Shawn H. Phillips's Blog
July 8, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal
Been away for a while with lots of travel for my day job, and also spending time with my teenagers during their summer free time (okay, only as much as they allow me before running to their rooms to play video games).
The writing of Alien Arsenal is going well. As usual, I always include one military person I know in my novel, with the only two rules as follows:
- They must agree initially and before publication
- They will die a glorious death--in the novel
My choice was of a great AFRL Rocket Lab Commander, who just retired from our site. Good luck on your second career, Col Anne Clark.
The writing of Alien Arsenal is going well. As usual, I always include one military person I know in my novel, with the only two rules as follows:
- They must agree initially and before publication
- They will die a glorious death--in the novel
My choice was of a great AFRL Rocket Lab Commander, who just retired from our site. Good luck on your second career, Col Anne Clark.
June 4, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
Another few pages of Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal. This part involved Fanley (Fan) and a traumatic event that he goes through, but ultimately will be stronger because of it. Next up with be Old Woman and a surprising twist early on in the novel.
For Darkened Demigod, another 5-star review. Thanks, Barbara! Please recommend or buy for friends as I'm still holding the Kindle price at $2.99.
And what about my life? Well, the Antelope Valley is heating up to around 100 degrees every day now. But don't worry, as it's a dry heat :).
"In order to rise up, one must reach down."
Shawn
For Darkened Demigod, another 5-star review. Thanks, Barbara! Please recommend or buy for friends as I'm still holding the Kindle price at $2.99.
And what about my life? Well, the Antelope Valley is heating up to around 100 degrees every day now. But don't worry, as it's a dry heat :).
"In order to rise up, one must reach down."
Shawn
May 30, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
A couple nice things happened this week.
- Had more time to write Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal. During my time where I walk aimlessly around the house, I had a great idea of how Fanley grows through tragedy. Whose Fanely? Gotta read Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
- Another 6 reviews of Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War on Goodreads. Bringing the total up to 46 reviews and still a 4.2/5 stars!
- Readers' Favorite Review gave Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War 5/5 stars! Tomorrow (June 1st) the review will be sent to over 600,000 subscribers, and it's still in for the main contest.
So why not buy it for a friend? Why not for a hundred friends :).
Shawn
- Had more time to write Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal. During my time where I walk aimlessly around the house, I had a great idea of how Fanley grows through tragedy. Whose Fanely? Gotta read Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
- Another 6 reviews of Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War on Goodreads. Bringing the total up to 46 reviews and still a 4.2/5 stars!
- Readers' Favorite Review gave Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War 5/5 stars! Tomorrow (June 1st) the review will be sent to over 600,000 subscribers, and it's still in for the main contest.
So why not buy it for a friend? Why not for a hundred friends :).
Shawn
May 22, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
Well, it's been a crazy month, and I found myself traveling to Japan, Washington DC and a couple other places. Japan was absolutely beautiful, and DC was hot, humid and storming every day (however, we don't get much of that in the California desert, so I enjoyed it).
While I was away, the redheadedbooklover did a review of Darkened Demigod AND....gave it five stars! Check it out at https://wp.me/p9ghAg-3Ej
Take care and good night,
Shawn
While I was away, the redheadedbooklover did a review of Darkened Demigod AND....gave it five stars! Check it out at https://wp.me/p9ghAg-3Ej
Take care and good night,
Shawn
May 6, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal
Spent an incredible week in Japan, traveling all the way down to the small island of Tanegashima. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement.
And to top it off, I did hit my goal of 20 pages of writing for the week. In fact, I'm nearly at 30 pages for Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal.
Hint: There's a new alien race in the mix, which wasn't added just for fun. They fit in the story from the first book, but will add a new dimension of foreboding.
And to top it off, I did hit my goal of 20 pages of writing for the week. In fact, I'm nearly at 30 pages for Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal.
Hint: There's a new alien race in the mix, which wasn't added just for fun. They fit in the story from the first book, but will add a new dimension of foreboding.
April 17, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
I will continue to do more giveaways for Darkened Demigod; but will also be advertising in other ways. My next plan is do take on some of the book fairs in Southern California and a few blog tours. If you have any to recommend, let me know.
Also, next week will be a big writing week for me. I have a goal of over twenty pages by the end of week. May not seem like a lot to some folks, but with a 60 hr/week job and a great family life, it is a big challenge. The focus will be on Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal (well, that's the name for now but may trying another subtitle).
Have also been writing another novel titled, Second Rebirth. A sci-fi/fantasy thriller capturing the powers of a second life by an alien entity. One with another purpose for humankind.
Yes, I do wish writing was a full-time job, but I still love my day job.
Also, next week will be a big writing week for me. I have a goal of over twenty pages by the end of week. May not seem like a lot to some folks, but with a 60 hr/week job and a great family life, it is a big challenge. The focus will be on Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal (well, that's the name for now but may trying another subtitle).
