18Q Philip Harris

Philip Harris

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

Writing has always been a favorite activity even from a very early age. I seem to have something to say about most things and writing is a way to say a lot about some things. So I guess I would say that writing chose me.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

My degree is in Political Science and I have worked in every level of government, except international. I have also been a store owner,a small scale farmer and I am now in special education.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

I’m still not sure that I am a writer. I have co-authored a book and another novella appears to be in the process of publication but I am not sure that qualifies me as a writer. I prefer to think of myself as someone with something to say and writing is a way to get my thoughts across to others. Perhaps I became a writer when my first work was accepted for publication.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

Years of writing in government service really messed me up for a while. Bureaucratic reports are far from prose. It took a while to shake off the stiffness of that type of writing. I have always spoken in imagery but it took some time to be able to put imagery into my writing. I still tend to lecture when I write. Some say that my dialogue may be corny but I try to use terms that people really use and talk the way they really talk.

5. What is your writing process?

When I get ideas, I write them down. Usually, I get inspired to write a chapter at a time. I do not outline. I let my intuition do the writing and somehow it all flows together. I may write a last chapter, then a first or something in the middle-I let my spirit be my guide.

6. What was your path to publication?

After maximum frustration in trying to get an agent I, (we-the novel is co-authored) decided to go for the small publisher. The Big Guys won’t even read your mail. They have too much control on what is being printed. I think that the small presses will be the wave of the future since they are not tainted by the power and the big dollars.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

I am not into a lot of the gimmicks that people try. I think that having a kick-butt web site and being willing to do the leg work is what must be done to get some attention. I enjoy catchy press releases and stirring up a little controversy.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

My biggest surprise as a writer is the fact that the publishing industry is so closed. The link between agent and publisher is scary. We almost border on thought control. If it was not for small presses we would be in a lot of trouble. I suspect a showdown will one day come. I am putting my bet on David, vis-a-vis Goliath.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

I only write when inspired. I do not force myself to do a chapter if I am not bitten by the inspiration bug. I observe life and nature and let them tell me what needs to be said.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

Without question it was when we got the email saying, “your manuscript has been accepted for publication.” Someone else felt that what we were saying was worth saying to a lot of people and that felt great!

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

Speak from the heart and speak the truth, even if it is only your truth.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

I cannot stand to proof my own work. I will read something several times and I guess my mind sees what “should” be there. Stupid errors are very embarrassing to me. I tend to leave out words which I would swear were on the page.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

One of the biggest challenges is sorting the wheat from the chaff. People lie! There are those who prey upon would be authors (thank God for P&E) and sorting fact from fiction can be challenging. Finding publishers that are truly sincere and honest is a challenge for all of us.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

My philosophy is to write about those things that generate a passion within. If I do not care about a topic or a character, I cannot write about it.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

When not writing, I write. I enjoy communicating with people, my horses, and I think a lot. I am a mystic and enjoy those things in life that bring new knowledge and understanding.

16. Who do you like to read?

I like to read books that make me think. I do not like fluff. I read ILLUSIONS once a year. Books, for me, must have a message. Actually, it seems that the books I choose always have somehting that I need to learn.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Observe life and write from the heart. Be passionate about what you write. Do not be shy. By cosmic coincidence my partner came across the address of Piers Anthony. He sent an email and asked him to review our book. He agreed and loved it. Part of his review is on the jacket of WAKING GOD. Do not be shy. If you believe in what you write, do what must be done to spread the word!

18. What are you currently working on?

We are currently working on Book II of the WAKING GOD trilogy. I also have a novella, A MAINE CHRISTMAS CAROL which is being reviewed by publishers.

Authors’s 18Q