K.D. Phillips's Blog, page 3
January 18, 2024
“Every Old Place is Haunted, Right?”
“Haunted house,” I muttered under my breath with a nervous chuckle, trying to convince myself that it was all just a joke. After all, every old place is haunted, right?I busied myself with brewing a fresh pot of coffee, the familiar aroma filling the air and helping to ease my lingering concern. I poured myself a steaming cup and sat down at the table. Opening my laptop, I began to review my notes from the interview I’d conducted at the Old Corner Store.
My eyes scanned the page, landing on the phone number I’d scribbled down for the Leesburg Ghost Tour. I felt a chill run through me as I recalled the strange events that had played out yesterday and last night. Real or imaginary, I wanted to talk to someone… anyone older than a child, who might be able to shed some light on what was going on.
“Why not?” I muttered to myself, reaching for my cell. “Nothing to lose.” My heart raced as I dialed the number. Almost instantly, there was an answer, and I heard a recorded message filled with spooky screams, creaks, groans, and howling winds. I shook my head at the irony of it all as the message began:
“Oh, great, another moron calling about the Leesburg monthly ghost tour.”
You could hear paper shuffling as the female voice continued speaking, clearly off-microphone, to someone else in the room.
“Like, seriously, do I have to read this?”
“Kat…” a male voice admonished her from the background.
“Fine, whatever.” Her voice became clearer as she spoke directly into the mic.
“You’ve reached the Leesburg Ghost Escapades, where we’ll take you on a tour that’s probably not as scary as my mood right now.”
“Stick to the script, Kat,” the annoyed background voice interjected.
I rolled my eyes at the unprofessional recording but continued to listen. Despite the sarcasm dripping from the woman’s voice, I couldn’t help but hope someone might be able to provide insight into my situation.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m getting to it,” she continued with a heavy sigh, clearly frustrated.
“Attention, fellow victims… uh, I mean, valued customers! The moon’s out, the spirits are restless, and we’re bracing ourselves for another round of ghostly shenanigans. So, ready yourselves, because there’s a tour tonight. Yep, you heard me. Tonight! The ghosts are getting ready to put on their best show, and by best, I mean they’ll be trying to remember how to make things go bump in the night.”
“Just finish it, please,” the male voice whispered.
“Leave your name and number after the beep, and we’ll add you to the list of people who willingly signed up for this ghostly rollercoaster.” Her voice trailed off as she addressed her companion.
“Happy now?”
“That was amazing.” the male voice muttered sarcastically.
“You know what, Normie?” Kat replied, “If you think you can do better, why don’t you record the message?” She paused before mumbling under her breath.
“Jerk.”
“I heard that, Kat.”
The back-and-forth went on, both talking over one another until their exchange was abruptly cut off by the beep.
“Uh, hi,” I hesitated, unsure how to respond to the odd recording. “My name is Samantha Payne, and I’m not interested in your tour, but I need help with a… ghost problem. If anyone there knows anything about real spirit encounters, please call me back at this number.”
I hung up the phone, shaking my head at the strange recording.
Order Your Copy of “Fireflies” Today on Amazon.com
An Interview With K.D. Phillips, Part 2
Writing the book, that’s the fun part, the part where the ideas flow and creativity takes over. But let me tell you, everything else in the process is like navigating a maze of challenges.
Editing, formatting, cover design – it’s a whole different world, and it took me at least a month for each book to get all those pieces together. It’s like wearing multiple hats, and sometimes I feel like I’m juggling more tasks than I can handle. Keyword searches, don’t even get me started on those! Finding the right words to make your book discoverable is an art in itself.
Then there’s the whole cover design ordeal. You want it to be eye-catching, to tell a story on its own, and yet, it’s this uphill battle of decisions. What color? What font? Does it convey the essence of the story? It’s a mix of excitement and frustration, wanting to capture the essence of the story in one single image. It’s a labor of love, but sometimes it feels like I need some magic to get it all sorted out.
And then there’s the ongoing battle of finding an audience. I’ve poured my heart into two novels now, but keeping those books in front of people and making them want to dive into the stories – that’s a constant struggle. It’s like trying to stand out in a crowded room, waving your books like a flag and hoping someone notices.