Have also been writing another novel titled, Second Rebirth. A sci-fi/fantasy thriller capturing the powers of a second life by an alien entity. One with another purpose for humankind.
Yes, I do wish writing was a full-time job, but I still love my day job.
March 12, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
Advertisement on Bookgoodies was fun to do, as they ask a number of good questions.
Check it out:
http://bookgoodies.com/?p=364872
Check it out:
http://bookgoodies.com/?p=364872
March 10, 2018
Family Life
My 16-year old had an English assignment where each group had to do a marketing video over the weekend. When I went to pick him up, one of his friends (whom I never met) was waiting at the curb with him. I stepped out of the car, walked around the car and up to the kid. I introduced myself as his coolest parent and gave him the peace sign.
It's one sure way that your teenager won't speak to you for a while.
It's one sure way that your teenager won't speak to you for a while.
Friend Recommendations: The Best Marketing of All
I just received an awesome e-mail from a reviewer of Darkened Demigod. She liked the book so much that she is using it in a friend/family book club, and even has long-distance friends who may also be interested in doing reviews. I'll be giving free hardcopies/ebooks to those that will do a review.
I truly appreciate recommendations to friends/families from Goodreads reviewers. I'm thinking this summer I should do a Kindle giveaway for the reviewer who 'spreads the word' the most about Darkened Demigod (hmm...probably should say 'in a good way).
I truly appreciate recommendations to friends/families from Goodreads reviewers. I'm thinking this summer I should do a Kindle giveaway for the reviewer who 'spreads the word' the most about Darkened Demigod (hmm...probably should say 'in a good way).
March 5, 2018
Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War
[Warning: Slight Spoiler Alter]
Wanted to share this exchange with Susan, a Goodreads Giveaway winner.
Me: As the author, I still am in shock on how good the reviews have been. The challenge of integrating science fiction, fantasy and post-apocalyptic (hate spelling that word) together in one novel, was daunting. However, it appears Goodread reviewers are soaking it up.
But what about the reflections of past demigods within the novel? Interesting, exciting? Worth an offshoot novella?
Susan: Yes - I think this book opens the door for several other storylines. I would of course like to know what happens in this new era (ie, a sequel). But I am curious as to the development of the other demigods. I actually was drawn more to the demigod storyline than the alien/space invasion angle as the demigods exemplify human characteristics that are so prevalent today.
First, I have to say thanks for the words in your review. Masterfully articulated, and you hit two areas that I worked hard on incorporating while also trying to blend it into the story. The use of single words that are incredibly powerful and Bookworm's purpose.
Second, thanks for posting on Amazon!
But I saved the best for last, and it has to do with the part that drew you in. The demigod storylines let my passion and creativity flow forth like I've never felt when writing. For each one I wanted to expand even more, not stopping until a novella was created. But it wouldn't have worked within the main story.
I'm working on the storyline for the sequel, and am almost done...except for one part. Whether to or how to bring in those demigods. Well, I know how to bring them in, but how to bring in their stories and the embodiment of human characteristics in more depth...and could I even make that work? I even debated creating an addendum/novella that gives the history of the demigod battles, focused more on their rise and fall than on another gory battle scene.
What do you think?
Wanted to share this exchange with Susan, a Goodreads Giveaway winner.
Me: As the author, I still am in shock on how good the reviews have been. The challenge of integrating science fiction, fantasy and post-apocalyptic (hate spelling that word) together in one novel, was daunting. However, it appears Goodread reviewers are soaking it up.
But what about the reflections of past demigods within the novel? Interesting, exciting? Worth an offshoot novella?
Susan: Yes - I think this book opens the door for several other storylines. I would of course like to know what happens in this new era (ie, a sequel). But I am curious as to the development of the other demigods. I actually was drawn more to the demigod storyline than the alien/space invasion angle as the demigods exemplify human characteristics that are so prevalent today.
First, I have to say thanks for the words in your review. Masterfully articulated, and you hit two areas that I worked hard on incorporating while also trying to blend it into the story. The use of single words that are incredibly powerful and Bookworm's purpose.
Second, thanks for posting on Amazon!
But I saved the best for last, and it has to do with the part that drew you in. The demigod storylines let my passion and creativity flow forth like I've never felt when writing. For each one I wanted to expand even more, not stopping until a novella was created. But it wouldn't have worked within the main story.
I'm working on the storyline for the sequel, and am almost done...except for one part. Whether to or how to bring in those demigods. Well, I know how to bring them in, but how to bring in their stories and the embodiment of human characteristics in more depth...and could I even make that work? I even debated creating an addendum/novella that gives the history of the demigod battles, focused more on their rise and fall than on another gory battle scene.
What do you think?
