Stephen Phillips's Blog
October 30, 2012
Does an author need a website?
Does an author need a website?
Today, I posted a question on my facebook page, asking for input...opinions on a particular website provider called "Squarespace." As I consider a myriad of options, I return to the question,"Does an author need a website?"
My initial instinctual answer is, "No."
To frame the question I will point out that unlike many other industries, authors, even indie and self-published authors have a ready- made storefront in Amazon and other online venues. My indie novel, Proximity: A Novel of the Navy's Elite Bomb Squad stands right next to other great action/war novels like The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien or Killing Rommel by Steven Pressfield. I read and thoroughly enjoyed both novels, and have visited Pressfield's site, but I did not buy a book there.
Clearly, using a website to sell books is not the only purpose. Still, pragmatically, it is to create a connection to one's audience...and, even better, potential readers. Today, I have a facebook page and a blog (you may be reading one of these right now!) to create such an online presence. These have a large, though limited footprint. I suspect that my followers in each are already readers. Additionally, I have spaces carved out on Goodreads, twitter (@eodauthor), and Amazon. I need to mature my approach on each one. As I do so, I am interested in book lovers' and authors' thoughts on employing a website to promote my writing and interact with others.
Today, I posted a question on my facebook page, asking for input...opinions on a particular website provider called "Squarespace." As I consider a myriad of options, I return to the question,"Does an author need a website?"
My initial instinctual answer is, "No."
To frame the question I will point out that unlike many other industries, authors, even indie and self-published authors have a ready- made storefront in Amazon and other online venues. My indie novel, Proximity: A Novel of the Navy's Elite Bomb Squad stands right next to other great action/war novels like The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien or Killing Rommel by Steven Pressfield. I read and thoroughly enjoyed both novels, and have visited Pressfield's site, but I did not buy a book there.
Clearly, using a website to sell books is not the only purpose. Still, pragmatically, it is to create a connection to one's audience...and, even better, potential readers. Today, I have a facebook page and a blog (you may be reading one of these right now!) to create such an online presence. These have a large, though limited footprint. I suspect that my followers in each are already readers. Additionally, I have spaces carved out on Goodreads, twitter (@eodauthor), and Amazon. I need to mature my approach on each one. As I do so, I am interested in book lovers' and authors' thoughts on employing a website to promote my writing and interact with others.
September 16, 2012
Library Journal reviews "The Recipient's Son"
“As the son of a Medal of Honor winner, Donald Durago is preferentially admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy. His father received the medal posthumously for heroism in the Vietnam War, and Donald has had a particularly difficult time dealing with it. As he tries to work his way through his angst, Donald comes perilously close to being expelled. He is charged with harassing a female classmate who also is politically connected and blames Donald for her predicament. Along with clearing his name, Donald has to come to grips with his past. Verdict: Phillips’s second novel is a compelling and well-written tale of life in the naval academy in the 1990s. Values were changing, and what was seen as normal rites of passage are now condemned as illegal, criminal, and grounds for dismissal. As Donald fights the charges, he learns a great deal about himself. Recommended for anyone who is interested in life in the modern military.”
—LIBRARY JOURNAL
—LIBRARY JOURNAL
July 2, 2012
Download Proximity for Free!
In honor of the 4th of July, Proximity can be downloaded to your Amazon Kindle for free starting on July 3 at 12:00am PST through July 5. http://tinyurl.com/6o3omxv
June 30, 2012
David Poyer's Review of "The Recipient's Son"
"Alpha codes, Heinz Lenz, dixie cups, Form Twos, plebe rates, SCUBA diving and illicit sex in the Yard. What’s not to enjoy in this convincing novel of the Academy in the 90's? "Outstanding, Sir!"
– David Poyer ‘71, author of THE RETURN OF PHILO McGIFFIN, THE WEAPON, and THE TOWERS
– David Poyer ‘71, author of THE RETURN OF PHILO McGIFFIN, THE WEAPON, and THE TOWERS
June 13, 2012
First Review of "The Recipient's Son"
“A candid, poignant, authentic, and sometimes tawdry journey through sacred halls of the Naval Academy's Bancroft Hall—or the dormitory barracks of any other military academy. Stephen Phillips has skillfully woven a superb tale that's sure to engage service academy graduates, those who have served in the military, and those interested in the tightly-bound, honor-driven culture of the United States military. Nicely done, Stephen—nicely done indeed!”
