Describe the plot of your book in a few sentences.
Gina is a young girl living in Jacksonville Florida. It’s 1920 and through an almost deadly mistake Gina’s life is about to change in ways she could have never imagined.
Who (age, gender, etc) do you think would most appreciate this book?
This book will appeal to all ages and genders but I feel women may find it most appealing. Particularly the teens and twenty-something group.
What inspirations contributed to this book?
This book actually began as something else and just took a turn on it’s own to become what it is. It’s the most organic book I’ve written so far. I would venture to say this book almost wrote itself. Once the idea came together, the characters fell into place as well.
Who was your favorite character to write?
My favorite character is Serena. Though the product of a multitude of circumstances, Serena ultimately determines what is best for her. She continually uses what others might feel as problems and makes these things work for her.
How long have you been writing?
On a professional level I’ve been writing for over ten years. I published my first book in early 2004.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book would be one of the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien. Any book in that trilogy would work.
What genre do you read most frequently?
I try to keep a balance in my reading. Science fiction and fantasy are my favored genre. But right now I’m reading The Beautiful and the Damned by F Scott Fitzgerald. Not even close to Sci-fi.
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| Oliver Phipps |
How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
When I started writing I simply wanted to convey information. As time passed I realized I had many stories I wanted to tell. I found it necessary to change my approach from simply conveying information to placing the information in an art form; as an appealing story. My years in the music industry came in useful at this point as I already understood the artistic value of creativity.
Are there any aspects (e.g. character building, world building) of your writing that you've been practicing?
My writing is geared to allow the readers use of their own imagination as much as possible. I feel the days are gone when long drawn out characters were painstakingly developed. There are still a few readers that want two chapters spent on building a character. I do here from these readers from time to time. But for the most part I give the readers enough information to put the character together and then we’re off to the fun stuff. Additional information will come in along the way.
Today’s readers have a broad spectrum of character material already together in their minds. The information age has provided that for them. I have been developing this aspect of my writing and feel it is working well i.e. to build a lean mean character quickly and efficiently so the reader can get right to the story.
As a writer, one would assume English was your favorite class in school. If that was not the case, what was and why?
My favorite subject has always been history. I feel that I am a person that has lived an exciting and eventful life, and then became a professional writer; rather than a person that decided to become a professional writer and then tried to imagine exciting and eventful lives to write about.
How do you feel about the increasing popularity of e-books?
I love e-books. I am in the process of putting six of my seven books into paperback form but the e-book has streamlined the industry in my opinion.
What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
Basically my goals are to publish at least five quality books a year for the next ten years. I believe I have the material for that and if I’m able to do that it might wrap up my writing after ten years. But then again I am coming up with new ideas along the way so I may not be done by then.
What is the most impactful experience you have had with a fan?
I love all my fans. Some have become closer than others. I believe the experience of keeping a functional line between loving ones fans as fans and not crossing that line has had the most impact on me. By this I mean, there are so many great people out there and I would love to get closer to so many of my fans. My fans are my friends and I would just love to have thousands of “best friends.” But it’s just not possible. So at some point I just have to realize that I can only be “friends” and have a general relationship. There’s just not enough time to be best friends with all of them even though I would love that.
Have your family and friends been supportive of your writing?
For the most part yes my family has been supportive.
Is there any aspect of writing you don't like (e.g. editing)?
I become a little bogged down with editing after the first draft. But it’s become easier along the way and I have a great editor to send the work to after I clean it up as much as possible so this helps.
Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
Here’s my gem of wisdom on writers block. You must write through it. I’ve become slowed down at points but I’ve not allowed myself to be blocked. I write through this. Often what I write will be discarded but I almost always find an angle in the stuff somewhere that gives the book a new path or continuation point. I just “write through it.”
Do you write with a computer, typewriter, or pen and paper? Why do you use this tool?
I only use a computer. I would be lost without spell check.
Do you have in mind for your next project?
My next book release will be a Science Fiction. I can’t really go into detail at this point but it will hopefully be out in early February 2015.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
A Tempest Soul is very close to my heart and I believe anyone who has a heart and reads it will understand why.
More Information about Oliver Phipps
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJDZQWI
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