Pay It Forward

Hello to all of my new and old friends.  I have a great little story to tell you today.  This past weekend I went to Fort Wayne, IN for work and had a terrific trip there and back.  Okay, that is stretching it a little bit.  It really wasn’t that great of a trip, but the after-affect was spectacular. 

Now you are really wondering what I am talking about, aren’t you?  Well, as it turns out, the weather in Rapid City was so bad that the plane I was booked on to come home was canceled.  So myself, along with several disgruntled travelers, were destined to stay seated and wait for the next plane the following day or make other arrangements.  I, being a seasoned traveler, knew that I was not going to stick around the airport and hope for a seat on the next plane.  So immediately I called my family and arranged to have them pick me up at the closest airport to my home town. That was in Pierre, SD, only a two and a half hour drive.  

So I was all set and getting ready to move to my new gate when I overheard a very lovely elderly lady saying that she really needed to get to Rapid City that night because she had to make it to her brother’s funeral the following day.  Now, I assume you can imagine what I did next.  Seeing her so distraught and feeling totally helpless, I offered her a seat in my family’s Explorer, making sure that she would make it to Rapid City that night.  

She, of course, was extremely happy and spread the news of her good fortune to the ladies that she had been sitting with.  Because good news travels fast, I became the new best friend for three more travel buddies and I am so happy I did.  Janet from Custer and Megan from Hill City, SD, were both present and accounted for, as well as the lovely Beverly from Texas, who lost her brother.  Many prayers sent your way Beverly and Allison, from the Twin Cities.

These ladies entertained me with stories and adventures through our short journey home and the honest to goodness appreciation they showed myself and my family was unforgettable.  So let me just say a big “Thank You” to Megan for the 1880 Train Ticket for my family.  I know we will enjoy them completely.  Another thank you goes to Janet for the lovely card and well wishes.  I appreciate all your support and give thanks for new friendships every day.

Finally to the sweet Beverly and entertaining Allison, thank you for laughing with me and my daughter and I do hope that one day we will meet again.  Hopefully, under better circumstance than when we first met.

What is the lesson learned here today?  Well, I could have turned my head and walked away.  I could have ignored the need that was right in front of me.  I could have done both of those things, but I chose to be kind and helpful even in my own state of stress.  Did I mention that I had been up that day since four o’clock in the morning and was rather tired and grumpy from traveling too?  Yet something deep inside prompted me to offer my services and so I did.  Yes, it was a little extra work for my family, but it was the right thing to do.  Isn’t that what we all set out to do on a daily basis?  Maybe it is or maybe it isn’t for you; just remember that what you put out there always comes back! 

That was proven to me today with some wonderful thank you cards and the knowledge that I have gain four more people in my life who think of me with kindness and respect.  I hope you take something good from this and understand that paying it forward can and will make a better future for all of us living on this great planet.

That’s all today.  Until next time, Read On!  H.R. Phillips

Pink Perfect

Hello to all my wonderful cyber readers… Thanks for stopping in and checking out today’s blog. I wanted to talk with you about an incident that I witnessed last evening at my son’s basketball game. I was sitting in the bleachers watching the game when I noticed a young girl across the gym sitting by herself in the corner of the stands.

This didn’t surprise me because several kids will sit up in the far corner to hang out and just have fun socializing. Yet, she was there alone and something about her demeanor struck me a sad. To me she seemed lonely.

So, every now and again I would glance up to see if she was still there. And each time I did, she would still be sitting in the same spot by herself looking even more forlorn than before.

Eventually my motherly instincts took over and I had the overwhelming feeling that something was wrong. So I asked my niece what her name was and why she was sitting by herself. I was informed of her name and that she was relatively new to the school and very shy. I then asked if anyone had made an effort to include her in anything socially and the reply I received was not to my liking.

What happened next could only have happened because of good old-fashioned heart felt caring. My daughter, Ella who is only seven years old was sitting next to me during my conversation with my niece. Understanding that I was concerned about the young lady, she took it upon herself to make a new friend.

She had walked across the gym, climbed to the top of the stand and introduced herself to the young lady.  It wasn’t long and my daughter returned with her new friend in tow. Please understand that this young girl is at least six years older than my daughter. A freshman in high school.

Both girls walked up to me and my daughter introduced her new friend before sitting down and joining the rest of our family and friends to help cheer on the basketball team.

I carefully watched the new addition to our cheering section and it wasn’t long before she was talking up a storm with my niece and her friends. With my daughter Ella as the main entertainment for all the girls, telling her silly little jokes in between baskets leaving her mark of cheerfulness on us all.  After watching them socialize together I have no doubt that this young lady will make friends in her new school.