—Dick Couch, USNA Class of '67, author of Sua Sponte: The Forging of a Modern American Ranger and The Warrior Elite
—Dick Couch, USNA Class of '67, author of Sua Sponte: The Forging of a Modern American Ranger and The Warrior Elite
April 17, 2012
Copy edits of "The Recipient's Son" are complete
My review of copy edits of my second novel, The Recipient's Son are now complete. Later today I'll email them back to the Naval Institute Press.
The Recipient's Son can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com
The Recipient's Son can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com
April 15, 2012
"So, you wanna go EOD?" An EOD Book Round-up.
Note: This was originally published on my blog at: http://stephen-phillips.blogspot.com/...
A master chief twin-pin (read SEAL & EOD qualified - an increasingly rare breed) from EOD Mobile Unit Two assembled a group of EOD and SEAL "wanna-bes" on the pool deck near SEAL TEAM TWO's compound onboard Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. They were about to begin a physical screening test for EOD or Naval Special Warfare starting with the first step, the 500yd swim.
Before they began the master chief asked a question. "Who knows who Draper Kauffman was?"
Only one candidate who stuck out his hand.
"Sir?"
"Draper Kauffman is the father of the Navy EOD and Special Warfare communities, Master Chief."
"That's right, sir. Hooya."
The master chief asked a few more questions about Rear Admiral Kauffman. The lieutenant was able to answer most of them.
"All of you should know about Draper Kauffman. It is important to understand the heritage of this community, where we came from," the master chief announced to the whole group. "All of you need to get up to speed with the lieutenant here."
Next, the master chief went down the line asking each sailor what his scores on the test were going to be. Some expressed that they had no idea, as he got closer in line to the lieutenant, others started guessing.
"Sir?"
"I'm going to swim in about 8:58, Master Chief. I will max push-ups and sit-ups at 100 each, then get eight to ten pull-ups, followed by around 11 minutes on the run."
The scores that the lieutenant announced we good, but not stellar. He was certain others in the group would have more pull-ups and a much faster run time.
"Sir, that's pretty specific. How do you know those will be your scores?"
"Because I perform the EOD screening test myself every Friday afternoon in preparation.
"Hooya."
The lieutenant made a positive impression upon the master chief. As a result, the second part of his interview ended before it started. The EOD officer who was assigned ot interview him to ascertain his suitability for EOD said words to the effect, "Master Chief already told me you've got the gouge and that you are serious about this community. As a result, you are going to get the highest recommendation from me."
The lesson learned from this yarn is that many are attracted to the EOD/NSW communities, but few demonstrate serious commitment. They talk a lot about the warfare pins, the social life, the machismo. The lieutenant's actions portrayed someone who had researched the EOD community thoroughly and prepared seriously to apply. It made a lasting impression.
I employed this same technique when interviewing EOD candidates. My first question would always be "Who was Draper Kauffman?" Those who knew and could tell me more about the community they were applying for got my highest recommendations for EOD school or BUD/S. For those that did not, I recommended that they do some research and find out more about the community.
The best book available to learn about Draper Kauffman and the origin of the EOD community is America's First Frogman: The Draper Kauffman Story by Elizabeth Kauffman Bush. I reviewed it here on this blog and on Amazon. This is the first book anyone should read who wants to be an EOD Tech or a SEAL.
A Cold War Story by Jim Conkey is a novel about Navy EOD that takes place in the 1950's. I've also reviewed it on this blog and on Amazon. This also provides invaluable insight into the U.S. Navy EOD community's heritage.
The third book I'd recommend for those who want to learn about the U.S. Navy EOD community is The Day We Lost the H-Bomb: Cold War, Hot Nukes, and the Worst Nuclear Weapons Disaster in History by Barbara Moran. This is a true account of a B-52 crash and the loss of four nuclear weapons in 1966. One of the key figures is a legend in Navy EOD, Commander "Red" Moody. Add this to your required reading list if you wanna be a crab-wearer.
