Q&A with Landon Parham discussion

Welcome everyone! Feel free to ask me something...FYI Goodreads Giveaway- Don't forget to sign up for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

How did you come up with the storyline? Just something that interests you and concerns you?

Hi, Deborah. Thanks for the questions.

The original storyline came to me from a snapshot in my head. I saw a father and his young daughter stranded on the side of a mountain. They had just crashed their airplane. When I started asking questions as to why they were there; what caused the crash; is someone after them...that was the basis of the plot.

It wasn't until later, while doing research into criminal behavior, that I stumbled upon the idea of child abduction, and the mindset of the people who do it. My first idea to write about it came when a detective said to me, he wished someone would write about child predation, and do it through fiction. The idea is to reach people who might not otherwise learn about it.

So, even though I never intended to, my goal as a writer now is to raise awareness on everyday issues through fiction. Issues that are all too common, but nobody wants to think about...or aren't willing to talk about. The greatest thing is, I have already heard from several people who avoided bad situations with their kids because First Night of Summer made them think differently. To me, that makes the difficulty of writing a delicate subject very worthwhile.

As it should. I can't wait to read this book. I just know it is something I will like and will have material I will absorb.I am very interested in criminal behavior and why people do what they do, so to read that it a fictional format will be great. I know it will still grab me and pull me in. You're right though, sometimes it is easier for people do deal with delicate subjects through fiction, true crime is sometimes quite difficult to read. Though I love both formats.Thank You for answering my question in a very detailed manner.Readers like me are very lucky to have writers like you to read.

Deborah, it's my pleasure. Please let me know if you have any questions further down the road. I love answering them.

Ceej, I'm so sorry. I think I just deleted your comment. A total accident, I promise. But to answer your question about a father and who he might choose to go to -- wife or daughter -- in a situation like First Night of Summer...I think it would depend on the circumstances.

Isaac goes after Josie in this instance because he knows there is nothing he can do for Sarah. Josie "is" within his reach. Knowing the stakes between her and her captor, there's no way a guy like Isaac could live with himself if he were to abandon her to that fate.

I'm glad you like the way it played out.

Landon wrote: "Ceej, I'm so sorry. I think I just deleted your comment. A total accident, I promise. But to answer your question about a father and who he might choose to go to -- wife or daughter -- in a situati..."

I think also his wife would never forgive him either! It just felt like He could for sure see his wife or hope he could find his daughter! Very very tough choice. But I think he made the right one!

Ceej wrote: "Landon wrote: "Ceej, I'm so sorry. I think I just deleted your comment. A total accident, I promise. But to answer your question about a father and who he might choose to go to -- wife or daughter ..."

Thanks, Ceej. I do too. And I think you're right about his wife never forgiving him. Almost all parents out there would much rather protect their children than themselves.

Do you have any ideas or inspiration for another book? I am very eager to read more from you.

Ceej wrote: "Do you have any ideas or inspiration for another book? I am very eager to read more from you."

I do. I'm several chapters into the first draft and am excited about the way things are shaping up. While I'm not quite certain what the catalyst will be, the story will be written from the perspective of a family---much like First Night of Summer---and the reader will be in touch with the characters throughout. I absolutely want to keep a close bond between reader and character. That's how I like to create emotion in a story---by keeping everyone in touch.

Child abduction/predation will not be a topic in the new one, but some form of everyday tragedy will be. Kind of my M.O.---raising awareness about taboo issues through fiction.

That sounds like a great M.O.

I really enjoy books that can get an emotional reaction from me. So often (especially lately) I have just been finding easy reading or action, but not much gets me thinking and feeling. Its why "First Night of summer" made my top 3 books of all time! I so rarely rate a book a 4 or a 5!

That is a huge compliment, Ceej. Thank you so much. It's great to hear that my efforts have their desired effects. You may already, but be sure to recommend First Night of Summer to your friends and family. It helps me, and helps raise awareness. To anyone who likes it, reviews on Amazon are also a great way to help me out.
Again, thanks for the kind words. They always inspire me to work harder.

I have recommended the book to my friends here as well as my friends on facebook. I think there is something for every reader in this book so its easy to recommend.

Thanks for the support, Ceej! It really does help.