After the game was over and we all parted to go our separate ways I asked my daughter what she said that made our new friend decide to leave her perch and joining our little group.

The simplicity of it surprised me at first but then remembering what a wonderful daughter I have and her ability to make anyone feel special I completely understand how it happened. With a few words of encouragement and complements,  Ella had boosted her to a level that she felt comfortable in participating. All it took was a little girl the age of seven to say that she liked her shoes and thought she was pretty in order to get her to feel like she was worthy.

It is humbling to know that I have such good children and that at seven years old my daughter did more than most people would have ever thought to do.

I am ending this blog with the beginning lyrics from Pink’s new song “Perfect” Please remember that no matter who you are your special to someone… Even if you just met them for the very first time…

~

Pink - Perfect

Made a wrong turn once or twice…

Dug my way out blood and fire…

Bad Decisions that’s all right…

Welcome to my silly life…

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood, Miss “No way it’s all good”

It didn’t slow me down

Mistaken, Always second guessing…

Underestimated, Look I’m still around.

Pretty, pretty please don’t you ever-ever feel like you’re less than, less than perfect!

Pretty, pretty please if you ever-ever feel like your nothing, you are perfect to me!

~

And you are PERFECT to someone out there… And don’t forget it….

Listen to the entire song if you have a chance today. It is most definitely worth it.

That is all for now… Until next time – Read On!!!

H.R.Phillips

Word of the Day: Auspicious

Hey, everyone out there in the world of cyber space.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I was traveling and working, so I didn’t get much time for fun.  However, when you love your job as much as I do, there is something to be said about accomplishing it well; which, of course, I did this weekend.

To all my good friends and fans in Fort Wayne, Indiana, thank you so very much for your well wishes.  It is always nice to know that I have you great people behind me for support and I promise to make sure and use each and every one of your suggestions within my writing.

Today’s word of the day is coming from Jack W. in Northville, MI.  His word choice is auspicious.  Another wonderful word coming from a rather exceptional source at http://dictionary.reference.com

aus·pi·cious  [aw-spish-uhs]

–adjective

1. promising success; propitious; opportune; favorable: an auspicious occasion.

2. favored by fortune; prosperous; fortunate.

After receiving this word from Jack, I wondered, does he believe that I am or will someday be auspicious?  Is it possible that is what he is thinking?  I do not know.  What I do know is that I may not be favored by fortune, yet I am completely and thoroughly prosperous and fortunate in friends, family and fans.  Again, thank you to all of my supporters and remember to keep up with the series and watch for the contests coming up in just a few short weeks.

Until next time… Read On!! H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Pogonotrophy

Hello, all you wonderful cyber space fans!  Thank you for joining me once again on my blog.  It is Friday and the weekend is coming up fast.  I will be traveling this weekend to Fort Wayne, IN and I hope to sign a few copies of “The Immortal Lost” for my fans there.  So, to all you Fort Wayne followers of the “Prime Immortal Series”, make sure you stop by and get you books signed.

Now let’s get down to some business.  The word of the day was submitted by Robert Burger.  Robert suggested that I give the definition for the word pogonotrophy.  I have to say, this one had me stumped.  I did a search of the word and was pleasantly surprised as to its meaning. Today’s definition comes from www.thefreedictionary.com

pogonotrophy

The cultivation of beards, beard-growing.

Some cultures view pogonotrophy as a sign of virility and wisdom in men.

Well, as you can surely read, pogonotrophy is not a word that would be used in general conversation, nor would I consider using it when writing.  However, I do believe that it could fit with one of the characters with in the series Prime Immortals.  Do you have an idea of whom I am referring?

Gelmir, of course!  I envision him as a stalwart, beard wearing, and handsome man, with a great sense of wisdom and understanding that is inherent to him and him alone throughout the series. Yet, you may find your view of Gelmir completely different.

That is why I love books.  Using your imagination, you can follow the writer’s story line and create your own opinions of the characters you read about.  Tell me your thoughts.  As for now, that is all I have.  Have a great weekend and we will see you soon.  Until next time… Read On!!

H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Devotion

Well, it is a beautiful Thursday morning and I am having the best day.  All is well with the family and work couldn’t be better.  I have a very hectic schedule for the next couple of weeks and then I am heading to New York for the National publicity summit.  I am looking forward to being back on the east coast and taking in all the extremely entertaining sites.  It has been over a year since I was last there and I cannot wait.

For those of you who have never experienced the New York lifestyle, give it a chance and let yourself have fun.  I don’t think you would regret it.

So let us move on to our word of the day.  Today’s word is coming to us from the beautiful and talented Janice Jensen, who just happens to also be my mother.  She has chosen the word devotion.

Our definition comes from the online source  www.thefreedictionary.com

de·vo·tion  (d-vshn)

1. Ardent, often-selfless affection and dedication, as to a person or principle.

2. Religious ardor or zeal; piety.

3. a. An act of religious observance or prayer, especially when private. Often used in the plural.

b. devotions Prayers or religious texts: a book of devotions.

4. The act of devoting or the state of being devoted.

I think this is a truly beautiful word.  Devotion, as the definition states, is the often selfless affection and dedication to a person or principle.  In the book “The Immortal Lost”, Gelmir’s devotion to finding the one true child shines throughout the series, as well as Dylan’s devotion in understand who and what she really is.  

I love this word and I have to say that it was an exceptional choice.  Thank you, Mom, for your word submittal.  That is all for today.  Thanks again for joining me. Until tomorrow, Read On!!!!

H.R. Phillips

New Fan Club President!

Hello, wonderful readers!  I am back and have some great news.  Last night I went to my daughter Ella’s basketball game.  Now, she is only in second grade and the talent is really not that good, however the fun I had watching her attempt to dribble the ball all the way up the court was worth the pain I received sitting on those hard bleachers.  I also was able to watch my son later in the evening, and his team is very good.  Sad to say, but he did lose his game by one point. Oh well, it is about learning the fundamental and having fun at this age.  He will only improve and hopefully when he gets older, he will be a wonderful player.

Enough about my pride and joy, let’s get to the good news.  As I was being entertained by several first and second grade little people attempting to shoot a rather large basketball into the hoop, a young lady approached me and raved about the book, “The Immortal Lost.” After visiting with her about the next book coming out, “Dark Days”, she was noticeably excited and wanted to know what she could do to help get the book out faster.  I explained that the publishing process takes time and that she would just need to be patient, like all the rest of the Prime Immortal fans.

It was then that she asked if we had a Facebook page if she could be a fan and chat with other fans online.  Of course, I told her yes and suggested that she enter the many contests that we will be posting on the website beginning April 1^st, 2011.  That made her day, and she couldn’t wait to get online and start chatting up with the rest of the fans.

Due to the excitement she displayed and the fact that she had so much energy, I asked if she would be interested in being the president of the Prime Immortal Fan Club. She jumped at the chance!  So to all of you who were looking for a forum to chat about the book, certain events that are coming up and contests  we are hosting, go to the Facebook page “Prime Immortals” or by first visiting the website at www.primeimmortals.com where there is a link that will take you directly there.

I can almost guess that my young readership will be going online and checking out the great tips for writing as well as info on what is happening in the world of the Prime Immortals.  A big thank you to Jacie Benter for being one of my biggest fans and now the president of the Prime Immortal Fan Club.

That’s it for today!  Make sure to join both Jacie and myself on the Facebook page to talk shop. As always, have a great night and until tomorrow, Read On!!!!!

H.R. Phillips

Contests!

Hello to all my avid readers! Thanks for joining me once again.  Today’s blog we are going to talk about some new and fun contest ideas. Beginning April 1st we are going to be giving away one of a kind items from the website Prime Immortals.

That’s right people; we are giving away a prize a week. What? Are you kidding, you ask? I am absolutely not kidding… That is exactly what we are going to do. Each week we will be choosing one lucky person to receive the prize of the week.

Now, I know that you are all curious as to what the prizes will be. So I am going to tell you. We have hired local artist and designer, Heather Ullmann, to create a one of a kind jeweled Prime Immortal bookmarker series.  And I have to say they are absolutely stunning. So if you are interested in getting a one of a kind creation by Heather, join us online and enter to win.

The rules will be posted with each contest and individual contestants will be required to complete an entry form to compete. It is as simple as that.

However, we would like your input as to what kind of contest you would enter. For instance, we are planning on asking specific questions in regards to the book Immortal Lost. Such as - what is Dylan’s adoptive mother’s name? And so on.

Other suggestions are who is the favorite character of the week. The answer, of course, will be in the blogs that I post during that week, so pay attention.

Another would be what is my favorite place to read a book? Again the answer will be somewhere in the blogs that I post that week as well.

So now that you have an idea of what we are looking for, submit your contest suggestions and let’s get started in having a little fun and winning some great prizes.

Don’t forget the word of the day contest. It ends September 31st 2011 and the prize is a kindle e-book.  So get busy and submit your word of the day.

Prime Immortal’s staff is making a huge effort to get the word out, but we need your help. Tell all your friends and let them know. Thanks again for joining me and until next time. Read On!!! H.R. Phillips

Murder Mystery/Romance Coming!

Hello! Hello! Hello!  What a great day!  I have been having a wonderful week and I hope that all of you are having the same.  I am coming to you from beautiful Arizona, writing this blog while I wait for my next flight to take me off to sunny California.  I love my job and I really enjoy working with all of my clients.  Yet, traveling from one destination to the next on a regular basis can be tiresome.  So, pacing myself is necessary to stay healthy.  In the end, even if I am a little worn out, the response I receive when I have successfully worked with a receptive client is worth it all.

However, as much as I love my job, writing is my true passion.  I believe that several of you have already completed the book “Immortal Lost” and are waiting for the second book in the series, “Dark Days”.  Well, I have great news for you all, it’s coming!

But today I wanted to tell you about another series that I am developing.  It is a storyline about a female writer/journalist that finds herself wrapped up in a devious plot to kill a co-worker and potential rival for a lucrative position at work.  Her name is Kate Knight and she is the heroine within the first book.  Then follows her little sister, Lilly, and older brother, Jack, starring in the next two books, completing the trilogy.  The plan is to have a continuing murder mystery with a little romance set in all three books.  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself whisked away to a world unknown to you.  After all, I love my sci-fi fantasy. Give me your input and let me know what you think.  What would you like to read about?  What and where do your interests lie?  Do you need more romance, mystery or fantasy?  I really do rely on your input, so let me know.

Well, I am off to sunny California and I will be chatting with you soon, but until then… Read On!!  H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Zumba

Hello Again!  I’m back for another day of fun in the big world of words. Today is a great day and I am planning on doing a little shopping if I can.  I am in Phoenix, AZ for work and then will be heading for Riverside, CA on Friday evening.  So I may be a little travel weary the next couple of days.  Hopefully I can keep up the blog and get you your word of the day for the rest of the week.  Today’s word came to me as an inspiration after yesterday’s blog.  Again, let me say thank you to all of my readers for the personal day that I took yesterday on the blog.  

So, today’s word of the day is Zumba.  This word is very interesting to me due to the fact that I go to a zumba class every day after work and I love it.  Our definition comes from our online source at  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zumba

Zumba \ˈzäm-bə, ˈzōm-\ (gumba, sumba)

is the name of a dance fitness program, created by dancer and choreographer Alberto ("Beto") Perez in Colombia during the 1990s.  Zumba was marketed by entrepreneur Alberto Perlman,

[1] who made the concept popular through dance classes as well as branded merchandise.

[2] The program combines Latin and international music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun.  Zumba classes are offered through licensed instructors in more than 100,000 fitness center locations in 110 countries with ten million participants.

[3] DVDs are also available for learning at home.

Well folks that is all I have for today.  Make sure that you submit your word of the day so that you can be entered into a drawing for prizes that will be handed out during the release of the next book, Dark Days, in September 2011.

Until then… Read On! H.R. Phillips 

Of a Personal Nature

Hello to all of you in cyber space.  I do hope that everyone is feeling well today.  I would like to use today’s blog to talk about something of a personal nature. So, no word of the day today; however tomorrow we have a great word that will make you want to do a little dancing.

Recently a good friend of mine came to me upset and very discouraged about the diet that she was on and wanted to know how I kept the weight off and stayed healthy. I, of course, looked right at her and said that I was still struggling with my weight and that I was not happy with where I was physically.

Unaware as to why, she became very irritated with me and walked away.  It was only after having a conversation with another good friend that I realized she felt I was being snide.  Folks, I must say I was completely confused by this.

We live in a society where there are several shapes and sizes of people and they all come with different personalities.  I know some beautiful people, both inside and out, who according to the media and general public would not be considered beautiful.  It is a complete shame that we judge people upon the physical shell that we carry and not on the true person they are. In fact, there have been several shows such as Dateline and 20/20 who have covered such topics.  Just the other day I watched a show about young children with red hair being picked on by their peers.  Really!!!  I do not understand this.  I myself have family members with red hair and can honestly say they are wonderful.

I am completely confused by it all and because of that, I have taken the time to try and understand a little more about my friend’s irritation with me.  I believe after repeating the conversation back in my head several times that she took offense to my claim because she believed that I was being inconsiderate.