It is equally important to understand the EOD world today, what it means to serve as an EOD Tech in the global war on terrorism. Currently, there are not many good books about American forces conducting EOD, but there are two that cover our UK brethren. They are Eight Lives Down: The Story of a Counterterrorist Bomb-Disposal Operator's Tour in Iraq by Major Chris Hunter and Red One: A Bomb Disposal Expert on the Front Line by Capt Kevin Ivison. Again, I've written detailed reviews on this blog and on Amazon. Note that in the British Army tradition, EOD Techs come from the logistics corps and are called "Ammunition Technical Officers" or "ATOs."
Much of the modern counter-IED techniques evolved from ATOs' efforts battling the IRA in the Northern Ireland conflict they called, "The Troubles." There are also several good books on this subject. In particular, I recommend A Special Kind of Courage by Chris Ryder and The Longest Walk: The World of Bomb Disposal by Peter Birchall. The are both excellent sources of historical accounts of valor by British ATOs in Northern Ireland and other theaters. I've also reviewed these through this blog and on Amazon.
For all those who seek to become an EOD Tech - get in physical shape - but also start with the lessons learned and the history encompassed on these pages to ensure you're on the right track.
A master chief twin-pin (read SEAL & EOD qualified - an increasingly rare breed) from EOD Mobile Unit Two assembled a group of EOD and SEAL "wanna-bes" on the pool deck near SEAL TEAM TWO's compound onboard Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. They were about to begin a physical screening test for EOD or Naval Special Warfare starting with the first step, the 500yd swim.
Before they began the master chief asked a question. "Who knows who Draper Kauffman was?"
Only one candidate who stuck out his hand.
"Sir?"
"Draper Kauffman is the father of the Navy EOD and Special Warfare communities, Master Chief."
"That's right, sir. Hooya."
The master chief asked a few more questions about Rear Admiral Kauffman. The lieutenant was able to answer most of them.
"All of you should know about Draper Kauffman. It is important to understand the heritage of this community, where we came from," the master chief announced to the whole group. "All of you need to get up to speed with the lieutenant here."
Next, the master chief went down the line asking each sailor what his scores on the test were going to be. Some expressed that they had no idea, as he got closer in line to the lieutenant, others started guessing.
"Sir?"
"I'm going to swim in about 8:58, Master Chief. I will max push-ups and sit-ups at 100 each, then get eight to ten pull-ups, followed by around 11 minutes on the run."
The scores that the lieutenant announced we good, but not stellar. He was certain others in the group would have more pull-ups and a much faster run time.
"Sir, that's pretty specific. How do you know those will be your scores?"
"Because I perform the EOD screening test myself every Friday afternoon in preparation.
"Hooya."
The lieutenant made a positive impression upon the master chief. As a result, the second part of his interview ended before it started. The EOD officer who was assigned ot interview him to ascertain his suitability for EOD said words to the effect, "Master Chief already told me you've got the gouge and that you are serious about this community. As a result, you are going to get the highest recommendation from me."
The lesson learned from this yarn is that many are attracted to the EOD/NSW communities, but few demonstrate serious commitment. They talk a lot about the warfare pins, the social life, the machismo. The lieutenant's actions portrayed someone who had researched the EOD community thoroughly and prepared seriously to apply. It made a lasting impression.
I employed this same technique when interviewing EOD candidates. My first question would always be "Who was Draper Kauffman?" Those who knew and could tell me more about the community they were applying for got my highest recommendations for EOD school or BUD/S. For those that did not, I recommended that they do some research and find out more about the community.
The best book available to learn about Draper Kauffman and the origin of the EOD community is America's First Frogman: The Draper Kauffman Story by Elizabeth Kauffman Bush. I reviewed it here on this blog and on Amazon. This is the first book anyone should read who wants to be an EOD Tech or a SEAL.
A Cold War Story by Jim Conkey is a novel about Navy EOD that takes place in the 1950's. I've also reviewed it on this blog and on Amazon. This also provides invaluable insight into the U.S. Navy EOD community's heritage.
