I did.

Was this story the first manuscript you submitted?

It was. But the story I submitted is drastically different from the one that’s published. I learned so much in the process of revision. Mills & Boon really is dedicated to helping authors tell their story the best way possible.

What advice would you offer aspiring writers? 

Writing is a gift from God. Use it. Don’t let it wander away or vanish into thin air. Don’t give up. Whatever you do, don’t give up.

What did you do when you got the call? 

I lost it. When Carly called me, I couldn’t believe it. My mind shorted out and I started talking about cooking for some reason. I couldn’t even begin to tell you what I said. All the sound muted from the room and I was trying to get myself together, but I was just so happy. I had to pinch myself.

I can’t tell you how incredible that is. It really is a dream come true

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The Duke’s Defiant Cinderella by Parker J Cole

By Lauren Gardiner