Radio Interview

 

 Some folks might think doing a radio interview would be extremely stressful. I think of them as a lot of fun. David Francoeur does a great job at WCNO Radio in Palm City, Florida. This is my second interview with him, and we had a great time. 

 What I have learned is that if you keep it conversational, it doesn't seem like and interrogation. It's more of a discussion with a friend about something of interest to both of you.

 During our latest interview, we talked about both books, "Lone Oak" and "Vengeance Is Mine" as well as a little bit about our next book, "Fool's Gold". We also discussed the upcoming, as soon as we can raise the funds, movie based on my book "Lone Oak". We are launching an Indiegogo campaign where people can get a better idea about the film and how they can get involved. 

 The twenty-minute interview will be aired later this month. I want to thank David and WCNO Radio for giving me this opportunity. 

 For more information you can always email me at phil@authorphilhardy.com or phil@loneoakproductions.net.

A few words.

 

The Cowboy Knows He's Free

 

The Cowboy Knows He's Free

The life that he has chosen is horns and hide and hoof

And a blanket of a million stars each night provides his roof.

Some nights he dreams, of home and hearth and wife.

Sometimes the cowboy way can be a lonely way of life.

But he's up before the sun again.

The red sky speaks of rain.

He draws his slicker from his bedroll, for he knows what lies in store.

He hits the saddle of his wild eyed mount as the storm begins to roar.

From Cookie's stash he grabs a sinker and heads toward the herd.

With clacking horns and bellows, from their slumber they have stirred.

A lightning flash and thunder crash, and in a panic they all run.

It's more excitement than a cowboy wants, stampedes are never fun.

No city man could handle this kind of life you see.

But in it the cowboy revels, for the cowboy knows he's free.

Phillip Hardy

7/14/2023

 

What an honor! The promotional trailer for “Lone Oak” was nominated for Best Trailer at the International Christian Film Festival.

I was hesitant about entering the trailer because we are still raising money to make the film, but here we are, nominated for best trailer. This is a very humbling experience. I sure didn't do this on my own. In fact, without the help of numerous people, prompting from my beautiful bride and God, the script would still be sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

The nomination is not the win. We won't know who the winner is until May, but this is certainly an encouragement. I'm amazed at how many have loved the script. I know I like the story, but I am the author of the book the screenplay is based on, so I better like it. I never envisioned myself making a movie, but then, I never envisioned myself writing two published books either.

What have I learned on this still unfinished journey? I could make a list that is longer than my arm, but you'd get bored. I'll highlight a few things.

First and foremost, you'll never get anywhere by dreaming about it. I don't mean to not dream, but in order for that dream to become a reality, you have to work at it. It will cost you time, effort and money. Sleepless nights, frustration that things aren't happening on your schedule and uncertainty that you should even try, are all part of it. Those who succeed aren't any smarter or more lucky that you. They simply did not quit. Don't give up on your dreams, but do more than dream. DO!

Be humble enough to know you don't know and willing to look to others for advice. Many successful people are happy to give helpful advice. They know that their success is not dependent on your failure. In the words of Ronald Reagan, they know “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Additionally, if they have succeeded, they know how to succeed. Nobody knows all of the answers, but those who have succeeded know how to succeed. One other thing that is very important. In order to succeed, you must define success for yourself.

Last on today's list, be thankful! No matter what you have, you will appreciate it more if you take time to be thankful for it. Hard times teach you perseverance. Good times teach you to rejoice and to be generous. Daily tedium teaches you that your joy comes not from your surroundings, but from the One who made your surroundings and provides for your daily life. Messes made by your children let you see happiness in the little things. Being tired each gives you the satisfaction of a day of accomplishments, no matter how large or small.

“Today is the tomorrow you dreamed about yesterday.” Phil Hardy

Thank you for reading.

You can contact me at phil@authorphilhardy.com or visit our website, www.authorphilhardy.com

Radio Interview

Dave at WCNO Radio.

