On Writing Grace, by Delaney Parker

Hello. My name is Delaney Parker, a writer and the author of the sexually charged, emotionally raw erotic fiction, GRACE. My life experiences as a woman, a mother and of having Multiple Sclerosis have given me a view that is unique and refreshing. My writing allows my characters to be themselves with their true feelings. Just like people in life, my characters possess quite layered personalities. Everyone has fine points and flaws, no one is all good or bad. We might find ourselves rooting for the bad guy then realize, it’s because we relate. 

I love learning about people, especially the greasy bits. Sometimes those slippery bits are found in between their courteous words. The secrets they keep beneath carefully conjured appearances. I try to write as if I am talking with you. Let’s sit right down and let me tell you this amazing story. It feels like a gift to bring someone on the adventure. 

People should know that although Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic illness, those of us who dance with it are more than our pain. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis myself fifteen years ago, I am the mom of two terrific kids and the keeper of my ridiculously cute pile of pets. There is triumph after setbacks. We live beyond medical equipment or our prescriptions. See us as more than a patient or handicapped person. In us is a desire to feel whole and respected not despite but inclusive of our adaptations. 

All of us have dreams, desires, goals and hopes, albeit they may be different for each person. We have obstacles to do our best to overcome and find acceptance with ourselves for who we are inside . Even when I can no longer dance, I will feel the rhythm. And, I will remember the steps by heart and my heart can still be moved. 

This is why I wrote the new adult novel, GRACE. 

The adult novel, GRACE is set in upstate New York. This is the gritty, funny and raw story of Margaret Hall. A sexy faceted gem of a woman navigating a hot but secretive marriage, being the mom of the best boy in town, her five year old son, James. Yet making sure the rock solid friendship she and Marie have is never short on belly laughs or loyalty. Multiple Sclerosis is a tough broad. However Margaret is tougher. She is more than her MRIs, infusions and prescriptions lined up like soldiers. The woman makes an eye patch and cane look sexy.

Margaret wants to have another baby before she gets bitten by forty. Her husband Nate, is happy with their five year old son, James and is not excited about the prospect of adding another person. Nor is he looking forward to how much another person will cost him. Not only monetarily but whatever sliver of himself he would have to sacrifice. After asking, pleading and downright arguing daily, Nate begrudgingly relents and soon they are on their way to family expansion.

Already managing her home, pregnancy and disability, Margaret still wants to boost Nate’s confidence in her, Margaret does her best to take care of all his needs. But did Margaret take on too much? When her MS throws her into a savage flare up while pregnant, she becomes more afraid of what will remain when the exacerbation is finished with her. Nate, who already has his doubts, falls further away from his family and from being a good husband. Could Nate’s dark lies, countless betrayals and cruel deceit be the undoing of their already tender marriage? 

Margaret’s best friend Marie, the gorgeous unapologetic and fiercely protective woman is gored in her guts over the ravages of Multiple Sclerosis. But does Marie have to protect Margaret from the treachery of Nate and their deteriorating marriage as well?. When Margaret introduces Marie to a new friend, she seems almost too nice. Marie’s hackles raise.. “That woman is all icing no cake.” The more entwined the new friendship the more suspicious Marie becomes. She is vigilant in her love and loyalty to Margaret but will she tell her friend what she saw? What happens when the unexpected tragedy changes everything for Margaret? Can there be a turn around before sinking her into hopelessness about an uncertain future? 

While most people don’t even look up long enough to see outside themselves, The exquisitely told story of GRACE is of deep connection between people, how dynamics change leading to the most searing private pain. One of those times in life when a person needs to surrender and see the truth even at its most brutal. It is then your people will pull you out of the quicksand before you are in over your head, reminding you of your soul stretching strength. Then,ultimately find forgiveness and grace. 

A person’s character is their karma. Margaret knows her character will be hers.

—

Delaney Parker, the writer and author of the sexually charged emotionally raw erotic fiction, GRACE, lives in upstate New York.

Her life experiences as a woman, a mother and having Multiple Sclerosis have given her a voice that is unique and refreshing.

She allows her characters to be themselves with their real language, real personalities and real actions.

BUY GRACE HERE

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing