I'm Miriam Parker a first-time novelist and a long-time book publisher, my book is THE SHORTEST WAY HOME, Ask Me Anything

[u/miriamparker]

My name is Miriam Parker and I'm the author of THE SHORTEST WAY HOME, my debut novel which is set in a winery in Sonoma, California. It's a story about finding the right path in life--be it in love, career or wine varietal. Real Simple called it "bingeable" and Entertainment Weekly called it a "smart beach read." I also have worked in book publishing for over eighteen years and am currently the Associate Publisher at Ecco, an imprint of Harper Collins.

Learn more about me and my novel here: www.miriamparker.com And follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/miriamparker Instagram: instagram.com/miriamparker and Facebook www.facebook.com/miriamparkerbooks

Proof: /img/4sbhgtcmnid11.jpg

[u/bethparkerpr]

I feel like as your sister, I need to ask the first question. Who is your favorite sibling and why? ;)

Also, please talk about how it feels to be on the other end of the looking glass, since you've been working in publishing for so long, and are now a published author!

[u/Duke_Paul]

Hi Miriam,

Congratulations on publishing, and thanks for doing an AMA with us! I have a couple of questions: First, what is the toughest kind of scene for you to write, personally? Secondly, do you prefer writing or publishing? And finally, what was something you thought you knew but later found out you were wrong about?

Thanks!

[u/miriamparker → u/Duke_Paul]

Thanks for having me!!

Oh god, the sex scene was the hardest one to write. I really didn't want to do it, but the book needed it. I had to get advice from a romance novelist!

I also really don't like hurting my characters, but sometimes you've got to put them through the ringer for the sake of the story.

Publishing is so much fun because I get to work with writers and editors and publicists and marketers every day! Writing is really hard and solitary. So I think I prefer publishing. But I feel very lucky to get to do both!

The most surprising thing for me was that in the editing process, I came up with additional ways to make my book better that weren't suggested by my editor (although she did have AMAZING suggestions and she gets all the credit for my book being even remotely good). But it is interesting that something about getting a big editorial letter filled with suggestions ALSO triggers your brain to go outside of those suggestions and really perfect the book in ways you didn't know you could.

[u/[deleted]]

Do you feel like your previous career in publishing made it easier for you to get your own novel published, or did you face the same challenges as the rest of us plebs? :)

[u/BruteSentiment]

Considering the sides of the business you have experience in, what do you find is the most effective marketing you can do for your book?

What, if anything, do you wish the big booksellers provided for you to help you?

[u/thebookwormmommy]

What was the extent of the research you did for your debut novel? What is your favorite type of wine? Last, any hints on book two?

[u/Chtorrr]

What were some of your favorite books to read as a kid?

[u/PrimordialPuddles]

Congratulations...I've been working on short stories for years...haven't submitted any for publications as yet...always tweaking...is The Shortest Way Home on Amazon?

[u/PutridFrosting]

Hi Miriam, what is your mission statement with this book? As someone who reads lots of books, what does your novel offer me that I can’t find elsewhere? :)

[u/litareads]

Will you be adding additional events to your touring schedule?