Please understand, I believe her to be exceptionally beautiful.  I don’t think that she needs to lose weight and so I told her that.  However, my mistake came when I verbally made a judgment over her that was not requested.  She believes that she needs to lose weight and that is all that matters.  Who am I to make her feel bad about it?

I have always been my worst critic.  I am sure that everyone out there in cyber space would say over time we’ve all been there as well.  Judging ourselves; making decisions on our faults while attempting to improve ourselves. (i.e.; dieting)

What we need to remember, is that we are not alone.  There is always someone out there who sees you for who you really are; the person you are on both the inside and the outside.  No matter how you see yourself, there is always someone that sees you differently.  My point is this, you may see me as thin, healthy and beautiful, but somewhere inside I am thinking that I need to lose ten pounds and that my hair is too short.  We will always want to improve ourselves, be it through education, talent, or physical aspects, we will continue to try.

So to my good friend, let me say that I appreciate the compliments you gave me and I apologize for the judgment I made.  Yet, I still stand by my original thought, which was that you are beautiful, no matter what you do.  If you want to lose a little weight to make yourself feel better, then I my advice is exercise.  Not only will it make you feel better, it will tone your body.  Just a little reminder, muscle weighs more than fat.  So don’t get discouraged if you step on the scale and you weigh more.

Thanks to all my blog readers for allowing a little personal time for me. I know life can get us down and that is why good friends and family are important. Take the time to enjoy them.

Until next time… Read On! H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Immortal

Hello again, I’m back!  Does that sound a little ominous?  To me it is a reminder of an old movie with a little girl sitting in front of a TV, staring at the static.  Then with a rather scary little voice, she announces “they’re back!!!”  Ooooh….kind of gives me the creeps.  What is the name of that movie anyhow?  Is it Poltergeist?  I think so; if not, let me know.

Hopefully, when I say that I’m back you don’t have the same feeling.  I want to believe that anyone who is reading this blog is taking something from it and that I am not scaring the wits out of them with my writing.

On today’s blog I wanted to talk about the interview I did last week.  I was honored to speak with Cindy Adams at KOTA News at Noon, about the release of my book, The Immortal Lost. While discussing the book, she asked the question, “What exactly is an immortal?”  She quickly followed it with a second question, “Are your characters vampires?” To which I replied, “No, my characters are not vampires, but rather another species entirely.”

This got me thinking. If a well-educated news reporter was mistaken about what an immortal is and was under the assumption that all immortals are vampires, then how many others have the same perception?  I understand this theory.  There are several books out that discuss vampires and immortals. It is easy to get confused.  However, if you are an avid reader of sci-fi and fantasy, then you know exactly how many variations of an immortal there can be. Vampires, Aliens, Demons, Fae and so on…

So today’s word of the day is Immortal coming from our web source at www.dictionary.reference.com  

im·mor·tal

–adjective

1. not mortal; not liable or subject to death; undying: our immortal souls.

2. remembered or celebrated through all time: the immortal words of Lincoln.

3. not liable to perish or decay; imperishable; everlasting.

4. perpetual; lasting; constant: an immortal enemy.

5. of or pertaining to immortal beings or immortality.

6. (of a laboratory-cultured cell line) capable of dividing indefinitely.

–noun

7. an immortal being.

8. a person of enduring fame: Bach, Milton, El Greco, and other immortals.

9. the Immortals, the 40 members of the french Academy.

10. (often initial capital letter) any of the gods of classical mythology.

As you can see from the definition supplied above, both Dylan & Alessar are immortals in the book.  Yet there is one small complication, the immortals in this series along with other books I have read do have the capability of being destroyed.  What does that mean?  Do they die or do they come back?  Guess you will have to read the book and find out what happens to the immortals that grace the pages of Prime Immortals the Series!

That is all for now. Thanks for joining me today and I look forward to your input. Until next time Read On!!! H.R.Phillips

Word of the Day: Eminent

What a wonderful weekend!  I hope that all of you had a great weekend as well.  It is Monday the 14^th of March and a new beginning for a great week.  

Let’s get down to business.  Today’s word of the day is coming from Pat K. in Cody, WY.  She has been a good friend and client to me for years and when I spoke with her last she was talking about how much her granddaughter loved the book, “The Immortal Lost”.  That was a great boon for my ego.  Yet, in the same conversation Pat tried to wrangle a few tidbits out of me on the next book, “Dark Days.”

