Learn how to keep readers enthralled in order to reach the pinnacle of your story.
About the presenter: Julian Parrott grew up in Wales and first came to Champaign-Urbana on a study abroad experience where he met his future wife. After a brief stint as a small-town Illinois journalist, he returned to Champaign-Urbana and has worked for the U of I for over 30 years. In that time, he was fortunate to teach a class about James Bond and his creator, Ian Fleming. He has published articles on Fleming and Bond and was inspired by the spy thriller genre to attempt to write his own novel. It was a canal trip back to Wales that actually provided the critical plot point that led to his completing his first novel. The novel, Fit for Purpose, was published in April 2021. Readers have noted the novel would comfortably find a home in the thriller romance genre, an idea that surprises Julian, but one he has come to embrace. A spy thriller romance sequel is in the editing stage and will be published sometime in the near future.
Registration is encouraged.
Interested in our Short Story Contest? Entries due Friday, November 10, 2023. Visit champaign.org/short-story for additional details.
Our beautiful, state-of-the-art Main Library opened on January 6, 2008. You’ll find a wide variety of books, movies, and music, as well as free events for all ages. Looking for tech options? We offer free Wifi, dozens of public computers with internet access, and public meeting rooms.
