Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I day dreamed of being a writer starting in high school. I dabbled in writing off and on through college but never did anything seriously. After college, I wrote one half of a rough draft of a romantic seafaring adventure story set in the year 2007. From 1991 to 1993, I wrote a rough draft novel on the First Gulf War and a rough draft novel on a U.S./Israeli spy scandal of the mid 1980s. After much thought, I completed the novels on the U.S./Israeli spy scandal (2018) and the First Gulf War (2020).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is Journeys from Interlaken and Prague. The story deals with child trafficking and is written with a literary fiction slant. Two themes came to mind in developing the plot. Most people living in western society are completely unaware of conflict in other areas. In fact, conflict is widespread at different levels everywhere. Second, children pay the biggest price when men invent a reason to go to war. My latest novel highlights the contrast between a family that lives in a tranquil society and a young man who is trapped in a violent existence.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits are probably similar to the habits of other authors. I thoroughly research the background to my fictional works. What added to the quality of my first two books was that the internet was not invented when I wrote the rough drafts. With the advent of the internet, I was able to add much more detail to each novel. I think of lines and concepts while falling asleep at night, while driving the car, while watching people. It all adds up to a good story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Early on I was influenced by a British writer named Eric Ambler who wrote suspense novels from the 1930s to the 1970s. His style was slow and deliberate rather than fast paced. Robert Ludlum set the tone for thrillers in later years. I read John Fowles for a literary experience.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my romantic seafaring adventure story set in the year 2007. And yes, it will take place in 2007 just as I imagined when I started writing it on January 1, 1978.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I am building up a promotional program. I publish my books on my own imprint and do outreach via email and writer and book review blogs.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
A writer can have an idea but the overall writing canvas will be blank. Write a few pages every day and it will add up to a completed book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.
What are you reading now?
A book on communist Chinese politics from 1920 to 1972 and Edward Rutherfurd’s novel Russka.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my romantic seafaring adventure story set in the year 2007.
What is your favorite book of all time?
A tie: John Fowles, The Magus and Anton Myer’s, Once an Eagle.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lincoln Phillips Amazon Profile