Sorry everyone, that is just not going to happen. I love you all and appreciate the dedication that you have shown.  But I will not be giving away the story before it has had a chance to gain momentum.  So before my conversation ended with Pat, she decided that she would attempt to gain a couple of the chapters from book two “Dark Days” by entering a word of the day.  Her word choice is eminent.  We gained our definition from our online source at www.thefreedictionary.com

em·i·nent  (m-nnt) adj. 1. Of high rank, station, or quality; noteworthy: eminent members of the community. 2. Outstanding, as in character or performance; distinguished: an eminent historian. 3. Towering or standing out above others; prominent: an eminent peak.

eminent [ˈɛmɪnənt]

adj

1. above others in rank, merit, or reputation; distinguished an eminent scientist

2. (prenominal) noteworthy, conspicuous, or outstanding eminent good sense

3. projecting or protruding; prominent

[from Latin ēminēre to project, stand out, from minēre to stand]

eminently  adv

I think this is a great word to describe some of the characters in the book series. In fact, I would say that Gelmir is of eminent importance to the storyline.  Tell me what you think and don’t forget to submit your word of the day.  After all, you could end up winning a couple chapters of the book Dark Days or even an e-reader.  So make sure that you submit it today.

Until tomorrow, Read On!!  H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Satire

Hello to all my wonderful readers. It is a beautiful day today and I am
Today’s word of the day is a one that I don’t use in my immediate vocabulary. However, it is widely used in the world entertainment and maybe even in politics. The television show “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher” uses our word of the day as a badge of honor. So what is the word of the day?

Today’s word is satire brought to us by Emily J. of Rapid City South Dakota. Our definition comes from our online source at www.dictionary.reference.com

sat·ire   

[sat-ahyuhr]  –noun

1. the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.

2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.

3. a literary genre comprising such compositions.

Okay, we have the definition of the word but really what does it mean? I am sure that all of us have dealt with satire some point in our long lives. Tell me about it and how it made you feel? Is there satire in the book the “Immortal Lost”? Who would be guilty of satire out of the characters that you have read about? Is it Alessar or Gelmir? Maybe it is Dylan? Tell me your thoughts.

Until next time, Read On!! H.R.Phillips

Word of the Day: Happy

Hello to all of you out there in cyber space.  I am coming to you from a remote location in the wilds of South Dakota.  Okay, maybe that’s a little bit of an exaggeration, but with this crazy weather we have been having it sure seems that way.  I am actually sitting in a pickup helping with the feeding of our livestock and wondering why I am not sitting in front of a cozy fireplace sipping hot cocoa.  Thank goodness I only have to wait until the feeders are full and then I get to go home to the warmth of my electric blanket. I think I’ll snuggle down with my kids and watch a movie. It kind of brings a happy, warm, fuzzy feeling to me just thinking about it.

Let’s talk about the word of the day.  As I sit in the pickup, waiting for my sons to finish their chores, I drill my daughter on her spelling words while typing this blog.  I have to say that having four children has made it easy for me to become a multi-task master.  So, with my daughter’s list of spelling words, I ponder as to which word I should write about.

Of course the fact that my daughter’s spelling list is so readily available, I had no choice but to allow her to choose our word of the day.  Today’s word of the day, chosen by my daughter and off the second grade spelling list this week, is happy.

Happy is the word of the day.  While I understand there are several definitions for the word happy, we have taken our definition from the web source http://www.dictionary.reference.com/

hap·py   

1. delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing: to be happy to see a person.

2. characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy: a happy mood; a happy frame of mind.

3. favored by fortune; fortunate or lucky: a happy, fruitful land.

4. apt or felicitous, as actions, utterances, or ideas.

5. obsessed by or quick to use the item indicated (usually used in combination): a trigger-happy gangster. Everybody is gadget-happy these days.

What a great word.  How many of us use it on a daily basis?  I know that I do.  In fact, I believe that I was just talking with my good friend about the true happiness I have found in my writing. What about you?  Where does your happiness stem from?  My daughter says that she is happy when her brothers are not around.  So happiness comes in several forms. I would like to know what your thoughts are, so drop me a note.

Until next time, Read On!!! H.R.Phillips

Attitude is a Choice

Hello all!  I do hope the beginning of your week has been good so far. I wish I could say that it was good for me, yet I know that would be stretching the truth. Today is Wednesday the day after the official release date of “The Immortal Lost”.  Of course, you all know is the first book in the series of the Prime Immortals.  Make sure to get your copy if you haven’t done so already.

