After 30 years of writing, Chespeake novelist finally is published

By Christy Barritt

Correspondent

Al Parker doesn't want a pyramid built in his remembrance, nor does he want a library named after him. He simply wants the word "author" on his tombstone.

Parker is now able to put that very title by his name whenever he'd like.

In September, Parker released his debut novel "Adrift." The story, which follows the life of a young sailor, draws on Parker's experiences as a Korean War veteran.

Parker started writing the book more than 30 years ago.

"I started writing it longhand then moved to a manual typewriter, electric typewriter, word processor and then computer," said Parker, 71.

Health scares propelled him to finish the book.

"I realized time was running out," said Parker. "I've had three angioplasties. I told Phyllis, just on my tombstone I want you to put 'author' so I feel like I've accomplished something."

Even after he completed writing the book, there were obstacles to overcome. His literary agent went into a coma and his project was put on hold until she recovered. Finally, after about five years, a publisher offered him a contract.

When he finally held his book in his hands the first time, all the years of work was worth it.

Parker, who's originally from New Jersey, retired from Anheuser Busch in 1998 after almost 20 years. He's married to Phyllis, who's retired as an account clerk with Chesapeake Public Schools. The two live in Essex Meadows neighborhood and have three grown sons: Alan, Todd and Mark. Todd is the athletic director at Oscar Smith High School, Mark a doctor and Alan an electrical engineer.

Parker said he got the idea for the book from everyday happenings.

"In life you'll brush against difference experiences, some personal and some not," said Parker. "If you can cluster them all together and make a story out of it, then at least you're passing a bit of information along. It's a novel. It's something I've always wanted to do."

The book also delves into unwed pregnancy in the 1950s.

"Back then, if a girl made a mistake and became pregnant, they didn't have the preventative measures they have today," said Parker. ".... Many times young girls were disowned or had a back-room abortion. "

According to Parker, the book is a cautionary tale about moral indifference. The protagonist, Paris Allison, always makes the worst choice possible and one day his past catches up with him. Parker said that fans of From Here to Eternity will enjoy this book, which is published by Broadmoor Books and is available online. He'll have a book signing 1-3 p.m. Feb. 21 at Greenbrier Mall's Waldenbooks.

Phyllis helped her husband through the process by typing and letting him bounce ideas off her.

"I just hoped and prayed that it would be published," said Phyllis. "I'm proud of him. It was his story. I just did the typing."

Al said she gets more credit than that.

"She's my right arm," hesaid.

Christy Barritt, 651-6166christybarritt@cox.net