Interview with T Patrick Phelps
Published 2014-11-23.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing fiction when I was around 10 years old. My first work was pretty horrible but it started me on my path.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Those of the Margin is the second book in the Derek Cole Suspense Thriller series. The idea came to me after reading a short article about an experiment done in 1972 called the "Phillip Experiment." This experiment was organized by a group of psychologists who created a fictional character named Phillip. They came up with an entire life for Phillip. They told people in their test group that Phillip had died and asked them to try to contact Phillip.
The amazing thing is that the test subjects believe they actually made contact with the fictional spirit of Phillip
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I like total control of my content. While my books have gained the interest of some agents and publishing houses, their demands, timeframes and content edits took the heart away from my stories.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
That is still an unknown
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Seeing how a story plays out. I literally have no idea where a story will go when I start it. It's like I read my books the first time as I am writing them
What are you working on next?
Once Those of the Margin is published, I have another Derek Cole Thriller ready to go!
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My family.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Time with my family or slaving away in my 9-5
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first full length novel was "Lefty Loosey." It is about two friends who lose contact with each other after high school but reconnect for one last vacation.
What is your writing process?
I make it all up as I go!
How do you approach cover design?
I use a professional graphic designer. I throw a bunch of ideas at him and he comes up with brilliance.
What do you read for pleasure?
I bounce around between fiction and non, author to author and genre to genre. Recently, I finished a novel by Richard E Douglas (Quantum Lens) and am now reading a horror novel by another indie author.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I am a tech junkie. I use my iPhone 6+, Kindle Paper White and my iPad Air for reading. Favorite (by a slight margin) is the Kindle
Describe your desk
It looks strikingly similar to my lap.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
While my birth certificate reads "Utica, NY," most of my childhood memories are from the Adirondack Mountains. My family and I spent a lot of times camping, hiking, swimming, etc in the Adirondacks and I feel that area has influenced my writing the most.
What do your fans mean to you?
I find it amazing that I have fans. Honestly, when I get a Facebook message or email from someone who praises my work (or offers constructive criticism) my reaction is always the same: Grateful amazement!
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
