Interview With Harold Phifer

How has your writing process evolved over the years?

I’m far better than when I first started. My stories have to be an easy read; otherwise, they’re not ready for the public.

Can you tell us about a book or project that stands out as a turning point in your career?

My second book, “The Bicycle Lady” was a rush project. It was poorly written and only impressed me. I learned then, I had to find a way to capture the reader’s interest and not Harold Phifer or Dean Conan.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors based on your experience in the industry?

Talk to as many authors as you can. On the business side, try to gather advice about editors, proofreaders, ghostwriters, marketers, Publishers, etc.

On the creative end, believe in yourself and your work. Make sure to get it all jotted down (or as much as you can recall) in a safe place. Watch, listen, and learn from others. Be patient when you hit the wall (writer’s block).

The juice will return. Sometimes it takes time but more likely it will hit greater than where you were before the wall stopped you.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a seasoned author?

Being acknowledged as an author. It’s not about being accomplished either. It’s the fact, I’m doing something many wish they had the gumption to do. However, seeing your thoughts in print is an enormous shot in the arm.

For more information about Harold’s book and the giveaway, click the link.

My Bully, My Aunt And Her Final Gift Virtual Tour & Giveaway

GENRE:  Memoir

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BLURB:

Aunt Kathy made his childhood miserable—now her funeral might just set him free.

In this wickedly funny and deeply honest memoir, Harold Phifer revisits the chaos of growing up under the thumb of a domineering aunt who ruled with twisted wisdom and unpredictable wrath.

As he plans her awkward memorial, Hal finds healing in the most unexpected place: her absence. My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift is a heartfelt journey through trauma, truth, and the strange gifts we inherit from those who hurt us most.

Excerpt:

Sad, because the animals had no voice. Life was a flip of the coin for grass, garbage, or grease. Yet, with any luck, they got to pig out with the trash instead of dinner on a skewer.

Even the locals walked a fine line but to nobody’s envy. They were determined and driven, with plenty of needs to go around.

Their missions rarely changed. It was always constant and consistent as of yesteryear, yesterday, today, and any time going forward. Their struggles were real and imperative to survive. Food on the table wasn’t a given.

About The Author:

Harold Phifer was born in the rebellious South of Columbus, Mississippi. As a kid, he worked the streets, hustled the neighbors, and bused tables at bars he didn’t belong in.

After graduating from Caldwell High School, he went on to earn degrees from Mississippi State and Jackson State Universities. He became an Air Traffic Controller in Memphis, Tennessee, but after 23 years, he sought purpose elsewhere—working as an international contractor alongside soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After narrowly escaping the Taliban takeover in 2021, he took refuge at Guantanamo Bay and resumed his writing while continuing his work as a controller. In 2024, he returned to the Middle East, where he continues to write about life, love, and the human spirit.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-phifer-093b4091

https://www.facebook.com/HaroldPhifer2024

https://www.instagram.com/haroldphifer2024

https://riseandread.com/

Giveaway:

Harold Phifer will be awarding a $15 Starbucks gift card to a randomly drawn winner. http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5162

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/05/vbt-my-bully-my-aunt-and-her-final-gift.html