I do not subscribe to the belief that any one way is perfect or better than another. My writings are enslaved to the pen and imagination alone. Reality sneaks in once in a while.
Phoenix Elvis Nicholson – 5 December 2021
The Back Flap
Book 1:
The search for truth behind family mythology leads John and his sister to revisit a favored childhood vacation locale. The secluded estate of ‘Cousin Bertie’ in southern Virginia’s wooded shoreline has aged gracefully, but perhaps not so its inhabitant. Welcoming them into her house, she begins filling in the blanks of relatives past, present, and those who are both.
Book 2:
Here we go again! A second visit to Bertie’s place is conceived in curiosity. Strange how some so easily forget what it did to that proverbial cat.
Book 3:
About the book
What is the book about?
An Exhaustive White Stone Compendium encapsulates the first 3 books of Trilogy White Stone (TWS), while adding a few extra bits that were not in the individual books. A director’s cut, as it were.
When did you start writing the book?
Trilogy White Stone began as a short story idea back in 2012. The idea to put the three books in one issue, and include apocryphal bits, happened early in 2018.
How long did it take you to write it?
The process took very little time, less than a week, since all of the material already existed. Merely a matter of organizing it properly and ensuring it met the goal of 666 pages.
Where did you get the idea from?
As with many of my projects, inspiration occurred during restful (and some not so pleasant) dreams.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Editing and proofreading is my biggest enemy, since I am never 100% satisfied with the final product.
What came easily?
Placing the chapters in a proper timeline.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
All of the characters and personalities in TWS rely heavily on, and are drawn directly from, individual personalities known to me.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I would like to credit Frank Stockton, Erma Bombeck, Kurt Vonnegut, Isaac Asimov and Robert Bach for expanding this thought process. The wish is to be as imaginative.
Do you have a target reader?
In general, anyone who enjoys reading slowly enough to absorb the nuances should be able to appreciate my madness.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Serenity is a difficult atmosphere to achieve. In those rare instances when solitary time is attainable, retreating into my study with scented candles and such, dim lighting and loud music tend to release the creative vibes.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Several stories have started as outlines. Some outings have begun as thought fragments. I do not subscribe to the belief that any one way is perfect or better than another. My writings are enslaved to the pen and imagination alone. Reality sneaks in once in a while.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Stream of consciousness (and unconsciousness) works. So does thoughtful planning. Again, no silver bullet, no one size fits all theory for me. (Have yet to find an editor with a sales record under his/her belt to prove their qualifications to judge my efforts.)
Did you hire a professional editor
Used a professional editor two times. In my brain, it seemed a total waste of trust and money. Legally I cannot state further.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
The only time I do not listen to tuneage while writing is when jotting notes between sleep rousings or while away in a different venue. Lately, the music that inspires ranges from Franz Liszt, Lita Ford, Mott the Hoople, Amigo the Devil to Carly Simon, Mother Mother, Django Reinhardt and Lemon Demon
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Self-publishing is my method. Have found no trust in others yet.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
As stated previously, trust issues. Will alter that ideal in time hopefully.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
All personal work by yours truly, except for the reworked cover of Cousin Bertie (paid for), Sky Not Empty Book 1 (Great friend from high school, Cheryl Looker, drew that), and Appalachian Phantoms Book 2 (Penny Reilly’s photograph).
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Advertising through Facebook, Twitter, IndieView, YouTube videos and business cards everywhere.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Follow your heart. Believe in yourself. It’s easy to find someone that shoots your work down without a thought or someone to kiss your butt. Finding a truthful reader who understands is like striking gold. It occasionally does happen.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Born in Washington DC, raised in Maryland.
Where do you live now?
Madison, Alabama.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Graduated high school, served in the Army, former Pentagon Police Officer, presently retired. Familiar with cameras, theatre, built several computers, love online gaming.
What are you working on now?
Pulpit, Guest Services, Appalachian Phantoms Book 3 and Solitary Campfire Stories (another short story anthology).
End of Interview:
For more from Phoenix Elvis Nicholson visit his website and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Get your copy of An Exhaustive White Stone Compendium from Amazon US or Amazon UK.