An Interview with Author MJ Parfitt about "The Onionologist"
- Apollo Imperium
- Aug 31
- 6 min read
We've had so much fun interviewing author MJ Parfitt about her book the Onionologist, her answers got us excited to pick up the book right now. Wine making, existential crises and how maintaining friendships and a personal life is so important, The Onionologist is Parfitt's debut––and we cannot be more thrilled that she agreed to an interview.
Many thanks for indulging us, we can't wait to see where the Onionologist (and Parfitt herself) will continue to grow.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Who are you, how did you get into writing, which work of yours are you most proud of?
A: I'm originally from the UK but have called Australia home for over twenty years. I live near the ocean with my husband and menagerie of pets and grown-up daughters that come and go. As I imagine with most writers, my writing bug sparked from reading. I had always dabbled, but I took a creative writing course when I had an idea for The Onionologist, and it grew from there.
Q: What's the book about? Tell us where the story takes us.
A: The Onionologist takes three friends on a life journey as they deal with setbacks and existential crisis. It shows them grow into their lives sometimes by accident and sometimes by design.
Q: What are the most important themes you wanted to get out into the world with this book? Did you struggle to incorporate them into the writing?
A: I wanted to write a story about the challenges women still face in society. The expectation can be for them to give up so much for their partners. The story centers around three friends and I wanted to write about the importance of maintaining friendships and putting your dreams first. I think I’ve managed to do this in a light-hearted way through sharp dialogue.
Q: How long did it take you to write this book? Did you grow in your writing during this time?
A: When I started writing, I was clueless about formatting and structure. It took well over a year until it was published. Initially I wrote the book in third person, then decided I hated it, and changed the entire book into first person. That did set me back a little!
Q: The usual question is, of course, why people should read your book. We'll get to that later, but why would you read your book if you hadn't written it?
A: I would read it because I like to laugh. I also love a good protagonist I can cheer on, which is one reason I wrote the book. The Onionologist is a book that's not really like anything on the market. I think I'm a bit quirky and my writing is definitely leaning that way.
Q: So… Why should people read your book?
A: It's hard to persuade someone why they should read a book from an unknown author. I get it, time is valuable! The reviews I've had are really lovely, and the overwhelming response has been that this book would make an excellent movie. It's got a bit of everything. Romance is intentionally very much a sub-plot. It's got some insightful observations, and most people have said it really made them question their own life path.
Q: Are there any characters that you wrote parts of yourself into? Or did you detach yourself from the story to write from an entirely different perspective?
A: Well, I was a long-haul flight attendant in a previous life, have travelled the world, am partial to a glass of champagne, and I am a little clumsy, so there is definitely something of me in this book! I don't know if that's common with writers in their debut, in that you have all this stuff floating around in your brain and you have to get it out. I've noticed in my current work in progress that there's nothing much of me in it at all.
Q: Are there any scenes or plot points you cut out because they just didn't work?
A: Oh, yes. I was going to write much more about flying, but I didn't want the book to be about that. It's a topic that has been ridden to death, and I thought the wine making was much more interesting, so you will notice the story only touches on flying for a couple of chapters.
Q: Where did you draw inspiration from when you were looking for outside inspiration? Did you do a lot of research? Did you look for pictures with the right vibe?
A: I did lots of research into wine and winemaking, and regarding places in the US where I have been but never lived. I've been to Épernay and Napa and driven up the west coast of the US, so I had a lot of things in my head already. I was inspired by a story of an Australian who studied wine and moved to France.
Q: Did you have alpha/beta readers? If so, what was the advice or comment that stuck out most to you, and helped you develop your story better?
A: Yes, lots. I also have three reading addicted daughters, and they do not hold back when it comes to feedback. They are great for context when you are writing about current issues. I wanted to make sure I wasn't talking about people or things that didn't make sense to a different generation. I am also lucky enough to have a sister who works in the media, and she has been a great help. I also had a fabulous agent for a while who probably more than anyone helped me pull this book together. She gave me a reading list as long as my arm and some of the books I read several times.
Q: Are there any easter eggs in your story, or things that you'd only see if you read the book a second time?
A: This is an interesting question! I am a master of easter eggs, but so far, not one person has picked up on them.
Q: Rapid fire word association. One word (yes, you're allowed more for titles) to describe your book for different topics. Here we go.
1. Song - She's a star - James
2. Different book - Bridget Jones Diary
3: Color - Green
4: Meal or food - Lemons
5: Weather type - Autumn
6: Environment (forest, cinema, kitchen, etc.) - Vineyard.
7: Mood- Happy.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about you or your book?
A: I had so much fun creating these gorgeous characters, and I love this book with all my heart. The chapters are all named after types of grapes! I do love a good chapter heading.
Q: Lastly, where can people find you and your book?
A: Parfitt's website or get the book on Amazon!
We're giving classics and new releases a home. First and foremost an online book- and art store. Committed to cataloguing real, human stories & art in the age of the artificial, and to leave our ecological footprint as small as possible. All of our products are created or printed only when an order is placed, so no item ends up in a landfill.
Our collection spans across multiple mediums, including novels, art works (and prints), poetry collections, bookish items like stickers & clothing, photography works, home decor, meditation, zines and more.
Work with us
Interested in working with us? Our artist and author submissions are always open. Click the links below to find more information. If you want to pitch a zine or partnership, please reach out through an email.
Review our books
If you're interested in becoming a reviewer, contact us at info@apolloimperium.com with the subject REVIEW. If we think you're a good fit for us, you will receive the books you wish to review for free, either as an EBook or a physical copy for you to keep, depending on the book and its availability. In most cases, you'll receive the EBook version. In the rare case of a physical copy, we will cover shipping costs, too.
Mention why you think you're a good fit for our reviewing program, where you're active (bookstagram, goodreads, etc.) and your account, where you're from (country suffices), and which books or genres you enjoy most.
Contact Us
For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or any assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
Email: info@apolloimperium.com
Comments