Interview with Author Philip Mathis
Author Philip Mathis was born in Lewiston, Maine on one of the coldest months of the year. His family moved to San Antonio, TX when he was seven years old, and has been living here ever since. He began his love affair with creative writing in high school, after reading Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park. At the age of sixteen, and with the support of English teachers, I bheegan writing poems along with a number of short stories; where he was blessed with having a few of his works published.
Since then, he has written three screenplays; a spec script for a feature film, and two spec scripts for a television series. It wasn’t until around 2015 that he wanted to further branch out into the spacious writing spectrum, and decided to write his first novel. In 2018 he released the first book in a three-part series, which is titled Goodbye Sky Harbor. Currently he finished the second book of the series, which he will be looking to release by the end of summer.
Tell me more about your latest book
‘Goodbye Sky Harbor’ is the story of a seventeen-year-old named Creed, who mysteriously attains extraordinary abilities, while simultaneously struggling with hormones and the usual teenage requisites. Before he is able to fully understand the weight of acquiring these powers, or his budding relationship with his best friend Genesis; the Unites States is attacked, and propelled into war with China. As the chaos enfolds, one question lingers; will Creed become the super hero everyone expects him to become, or will he simply endure like everyone else? Once the Army finds out about the teenager, will he have a choice?
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
I would have to say adopting distinct personalities between all the characters in the book. I’ve met quite a few interesting people throughout my life, so I had inspiration behind each one, but at the same time it was keeping that consistency throughout the book that was a bit challenging.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
Well, I decided long before I wrote the book that I wanted to keep creative control. So after writing the initial draft, I passed it on to a couple beta readers, who helped edit. I had a final read through, and eventually submitted it on the Amazon independent publishing platform. I even had a family friend take the picture for the cover in my sister’s backyard where we staged our own make shift battleground.
What motivated you to become an author?
Mainly my love for words. But also, I just always have ideas running through my head like a runaway train, and I had this need to get them all out on paper.
How many books have you written so far?
Goodbye Sky Harbor is my very first novel. I just finished the writing second; which I’m titling, “The Afterwards.” That should be edited and published by the end of summer.
As an author, do you prefer the traditional book, or online version? Why?
As a nostalgic, I do love the feeling of going to the bookstore, and browsing through their selections. As the online world grows however, I am excited to see art out there, no matter what platform. I even got a kindle app just recently.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
It’s been difficult as I’m sure it is with anyone starting a career within the world of art. But to be honest, I’ve just been having a fun time meeting new people, hearing them share their stories with me, seeing the creative process come to life.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Life your life. Go on that road trip to across the country, marry your best friend, get broken up with, join a protest you believe in, start up a conversation with a complete strange, have fun. If you read the works of some of the best writer’s, you can literally feel their anguish, you can hear their laughter, you can see their tears, you can even travel with them to middle earth. Feeling that when I’m reading is just pure Nirvana.
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