Interview with Amy Quick Parrish, Author of Highlands Summer Wedding

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

In Highlands New Year, Caitlin and Melissa were supposed to go to the Isle of Skye, but a snowstorm foiled that plan, and that’s how Caitlin first met Angus and fell in love with him. So when I decided to write a summer book, I thought, well, at least this time I won’t have to worry about a snowstorm. I also really like Angus, and I wanted to tell more about his backstory, and the story gave me an opportunity to introduce two new characters I really enjoyed writing: Abby and Max.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

Abby and Max: “Click Click Click” by Bishop Allen. It’s an indie song that fits their filmmaking time together and also references a wedding. The band is Boston-based, and so is Abby. And for that reason, I think they’d also love “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, which is played at every home Red Sox game.

Caitlin and Angus: The obvious choice is “Let’s Get Married” by the Proclaimers.

Kara: “No Scotland, No Party” by Nick Morgan and “Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’m loving reading rom-coms and romantasy. I also read historical fiction and nonfiction, especially music biographies. And every summer, I reread some of my favorite books I read as a child or young adult. Last year, I reread a lot of Judy Blume. This summer, I reread A Wrinkle in Time.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

There’s a new book by Tricia O’Malley coming out this week—A Taste of Magic. I just read Henry Tudor Must Die, which was a lot of fun, and I loved Rules for the Summer by Meghan Quinn.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the scenes on the Isle of Skye where Caitlin is wearing different wedding dresses in front of various locations. I also loved writing the scene with Abby and Max at the Fairy Pools. It felt like I was there again, and I can’t wait to go back.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I often try to create a playlist to keep my brain focused on the genre, time period, etc. My cat definitely loves sitting on my desk—or, even better, typing on the keyboard. When I write about Scotland, I drink tea and eat a lot of oatcakes. 🙂

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

As a Bostonian who writes books about people from Boston who fall in love with people from Scotland, it’s gotta be “No Scotland, No Party!”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Love doesn’t always happen on the timeline you expect. Also, it’s important to bring bug spray to the Highlands because midges!