BooksChatter: ℚ Vacation to Graceland

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Phillip Cornell to talk about Vacation to Graceland (16 April 2015, Dog Ear Publishing, 92 pages), a Vacation Comedy Adventure.

|| Synopsis || Video Intro || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Phillip Cornell; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Vacation to Graceland?

"The inspiration for my latest book was actually very random. I was trying to think of ways to generate money for my hobby, so I decided to enter a writing contest. I found a contest instructing me to write a short story about traveling.

I thought about what I could write, and I began writing Vacation to Graceland. The story in itself got too long for the contest. I did not want it to go to waste, because it was too good not to publish. After short consideration, I decide to contact an independent publisher, and now we are here with this novel."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"There are many different sides to me. I have always described myself as a moody individual. This novel really shows my sarcastic/comedic side. I look for the comedy in any situation, but this novel really highlights my humorous personality.

I believe it also shows how thorough I am with details. Each character, who is an actual person in real life, is portrayed to a tee."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Vacation to Graceland - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"My cover is poppy and yellow. I will be honest. This is not the design I initially chose for the cover. I had a great story, and my publisher linked me with a graphic designer through their company.

All though the cover is what I deem basic, the letter art is really good. I had to learn to like the cover, but it has definitely grown on me. In general the cover catches you off guard, because the story is nothing like what you expect based on the cover art."

Why should we read Vacation to Graceland and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"You should read my novel purely to have a good time! My novel can be read front to back in 4 to 5 hours. You will experience such great laughter and emotion, you will want to read it again! I also have a lot of hidden comedic gems in the novel. It does not hit you until an hour or two after you read it.

If you ask me, my nonchalant comedy style is unique and one of a kind. I guarantee, it will make you laugh!"

Can you tell us something quirky about Vacation to Graceland, its story and characters?

"This novel is in fact a real story, about an actual trip, I took with my family. While you read it, there will be times that you think certain situation are fabricated. No! These stories are real, and my family members are unique individuals! I interact with these people on a daily basis, so please be warned. Nothing is fictional about this."

Who would you recommend Vacation to Graceland to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"This book is for any and every one. My 10 year old niece read it, and understood what was going on. She did not catch all the sarcasm, but she got the gist of what I was talking about.

There are really no disclaimers. Just be ready for a roller coaster ride!"

If you could / wished to turn Vacation to Graceland into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"A dream team? I would cast my actual family members, and stage it like a reality show. I would tell everyone they are being filmed, then sit back and watch them be great. No one can recreate my mom or late grandma. They are and were one of a kind. This includes my niece, nephew, and sister also. No dream team, just the real and raw."

I like it :-)

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I write about whatever I am feeling at that time. I am interested with situations regarding myself and people in my life. With that being said, if I am having relationship issues, that is what I will write about. If I have financial issues or random happenings in my life, I will write about that.

I believe my writings gear towards realism. Each situation I describe, either fiction or non-fiction, has some sort of real life basis to it. Also I like to read my own stories, so yes! I read this genre quite often."

What is your writing process?

"My writing process is to lay a story down on notebook, then type it up later.

I usually make an outline in my mind, then write it down to revisit it from time to time. I have a good memory, so I mainly freestyle write most of the time, and form it into a structured story as I go."

What is in store next?

"I am just out here writing. I have an ebook called The Compulsive Move I will start promoting in 2017. It is about a teenager who unexpectedly moves from St. Louis to Chicago. The story is interesting, because the boy keeps the relocation a secret all the way up until 3 weeks before he leaves.

Other than that, I have a couple of other ideas I am falling in and out of love with. I will just keep writing, and see what I have when the smoke clears."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I share pets.

I live with a pit bull name Jewel owned by my roommate. She is really needy, but I know she loves me.

Also my mom has 3 dogs at her house. One is my childhood pet named Cleo. My parents got her for me when I was 14, and she is still around. She also has my late grandmother’s dog that she still takes care off, and another dog that my 26 year old nephew’s girlfriend just dropped off one day. It was supposed to be there temporarily, but it ended up living there. All the dogs at my mom’s house only listen to me when I have food."