The third book I'd recommend for those who want to learn about the U.S. Navy EOD community is The Day We Lost the H-Bomb: Cold War, Hot Nukes, and the Worst Nuclear Weapons Disaster in History by Barbara Moran. This is a true account of a B-52 crash and the loss of four nuclear weapons in 1966. One of the key figures is a legend in Navy EOD, Commander "Red" Moody. Add this to your required reading list if you wanna be a crab-wearer.
It is equally important to understand the EOD world today, what it means to serve as an EOD Tech in the global war on terrorism. Currently, there are not many good books about American forces conducting EOD, but there are two that cover our UK brethren. They are Eight Lives Down: The Story of a Counterterrorist Bomb-Disposal Operator's Tour in Iraq by Major Chris Hunter and Red One: A Bomb Disposal Expert on the Front Line by Capt Kevin Ivison. Again, I've written detailed reviews on this blog and on Amazon. Note that in the British Army tradition, EOD Techs come from the logistics corps and are called "Ammunition Technical Officers" or "ATOs."
Much of the modern counter-IED techniques evolved from ATOs' efforts battling the IRA in the Northern Ireland conflict they called, "The Troubles." There are also several good books on this subject. In particular, I recommend A Special Kind of Courage by Chris Ryder and The Longest Walk: The World of Bomb Disposal by Peter Birchall. The are both excellent sources of historical accounts of valor by British ATOs in Northern Ireland and other theaters. I've also reviewed these through this blog and on Amazon.
For all those who seek to become an EOD Tech - get in physical shape - but also start with the lessons learned and the history encompassed on these pages to ensure you're on the right track.
April 6, 2012
Proximity FAQ #1: How do you avoid publishing classified material?
The most common question I hear from those who have read Proximity: A Novel of the Navy's Elite Bomb Squad is, "EOD work is often classified. How do you avoid publishing classified material?"
It is very important to me to never publish classified information. First, and foremost, I would never want to write something that could put America's servicemen and women, especially my EOD brethren, into harm's way. Second, I have an important moral and legal obligation to the U.S. government to avoid publishing classified data.
Most servicemen and women likely know the boundaries of what is, and is not classified. This can be supported by reviewing the classification guidance, formal documents that stipulate what is classified for any given topic.
To be most complete in meeting one's obligation, your manuscript should be submitted for review. For the U.S. Navy, this is done through the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), also known as CNO N09N2. The contact list is found on their website here: http://www.ncis.navy.mil/securitypoli... Note the classification management division with the email donclassificationmgt@navy.mil This is the office that will review one's manuscript. They will then submit it to any and all who have need for review. For example, I once wrote an article that included discussion of U.S. Navy EOD Techs supporting the U.S. Secret Service. N0N2 sent my work to the USSS for review. I recommend when submitting the writer include a list of all entities that may have recognizance over your topic to help facilitate the process.
I am certain that the other services have a similar office. With a little research, members of the other services can meet this same obligation.
It is very important to me to never publish classified information. First, and foremost, I would never want to write something that could put America's servicemen and women, especially my EOD brethren, into harm's way. Second, I have an important moral and legal obligation to the U.S. government to avoid publishing classified data.
Most servicemen and women likely know the boundaries of what is, and is not classified. This can be supported by reviewing the classification guidance, formal documents that stipulate what is classified for any given topic.
To be most complete in meeting one's obligation, your manuscript should be submitted for review. For the U.S. Navy, this is done through the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), also known as CNO N09N2. The contact list is found on their website here: http://www.ncis.navy.mil/securitypoli... Note the classification management division with the email donclassificationmgt@navy.mil This is the office that will review one's manuscript. They will then submit it to any and all who have need for review. For example, I once wrote an article that included discussion of U.S. Navy EOD Techs supporting the U.S. Secret Service. N0N2 sent my work to the USSS for review. I recommend when submitting the writer include a list of all entities that may have recognizance over your topic to help facilitate the process.
I am certain that the other services have a similar office. With a little research, members of the other services can meet this same obligation.