But, I digress. Why is it, you ask, that I cannot say the beginning of this week was good for me?  Well, allow me to elaborate.  My household has been plagued with illness. First my oldest son and his younger brother fell victim to the flu, followed by my other two babies.  Influenza and strep throat are my enemies right now.  So, between the clean up, medications, and soothing baths, my reserve of patience was worn thin.  I was literally having a very long week within the first few days.  With four sick children and bad weather surrounding me, the grumpiness was building.

However, today is a new day and this day is just the beginning of a new attitude and wonderful ending. It is called a positive outlook, people!  Yes, you heard me.  Forget the past.  That’s why it is in the past.  Look to the future, which begins with today.  Let’s make the most of it.  My children are on the mend and while I am exhausted, I will survive.  The weather is going to improve over the next few days, leaving us with sunny skies. So life can only get better.

I know you are all wondering why I am so perky and upbeat now.  Well, I remembered something that was said to me many years ago and over the last twenty-four long, sleep deprived hours, it came to me.  We have a choice.  It is a choice we all can make.  It is an everyday choice to be better than what we are.

Sure, after the last couple of days I could have closed up shop and said no more.  I could have become a grouch and carry all that grumpiness with me. But it can infect everyone in my path with my bad attitude.  After all, the alternative is much better.  I would much rather put a smile on my face than allow the past to dictate my feelings.  Having a bad day is one thing, but letting it fester into something that can lead to a miserable week is a whole other ball game.

So remember you have a choice, use it wisely and never forget it could be worse for the person on the other end of your bad day.  I know, because my children never had plans of getting sick, nor did they ever want to feel as badly as they did.

My mother always said that you could get more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.  Those few words of wisdom took a very long time to finally sink in.  Hopefully you will use them and make your choices faster than I did.

Blessings to you all and don’t forget to Read On… H.R. Phillips

Official Book Release is Today!

Hello all! I am back once again and looking forward to chatting with my readers.  Just a special little note for those of you who don’t know and for those of you who may have forgotten ~ today is a very important day. Today, March 8, 2011 is the official release date for the first book in the Prime Immortal Series.  Today “The Immortal Lost” hits bookstores and Internet shops all over the country.

This is a very proud day for me and I have been waiting for a very long time to see this dream become a reality.  So, if you haven’t gotten your book yet, go to my website www.primeimmortals.com or go down to the local bookstore to get your copy; or let your fingers do the work by going to amazon.com and get a copy there.

I also wanted to take this time to say thank you once again to all my readers out there in both cyberspace and from the pre-release launch of my first book “The Immortal Lost.”  I have been receiving great responses from all of you and I really have to say from the bottom of my heart that I am blessed with great fans.  “Wow!!!  You people are awesome!”  I love you all and without you I wouldn’t feel such wonderful support for the work that I put out there.

Some may think that writing is easy, but I have to disagree. A lot of what a writer puts into his or her work comes from the heart.  It is a passion or feeling that they need to put into words.  Maybe for the some writers that part of expressing their passion on paper is easy.  I really don’t know, and can only tell you what my experience has been.

For me it can go either way.  It can be both, easy or difficult.  It really depends on what I am trying to write.  I know what it is that I want to write, yet I’m not always able to express exactly what I want to say.  That’s when the real work begins and the rewriting of what I am trying to say is developed.

So, my hat is off to all editors and the great fans that support us.  A special thanks to my right hand woman and editor, Cindy.  Without you all the accolades that I am now receiving would be impossible.

Today is just another day for some but it is a wondrous moment in my life and I thank you all for sharing it with me.

Until next time, Read On!  H.R. Phillips

Patience, Patience!

Hello to all of you out there in cyberspace!  Happy Monday to you!  It has been a great weekend and I am really looking forward to an even greater week.  For those of you who didn’t know, I have had a household full of sick little people.  However, they are all on the mend and life is getting back to semi-normal.  No more illness for a while, or so I hope.  My fingers are crossed and I’m saying a little prayer as I write this, because I don’t think I can handle much more of the flu symptoms in my house.  Well, that is enough about the illness plaguing my home.  But please say a prayer that it is gone.

Let us move on to what’s happening in the world of books.  I am extremely excited about a few new releases that are coming out or are already on the shelves of your local bookstores.  Of course, the official book release for “The Immortal Lost” is tomorrow, March 8^th 2011.  So make sure that if you haven’t had a chance to pre-order your copy that you pick one up at your local bookstore.  The staff at www.primeimmortals.com, along with myself, are getting rave reviews from all our readers, not to mention the reviews we have received from book review writers for Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.  Make sure to check out the review from Todd Rutherford on one of last week’s blogs.