Order Your Copy of “Fireflies” Today on Amazon.comJanuary 17, 2024
“Because Freakin’ Awesome is Not An Official Job Title”
The office above the bustling café in downtown Leesburg was a small cluttered one-room space that perfectly mirrored the eclectic personalities of its occupants.The room smelled of old books and coffee – a lingering aroma that traveled up from the eatery below. Chris Janney, the seasoned paranormal investigator in his late thirties, sat behind his cluttered desk, surveying his team members, engaged in their usual banter. Diplomas from pseudo-scientific institutions such as the ‘Rhinoceros Institute for Parapsychological Research’ and the ‘Institute of Noetic Sciences’ adorned the walls behind him, bearing witness to his years of training.
Norman Pete, or “Normie” – as he was affectionately known, had his nose buried in a thick tome about spectral phenomena. His lanky frame hunched over; he occasionally punctuated his reading with muttered exclamations. Surrounding him were various paranormal investigation tools such as infrared thermometers, Electromagnetic Field Meters, and Spirit Boxes… it seemed like he was part of the clutter himself. He wore a black t-shirt with white letters that read: “Fishing for Ghosts. Catch and Release Only,” and above his desk hung a poster stating, “Paranormal investigator: the only job where asking, ‘Is anybody here?’ is considered professional communication.” Norman’s faint, pencil-thin mustache was his latest attempt to make his boyish face look older, but it only served as another source of amusement for Kat, who taunted him relentlessly about it.
“Aw, come on, Normie,” Kat teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she eyed his mustache. “I thought you were growing out your facial hair to impress the spirits, not scare them away.”
“Very funny, Skittles,” Norman replied without looking up from his book, using the nickname he’d given Kat because of her colorful makeup. “Some of us are actually trying to improve our understanding of the paranormal.”
Perched on the corner of Normie’s desk, Kat’s striking appearance contrasted sharply with the mismatched decor of the room. Her petite frame barely reached over five feet tall, but her boisterous, unfiltered personality more than compensated for her size. A halo of dim light seemed to illuminate her pale skin, and her heavy makeup accentuated her dark, mischievous eyes. Shoulder-length black hair, reminiscent of pin-up girls from a bygone era, framed her face, and long straight-cut bangs covered her forehead. She wore a t-shirt that boldly declared: “PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR BECAUSE FREAKIN’ AWESOME IS NOT AN OFFICIAL JOB TITLE.”
Leaning forward, she inspected the thick book in Norman’s hands, eager to give him a hard time. “Normie, are you sure you’re not just summoning the ghosts of boredom past with that book?” she quipped, her dark eyes dancing mischievously.
Norman’s head snapped up, his glasses slipping precariously down his nose. “Kat, this is serious research. I’m looking for rational explanations for our findings. You know, scientific rigor.”
Kat snorted, her brightly painted red lips curling into a smirk. “Scientific rigor? How do you scientifically explain that pathetic thing you call a mustache?”
Huffing, Normie pushed his glasses back up his nose and glanced towards Chris. “Chris, I know you appreciate the true essence of spectral phenomena. Maybe we should do more investigating, so we aren’t just left with these ghost walks, and tourists seeking cheap thrills.”
“Normies right, Chris,” Kat rolled her eyes dramatically. “Maybe we should hand out Ouija boards and glow sticks tonight for extra ambiance, you know, get a little real spirit activity going.”
“Let’s not undermine the integrity of our tours, guys,” Chris raised an eyebrow, torn between amusement and concern.
“Fine, I’ll leave the Ouija boards for another night.” Kat let out an exaggerated sigh, her brashness softened by a playful smile.
“Alright, you two, which way do we want to head on the tour tonight – east or west. Any feeling where there might be some activity?” Chris interjected, hoping the change of subject would quiet the bickering.
Kat leaned back, crossing her arms. “Yeah, yeah, the monthly parade of skeptics hoping to catch a glimpse of Casper. My Ouija board says we go west.”
Norman adjusted his glasses. “If you want an opportunity to educate the public about the intricacies of paranormal research, I think east of the courthouse might make for some interesting conversations.”
“Sure, Normie. You want to talk and i want to see some real ghosts,” Kat waved a hand dismissively.
“Let’s not forget, people are interested in what we do. We’ve got a reputation to uphold,” Chris chuckled, attempting to maintain order.
“Hey, east or west, I’m just hoping to add a touch of spectral elegance to the mix,” Kat winked at Chris, striking a playful pose that accentuated her beauty.
