Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Every job I have had has been related to boats: from fishing boats, to drillships, to submarines. My professional background is used heavily in my writing. The first thing I remember trying to write was a choose your own adventure book in grade school, but I didn’t start writing seriously until about ten years ago when I was traveling for weeks at a time.
I have only written (self-published) one book so far. Although it is part of a planned series, and, I already have the outlines for the next two done.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first novel is called Foreign & Domestic. The main storyline is fictional, but many of the scenes are inspired by actual real-life events. It is also a story that I want to read. The kind I have been reading since I was young.
Recently I have discovered indie space operas and mil sci-fi. I only touched on them in Foreign & Domestic, but the future books will be laden much more heavily on speculative technologies.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have notebooks, and notepads, and stickies all over the place, waiting to jot down any idea that comes to mind. Although, maybe that’s not that uncommon.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, man. What is my character limit here? Tom Clancy, of course. Brad Thor’s Scot Harvath series; Stephen Coonts’ Charlie Dean series, David Weber’s 1632 series, Jim DeFelice, Andy Weir to name a few.
What are you working on now?
My next project will be the second novel in the Texian Armada saga. It will feature the same main characters as Foreign & Domestic, with the storyline growing along with their assets, and their capabilities.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As of this writing, it has been Facebook. I have a website, but most of that traffic seems to stem from ‘friends and ‘friends of friends.’ Although, LinkedIn has had much greater visibility from what I can only assume is the difference in algorithms. I am also on Goodreads, and would like to build a following there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Write. Write. Write. Editing and formatting come later: much later. Plus, there are many tools available to you to greatly assist with both editing and formatting quickly, for yourself. Get your story out. Worry about production after.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That would probably have to deal with character development. Characters are flawed like the rest of us. It is all about how you deal with the shortcomings that can lead you down the path to failure or victory.
What are you reading now?
I have steered clear other techno-thrillers for a while now. So I have been almost solely invested in Terry Mixon, JR Handley, Jamie McFarlane, and Glenn Stewart.
What’s next for you as a writer?
For the time being my focus will be on the series. Although another love of mine is Westerns. And I have an idea for a sport-based LitRPG: but those would be at least a couple of years from now.
Plus, I get the writing bug from my Dad. Seeing me publish has finally given him the push to do the same, so I will be helping him with his endeavor also.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
David Weber and Tom Clancy. Or all the Tolkien books I have not gotten to yet. They are long, and enjoyable.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brandon Phillips Website
Brandon Phillips’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.