Two careers

[plumboz]

Phil,

I had no idea until just recently that you were not only an author with four novels (I think that is correct) to his credit, but also a physician, husband and father. With the exception of careers (I manage a speciality store, a more than full-time job), our situations are similiar. With these other joys and responsibilities in your life, I was just wondering if you have found a routine, place, mindset or other aid in allowing you to focus on your writing on a regular basis. For years this seems to have been my biggest hurdle.

In any case, thanks for being a great role model. Sometimes what is needed is a good, slightly arrogant, "If he can do it, well, by golly, so can I." attitude.

Best,
Alan Hutcheson

[Phil Whitaker]

Hi Alan

I know exactly what you're saying. For me, too, the difficulty of finding time and head-space for writing has been a recurring theme over the years.

Fundamental to my (imperfect) solution of it has been: a passion for writing, naked ambition, and an ability to work hideously late at night when everyone else has gone to bed. A supportive wife and lots of caffeine have helped too.

I wish I had a routine, but I tend to work in concentrated bursts, interspersed with fallow periods where I can't/don't achieve much. In the times of creative energy, I am always desperate to get back to the computer, and I squeeze writing time in whenever I can. I have to force myself to balance things out (which the writer in me rails against!) otherwise the toll on my family would be unacceptable. There's a constant tension between writing and fatherhood/husbandhood that needs careful management. This tension, and the guilt it can generate, informs aspects of the characters in Freak of Nature.

Good luck with your own writing, and your own personal juggling act. I wish you success in all facets of your life.

Phil

[plumboz]

Phil,

Thank goodness for supportive (or at least patient) spouses. And it is nice to hear the honesty of "naked ambition" expressed. Nothin' wrong with that.
Is there a release date for "Freak of Nature" in the US?

Best,
Alan

[Phil Whitaker]

My UK publisher, Atlantic Books, is an imprint of the US independent house Grove Atlantic. Contractually, Grove gets to bring out a US edition any time it likes, but I'm not aware of any plans at this stage.

You could always mail them and demand an edition forthwith. That'd be good...

[plumboz]

I can certainly drop them a line. But not sure how receptive they will be as Grove Atlantic was one of the most recent publishing houses to reject my book "Close Enough for Government Work". It ended up being POD, oh well. To their credit they handled the rejection with great courtesy and kindness, but chances are my name carries little weight in those offices.

UK Amazon takes US $ I suppose.

I will be dropping off the forum for at least a bit. My wife, who is usually right about darned near everything, tells me I could be accused with trying to "chum up with one of the judges". Not my intention.

Best,
Alan

[Phil Whitaker]

I realise that's not your intention at all. Anyway, no worries: I am absolutely incorruptible, and apply strictly literary judgements. And even if I weren't I'd never be able to smuggle a questionable decision past Martyn Bedford.

Best of luck.

[plumboz]

Phil,

I have been checking daily and "Freak of Nature" is now listed on Amazon's US site. I am signed up to be notified when it becomes available and hope that will be soon.

Best of luck with it and whatever you are working on now!

Alan