“Ghostly elegance? Is that a new chapter in your paranormal fashion guide?” Norman sighed, rolling his eyes.
“Normie, my man, you do know that reading ancient scrolls won’t summon a ghost, right?” Kat’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Unlike your ‘summoning ghosts with lipstick’ technique, I prefer to rely on knowledge and evidence,” Norman shot her an irritated glance, his dry sense of humor evident even in his exasperation.
Chris intervened before things could escalate further. “Can we please just focus on the tour?” he asked in an exasperated tone.
“Fine,” Kat relented, crossing her arms over her chest. “But I still think we should do something exciting during the tour, like a séance or something.”
“Absolutely not,” Chris said firmly, his gaze locked on Kat. “We’ve talked about this before. We’re not going to use cheap gimmicks to entertain our guests.”
“Alright, alright,” she sighed, rolling her eyes once more. “But if we end up with another group of yawning tourists, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Trust me, Kat,” Chris replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I think our work speaks for itself.”
Order Your Copy of “Fireflies” Today on Amazon.com“Terminal”
I tapped away on my tablet writing the forward for my last magazine article. Maddie sat beside me, her small fingers tracing patterns on the wooden armrest, lost in the quiet world children inhabit even when shadows lengthen and futures dim.
“Life,” I began, my words a whisper meant only for the page, “unfolds in mysterious layers, each more fragile than the last. I am Samantha Payne, a name you might recognize from previous bylines in this magazine. But here, in this place where the sky blushes with the promise of night, I am simply Sam—a mother savoring every breath of her daughter’s twilight.”
I paused, allowing the silence to speak where I could not, watching Maddie’s chest rise and fall in rhythm with the cicadas’ serenade. I continued to type, letting my thoughts pour out, raw and unfiltered.
“The first time I heard the word “terminal” in conjunction with Maddie’s illness, I was seated on a stiff hospital chair, hands clasped so tight my knuckles turned white as bone. Terminal is a conclusion, an ending written before the final chapter’s due. It’s a thief in the night, robbing you of dreams and tomorrows.”
A soft sigh escaped me as I thought about the journey that had brought us to this place.
“Before the farmhouse became our refuge, before the word ‘terminal’ became our unwelcome companion, I was a writer wrapped up in the chaos of the city. My life was a flurry of deadlines and interviews, the relentless pace my partner in a dance I thought would never end.”
“Here, now, with crickets as our chorus and the scent of honeysuckle sweetening the air, we are rewriting our story. This porch is our sanctuary, these rolling hills our canvas.”
“Mama, look!” Maddie’s voice pulls me back, and I glance up. She’s holding a lightning bug captive between her delicate fingers, its glow flickering like a tiny beacon of hope. “It’s like a little star!”
“Be careful not to squeeze too hard,” I caution gently, watching her open her hand slightly, giving the insect room to move.
“Okay,” she replies, her attention rapt on the glow. The firefly takes flight, a luminous speck ascending into the twilight. Maddie’s eyes track its ascent until it’s lost among the constellations.
“Beautiful things are meant to be free,” I murmur, more to myself than to her. I smile and begin typing once again.
“This article will be our journey—Maddie’s and mine—from this sunset-laden porch to wherever the road may lead us. It will be a testament to her spirit, a record of love immeasurable, the kind that doesn’t falter when faced with the unthinkable.”
I pause, lifting my gaze to the stars that have begun to claim their posts in the heavens above. Each one feels like a silent witness to our tale, a story of love and loss that transcends the earthly plane.
“Until Maddie’s light joins the firmament above, I vow to celebrate her, to immerse her in beauty and laughter. And when the time comes for her to shed the confines of this mortal life, I will let her go, knowing that our connection, the love between mother and daughter, is a force not even death can sever.”
I set my tablet down, feeling the words settle around my heart like a promise. Maddie rests her head against my shoulder, her breaths even and calm, unaware of the solemn oath etched upon the page.
“From this day forward,” I whisper into the quietude, “until the stars claim you as their own.”
Order Your Copy of “Fireflies” Today on Amazon.com
January 15, 2024
“Something Out of a Nightmare”
We stood there, frozen in fear, clutching each other as the growling grew louder, closer. The shadows danced and twisted around us, taking on sinister forms that filled my imagination with unspeakable horrors.
