Welcome back to mystery author Dale T. Phillips! Today we’re chatting about his new mystery and crime anthology, Crime Time.
Bio:
Dale T. Phillips has published novels, story collections, non-fiction, and over 80 short stories. Stephen King was Dale’s college writing teacher, and since then, Dale has found time to appear on stage, television, radio, in an independent feature film, and compete on Jeopardy (losing in a spectacular fashion). He’s a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Sisters in Crime. He’s traveled to all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and through Europe.
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories/children’s books/novellas?
The chance to explore cool ideas in short story form, to finish them between the long slog of novels. You can feature a single idea rather than the scope and sprawl of a novel-length.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
Homage to great writers, writing fun things to put in, stories that touch the heart or funnybone. When I reread years later, and they hold up, know I’ve done well.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
Crime/mystery and horror. Well, having Stephen King to learn from was instrumental, and love the work of the whole lineage of crime/mystery writers.
What exciting project are you working on next?
Just got invited to another anthology, so need a good visit from The Muse! I’ve got hundreds of potential stories in titles and ideas.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Selling my first story was a milestone, and publishing the first novel was really the kickoff to that level.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
For short stories, the Submission Grinder: https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/
It’s free, unlike Duotrope, but does all the same things- available markets, tracking, etc. Nothing better for finding all the places your story could go!
Thanks for that – this is the first I’ve heard for The Grinder! 😊
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love putting in Easter eggs that many might not get, but very rewarding for those who do.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Did not have an overwhelming single ambition- childhood was rough, without stability for that kind of thinking.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I love helping other writers. The publishing world is so impossible for most writers, but there are other paths to success.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author page
Lisa, thanks for doing this. Love writing the stories, and it’s fun to talk about the process as well.