There is a book that I have been looking forward to reading by author Patrick Rothfuss, “The Wise Man’s Fear” (part of the King Killer Chronicles Series #2).  I have been patiently waiting for the release of this book and now have my copy.  So, the plan is to read a little this upcoming weekend while I travel the friendly skies.  Let me know what books you like and maybe we can start a little chat about the dynamics of our favorite writers.

On to another note, I want to stress to all my readers that I hope I am answering and satisfying your questions on the series the “Prime Immortals”.  I want my readers happy and I really would like to have your input.  With that being said, I have had requests for spoilers and I am really sorry to say, that is just not going to happen.  I have always thought it a bad idea to give away the goods (ending) when half the joy is in the journey.  So to all who continue to ask about the next book in the series “Dark Days”, please know that I understand your hunger for what happens next.  But by telling you the ending before you have even read the middle would be very discouraging, to say the least. So, hang in there people; September is not that far away.  I promise you won’t be sorry.

Until we chat again, Read On!  H.R.Phillips

Word for the Day: Fortitude

Hello again, my fellow readers.  Well, today I am moving a little slower than I would like.  I spent most of the evening cleaning up after my very sick little boy, Caleb.  He has the flu; poor little man and cannot keep anything down. So while exhausted and a little rumpled, I am writing today’s blog.  Please let me apologize in advance for its briefness.  Yet I know several of my readers will understand, being parents too.  We have all been there before, I am sure.

Today’s word of the day is coming from me personally.  A fellow co-worker told me that I had the fortitude of a man possessed.  I found that interesting and decided that fortitude should be our word for the day.

 

Our definition comes from www.dictionary.reference.com

for·ti·tude [fawr-ti-tood, -tyood]  –noun

Mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously: Never once did her fortitude waver during that long illness.

Wow, does that definition ever fit!  I find it amazing that the sentence they used as an example so totally my life right now.  Poor Caleb, lucky for him his mom has fortitude.  Life is strange sometimes, but it always has a meaning.

 

So what does fortitude mean to you when it comes to the Prime Immortal Series? I think that Gelmir shows great fortitude in both his quest for the lost offspring and in his strength against the darkness.  Tell me what you think.  Who do you believe has more fortitude in the series? Could it be Dylan, or maybe Alessar?  Let me know.

That’s all for now everyone.  Until we read again, have a great day and remember to Read On… H.R. Phillips

Word of the Day: Certainly

Hello, everyone!  It is a beautiful day and I am one very happy writer. I just received my first book review from Mr. Rutherford; he is the book review guru. Yesterday he gave the book, “Immortal Lost”, an excellent review.  If you are interested in reading what Mr. Rutherford had to say about the “Immortal Lost”, just go to yesterday’s blog where it is posted.

I am also getting rave reviews from readers.  Thanks to every reader who is sending in such wonderful responses and e-mails.  I also want to say thanks to all the teachers and lovely young readers from my hometown.  I have several props for you to use in your book reports at school. Just let me know what you need and I will make sure you have them. I have to say that I am a very blessed writer and the support that I am receiving has been wonderful.

Again, I must say a heartfelt thank you to every one of my readers and supporters. You have no idea how much I value you. Please send any questions or responses into the blog or by e-mail and we will do our best to make sure they are answered.  Now, let’s get down to business ~ the word of the day!

Today’s word comes from Lisa Smiley of Rapid City, SD.  Lisa has chosen the word certainly.  I asked why she chose that word and she told me her five-year-old daughter has been using it on a regular basis.  How cute is that?  I love it when little people use big words.  It was my daughter’s favorite word for a very long time.  That shouldn’t surprise my readers considering she is the consummate debater, just like her mother.  I love to read, love to debate… I think it is in the blood.

Our definition comes to us today from www.merriam-webster.com

cer·tain·ly adv \-lē\

1: in a manner that is certain: with certainty

2: it is certain that: assuredly

Used in a sentence.  It will certainly rain tomorrow.  This year's festival was certainly much better than last year's.  I'm certainly going to try.  The new version is most certainly easier to use. The snake that bit her was almost certainly poisonous.

Well, I certainly understand this definition.  Yet how can we tie it in with the “Immortal Lost” or even the series, like I have in the past with my blogs?  “Easy Peasy”, like my daughter would say.  The series has several twists and turns and in the first book, ”The Immortal Lost”, you see a few.  Yet in the second book, there are certainly more.  Yeah, I know that was way too easy.

Keep them coming, readers!  I love a challenge, so make sure to submit your word of the day.

Until tomorrow, Read On!   H.R. Phillips