Starkville native Laurie Parker is living proof of the old adage “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Parker has more than a dozen books to her credit, with many of them self-published. She is the author of multiple children’s books, collections of poetry, and a few novels, too.
Parker was the final author hosted by the Friends of the Library as a part of National Library Week. The Winston County Library saw local authors, a master gardener, and a music historian throughout the celebration. While each presenter offered unique education and entertainment for attendees, Ms. Parker demonstrated what it is to grow up in the Magnolia State.
Parker read from her “Covid” book, Southern as All Get Out, which she published on her own during the pandemic. Parker had previously been published by Quail Ridge Press, a publication company in Brandon. The author and artist found that self-publishing gave her more control over what was published and when. Parker also has a large following on Facebook, where people from as far away as India can read the author’s musings and poetry.
Parker shared that one of her Facebook poems, “Ode to Cornbread,” was actually copied by another Facebook user who tried to take credit for the poem. The author only found out when some of her followers messaged her about the problem. She also shared that she’s had some interesting comments on the pronunciation of pecan. Parker has decided that not only is there a Mason-Dixon line that separates the country, but there’s also another line where some say “PUH-cahn” and others say “pe-CAN.”
However, most of the time, Laurie finds that her work is quite rewarding. She shared that within one month, she had made enough money from her Covid book to pay for the printing of the book. The author read “Men Who Can Fix Things” and “The Porch” from her self-published book.
Laurie says that these days she does more artwork than anything. She may also be found at festival booths with her handmade jewelry or art. Interested individuals may find her work under Mississippi Author Laurie Parker on Facebook.