“Stay behind me, Sam,” Chris ordered, wielding the shovel like a protective barrier between us and the unknown.
The growling intensified, mixed now with heavy, labored breathing. The very air vibrated with primal malice, and in that moment, I knew without a doubt that something monstrous lurked just out of sight.
“Did you see that?”
Chris’s eyes scanned the shadows. I squinted, trying to make out the shape that caught his attention. There, against the dark of the woods, I could see something moving… something big.
“I see it!” I whispered urgently, pointing at the shadowy figure darting through the trees just beyond the fence line. “Is that a wolf?”
“Maybe,” Chris replied, gripping the shovel tightly. “But it’s…it’s bigger than a wolf… damn,” he muttered under his breath.
We listened in horror as the creature snarled and growled, punctuated by an occasional gut-wrenching howl.
“Look at it,” Chris whispered, his voice tight. “It’s like something out of a nightmare.”
The creature was massive, its body covered in coarse fur that seemed to shift and shimmer in the dim light. Its eyes were dark and hollow, like twin voids that threatened to swallow us whole. It snorted and growled; saliva dripping from its razor-sharp fangs.
My heart pounded in my chest as I glanced frantically around, the creature’s sounds rendering the woods even more ominous than before. That’s when I saw her – a small figure darting between trees, her white dress a stark contrast to the shadows that enveloped her.
“Oh my God, Chris, look!” I cried out, my voice barely more than a whisper. “It’s Amelia… she’s out there!”
Through the darkness, I could make out the fragile figure of Amelia, her ghostly form trembling with fear as she hid behind a tree. Her eyes, wide and panicked, met mine for a moment before she disappeared.
The monstrous creature turned its gaze toward us, its eyes gleaming with a primal hunger that sent ice-cold terror coursing through my veins. Slowly, deliberately, it began to move in our direction.
Order Your Copy of “Fireflies” Today on Amazon.comJanuary 14, 2024
“Fireflies” Available for FREE Today Only!
Hey everyone! I’ve got exciting news! Today only, my latest release, “Fireflies,” is available for FREE in Kindle format on Amazon. Dive into the enchanting story and let the magic unfold. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts with a review—your feedback means the world to me! Happy reading!
About “Fireflies”
In the quiet shadows of an old farmhouse near Leesburg, Virginia, a poignant tale unfolds, transcending the boundaries between reality and the spectral unknown.
In “Fireflies,” the luminous dance of ethereal beings becomes the backdrop for Samantha and her terminally ill daughter, Maddie, as they seek solace in the timeless embrace of a rustic haven.
Their arrival stirs dormant spirits, unveiling the ghostly presence of 9-year-old Amelia, a phantom from the farmhouse’s mysterious past. As supernatural events escalate, Maddie’s connection with Amelia deepens, leaving scars that echo the torments of a bygone era.
Fearing for her daughter’s safety, Sam turns to Chris and his team of paranormal investigators to unravel the unsettling mysteries that shroud the truth.
The team battles malevolent forces and Maddie’s fragile existence hangs in the balance as we discover a story where love becomes the guiding light, flickering eternally like the luminescent dance of fireflies in the dark.
Get your FREE copy NOW!
January 13, 2024
“A Fleeting Shadow”
An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach as I made my way up the narrow staircase.“Sweetheart?” I called out, trying to mask my fear. I hesitated at the threshold of Maddie’s room, feeling a bone-chilling cold unlike anything I’d ever felt before.
“Maddie?” I whispered softly, my breath visible in the cold air.
There was no response, no familiar laughter or playful banter to fill the silence. Maddie’s bed looked curiously untouched, neatly made up as if it had never been slept in. My chest tightened… my motherly instincts on high alert as I tried to make sense of it all.
“Maddie?” I called again, my voice quivering with urgency. I turned toward the adjacent bathroom, thinking I would find her there. The cold intensified as I moved closer, a frigid chill that seemed to gnaw at my soul. Dread coiled within me, tightening like a vice around my heart, yet I forced myself to continue.
“Please be okay,” I muttered under my breath, worried that Maddie’s illness had taken her from me.
The quaint bathroom embraced me as I stepped inside, my gaze lingering on the vintage tiles beneath my feet. Each one seemed to tell a tale of decades long past, their faded beauty a testament to the history that had unfolded within these walls.
