Phil is a guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously, but honestly, how can that be? He promotes his series here but he has many other books.
Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.
Hi. I’m Phil. I’m a forty-something guy, living smack-bang in the center of England. I live with my family. My wife Angie, two miniature cavemen, Thomas and Jake, and a large black & white cat, called Gracie. Erm, my education was a long time ago. I kinda mucked about at school, not in a naughty way, more in a daydreaming kinda way. Maybe the seeds of writing were sown way back when?
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Well, when I do get a few minutes to myself, I write. It’s my main hobby, apart from eating biscuits and drinking beer. You can normally find me at my PC once the kids are in bed (it’s 9pm and they are still rampaging around upstairs). I’m a fairly simple guy, so apart from writing and the occasional foray to the local pub, I’m fairly low-key. A few things I do love though, are movies and travel. Give me a Dirty Harry boxset and I’m happy. And I’ve been lucky enough to visit some fairly far-flung an unusual destination. From the Namib desert, to the mountains of Slovakia, getting out and about keeps the juices flowing.
If you are active in career fields other than writing, what do you hope for the future of that business? Describe your work or business activities in which you are presently active.
Well, I currently work for a global organization. A US company that sterilizes medical devices and pharmaceuticals for health care industries across the globe. I’m a Health and Safety Manager (don’t boo) and travel around the region that I support, keeping people safe and showing them how to think differently about what they do. I’m at a fairly senior level, which I’m very grateful for. However, before I hang up my high-viz vest, I’d like to have attained a director role, so I can really shape the working environment in my own way.
Do you have hobbies? How did you get started in them?
Well apart from wine. Hang on, let me start that again. Apart from writing, I am partial to the odd glass of wine. Or beer. When the mood takes me, I’m also a fairly enthusiastic cook. I never said great. Enthusiastic is more fitting. I used to play football, or soccer depending on what side of the Pond you’re residing. Apart from that, not a lot. Dull eh…?
Favorite Authors
If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?
As avid as time allows. I’ve been reading for most of my life. From John Steinbeck and William Golding at school, to epic yarns from Wilbur Smith and Clive Cussler. I always have a book on the go, but now prefer to read from the writing community that I now find myself in. I’ve been fortunate enough to read some great authors. A.J. Griffiths-Jones, Julia Sutton and Kerry Watts to name but a few. There are hundreds more, but you might get bored after about twenty.
What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?
Well, to be able to write full time. I’m under no illusion that I’ll probably never hit the lofty heights that many of my fellow writers have attained. However, one day, I’d like to be able to sit down in my rocking chair and blast out novel after novel, and pocket a few quid into the bargain.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Okay, this might sound a bit dark. Many years ago, a little girl was abducted while on holiday. It was all over the news, and still pops up from time-to-time. Something got me thinking about it. What if some disappearances had a darker twist? What if things that went bump in the night were the reason that some folk vanish from our world. So, with that in mind, I started writing my first novel, Unknown. The best way to describe it, is a cross between Salem’s Lot and the Dark Tower series. Being a huge King fan, I was able to place my characters in similar worlds that the master of horror had already visualised. And the rest they say….
How do you decide on the title of a book?
Jeez, that’s a toughie. There is no easy way. Every book I’ve ever written has had about three titles. I think sometimes, you have to go with your gut and choose which one you think is right. I’ve settled on book titles, only to change them halfway through writing. Authors eh, funny bunch….
Have you developed a specific writing style and why?
You’d have to ask my readers. I’ve absolutely no idea. I guess I write how I read. Maybe there is a bit of King, Cussler and Smith in my words. But don’t tell them that. I can’t afford a lawsuit.
Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
For mainstream authors, I’d have to go with Stephen King. I think that from an early age (too early) he was able to scare the living daylights out of me with vampires, crazed dogs, and killer clowns. I think he has a real knack of being able to draw on your fears, the character Pennywise being the perfect example.
For an indie author, it has to be A.J. Griffiths-Jones. Her books are so well-written, with the reader being drawn into her world. There is no vulgarity, gore, and little bad language – however, her characters are where the books shine. You almost feel like you know them as the pages turn. I strongly recommend anyone reading this to check out her work, in particular, her French detective series. Fabulous stuff.
Remembering The First Book
Do you remember the first book you read?
It was the Bible. However, I thought it a little far-fetched so I moved onto Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. One of the first books I really remember is Lord of the Flies. I remember how scary it was and how things quickly went from utopia, to carnage.
Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I’d say Michael Palin. Yes, he’s not a prolific author as such, but he’s my hero and I’d love to spend time chatting about his travels around the world, the places he’s visited, and the cultures he immersed himself into. Also, would be nice to hear some Monty Python tales, of which I’m sure there are many.
If you could not write, how would you express what you wish to convey through any stories?
I’d get someone to sit with me, whilst I acted out villainous deeds with my son’s teddy bears. Other than that, I’d be scuppered if I couldn’t write. Not a nice thought.
When you see new authors struggling, what single piece of advice could you give them on a moment’s notice?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Many of the authors I see want instant success. Especially the younger authors, who think that an agent will snap them out and it will all be a breeze. Being an author, especially and indie is a slow process, riddled with frustration and low-points. Hang in there. It will come in time. And if it doesn’t, at least you’ve written a book.
How do you want others to see you or remember you? Is it important to you?
Of course. Someone once said, “What we do in life, echoes in eternity.” I would hope people remembered me in a good way. A laid-back kinda guy, who never took himself too seriously.
Do you have a blog or website viewers can visit for updates, events and special offers? Include links to any and all of your sites.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me. You can find me at the following:
https://www.facebook.com/phil.price.779/
Nice to see Phil here, Mary. He comes across as a very nice, down to earth guy. 🙂
Thank you, Marje. That’s exactly the way I would describe him.
My pleasure Mary. Indeed, 🙂