 As I was preparing for a recently recorded radio interview at WCNO Radio, I was a bit nervous about how Dave and I would interact. We had spoken on the phone a few times and I had an idea about the line of questioning, but it was the first radio interview I had done in a decade or two. Would it all be serious, or would there be time for some smiles and laughter? Well, a few minutes in he asked me what brought me to Florida from Michigan. I couldn't pass up that question. "A car" was my response. The ice was broken, and we had a wonderful 20 plus minutes of discussion about my salvation, my books and the movie project I am working on based on my novel "Lone Oak". We had some serious discussion and laughed, joked as well. 

 Dave was extremely gracious and kept us on track. If he hadn't, we might have spent hours talking about writing, our Lord and westerns. When I have the broadcast date and time, I will certainly post it. I think you'll enjoy listening to it almost as much as we enjoyed recording it.

 By the way, my reason for coming to Florida has brunette hair and stands about 5'3". She is my beautiful bride. God put us together and I could see no reason to argue that point. He does know best.

 If you have a question you would like me to address about writing or the "Lone Oak" film project, please email me and I will do my best to answer it.

 Signing off until next time.

Phil Hardy

www.authorphilhardy.com

phil@authorphilhardy.com

 

 

Romance

Action

Faraway lands and time travel

I have a question. What exactly do you do?

      I was recently asked the question, “What do you do”. I thought about it and asked myself, “Are your books merely entertainment?” I hoped they were more than that, but what? I asked myself, "Is a book or story more than just entertainment?" As I thought about it I came up with the following answer.

       This is what I do. I take people on journeys through space and time to destinations that they can only imagine. I provide adventures fraught with danger and excitement and even provide a touch of romance at times. I touch people's hearts and minds and give them a reason to fear and to cheer.

      I'm a tour guide, of sorts, leading my readers down twisting turning trails of the imagination. I point to the landscapes and characters while letting surprises grab you leaving you wondering how you missed the clues. Each adventure is pure fiction, so your mind's eye is the only limit.

       I hope that I make people think a little deeper about this world in which we live and instill a little more courage to stand for what is right. My desire is to give my readers an escape from the toils of today for a short time so that they can return a little stronger in their desire to defend the defenseless and help the helpless. My stories have heroes who are just like you and me, regular everyday people.

      What am I and what do I do? I am an author, a tour guide and a spinner of yarns. I'm a storyteller whose stories are only limited by the imagination.

 Thank you for visiting.

       Phillip Hardy

      www.authorphilhardy.com

      phil@authorphilhardy.com

 

 

Book signings!

This is where the real fun begins!

Book signings are great fun but be prepared to do some preparation. You can't just hang up a sign the day of your event and expect it to be successful. Remember the 5 P's. “Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” This holds true in all parts of life, especially when putting something like this together.

A few steps are critical. First and foremost, remember, you are a guest. Don't demand anything. Let the proprietor know your needs, but they have the final say. Some business owners feel, justly or unjustly, that anyone who comes into their business who is not a direct customer of theirs, is an inconvenience. DO NOT be that inconvenience. Be a gracious guest and they are far more likely to be that gracious host you are looking to partner with.

Next, ask the business owner or manager how YOU can help them. This is their livelihood you are asking to interrupt. Give them any fliers or literature they may find helpful and take it down for them immediately after the book signing unless they want to keep it.

BRING A CROWD!! I can't emphasize this enough. Bringing some extra customers to their place of business goes a long way to making you welcome then and in the future. Even if it is only a few people that show up, make sure you invite everyone you can think of, even if you don't think they will come. They might surprise you.

Make sure you have enough books! You don't want to run out of inventory. Unless you are extremely well known, 30-40 copies will be sufficient, but have extras just in case. It's easier to go to the car and get some extras out of the trunk than it is to tell someone, they will have to wait for their signed copy.

Make sure you select a venue that works for your genre. Two things will come from this. First, you are more likely to get permission to hold your event. Next, you are more likely to be successful. For example, I don't think my westerns would be as well received at a high society tearoom as they are at a western cafe or coffee shop. However, a romance novel would be far better received at the tearoom than at a rodeo.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS thank your host. A handwritten card to them by name goes a long way. Remember, you're an author, so writing a heartfelt thank you should be easy.

As always, thank you and God bless.

Phillip Hardy

Author of Lone Oak, Vengeance Is Mine and several short stories with more on the way.

www.authorphilhardy.com

phil@authorphilhardy.com