My eyes were drawn to the large, ornate mirror dominating the room. An image stared back at me from its slightly fogged surface, and I was startled to realize that it was my own reflection. My eyes betrayed a mixture of anxiety and tiredness… a mother lost in her own fears, searching for answers. I swallowed hard, fighting back emotion.
“Come on, Maddie,” I muttered under my breath, revealing my frustration. “This isn’t funny. Where are you hiding?”
As if in response, there it was—a flicker of movement, a fleeting shadow that darted across the mirror’s surface. My breath hitched, my heart skipping a beat as disbelief warred with the undeniable truth before me.
In the mirror, a young girl appeared—pale, ethereal, and transient. Her hair, dark as midnight, cascaded in loose waves down her back, the strands seemingly defying the laws of gravity. Her eyes, large and hauntingly deep, held a timeless wisdom that belied her youthful face.
My heart pounded in my chest, echoing the wild drumbeat of fear and awe that coursed through me. The girl moved with a grace I had never witnessed before, her lithe form dancing effortlessly through the cramped space. I held my breath, watching her every movement. Tension knotted within me, a tightly wound spring just waiting to snap. An airy gasp escaped my lips as it dawned on me—this little girl was not my Maddie.
“Who are you?” I breathed, my voice barely there. “Are you… real?”
The girl said nothing, but her gaze seemed to bore into my soul, as if she could see every hope and fear that lay hidden within my heart.
“Please,” I whispered desperately, my eyes brimming with tears. “If you know anything about Maddie, tell me. I need to find her.”
In that moment, our gazes locked, and I felt an inexplicable connection to this spectral figure. It was as though we shared the same heartbeat, our lives intertwined by some unseen force.
“Are you here to help Maddie?” I pressed, desperation giving strength to my voice. Still, the girl remained silent. My heart ached with the need to understand, to find some semblance of meaning in this spiritual encounter. The girl’s gaze never wavered, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of compassion in her eyes. As quickly as she had appeared, she began to fade, her ethereal form dissolving like mist beneath the first rays of dawn.
“Wait!” I cried out, my hand reaching out instinctively to touch the mirror’s cold surface, but it was too late. The girl had vanished, leaving behind only a lingering sense of loss and the echo of a whispered word:
“Believe.”
Get Your Copy of “Fireflies” on Amazon.comDon’t miss out on this enchanting tale that will ignite your imagination. Grab your copy now and join the adventure! #FirefliesBook #MustRead #AmazonBooks 
[Amazon Link]
I hope you enjoyed this brief excerpt from my latest book, “Fireflies”. I’ll be posting more excerpts from the book for you to enjoy. Please leave your comments!
Enjoy!
K.D.
January 12, 2024
“Fireflies” Release Day!
Today marks a momentous occasion as we proudly announce the release of the much-anticipated novel, “Fireflies”! This literary gem is now available on Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback formats, inviting you to embark on a captivating journey through its pages.
Embracing the Glow: “Fireflies” Illuminates the Literary World
“Fireflies” is not just a book; it’s an experience waiting to unfold. Authored by K.D. Phillips, this novel promises to immerse you in a paranormal world of intrigue, mystery, and transcending love. With every turn of the page, you’ll find yourself drawn into a narrative that sparkles like the delicate dance of fireflies on a summer night.
Join the Conversation: Share Your Thoughts!
As you dive into the world of “Fireflies,” we encourage you to share your thoughts and reactions. Connect with us on social media using the hashtag #FirefliesNovel and let the world know about the emotions stirred by this haunting tale. Your reviews and feedback mean the world to us, and we can’t wait to hear your perspectives.
A Journey Begins: Get Your Copy Today!
The release of “Fireflies” is not just a book launch; it’s the commencement of a shared adventure between us. Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey, and we hope “Fireflies” finds its place on your bookshelf and in your heart.
Ready to be captivated? Click [here] to grab your copy now!
Happy reading!
Warm regards,
K.D. Phillips – Author of “Fireflies”
January 8, 2024
Catching Up – My First Novel “A Darkness Between the Stars”
Dear Readers,
It’s with great excitement that I welcome you to my new blog, a space where words weave tales and thoughts find a home. To those of you who know me through Amazon, thanks for your continued support. To my new readers, welcome to the adventure!
Catching Up on Past Projects: “Fireflies” is my latest novel due to be live on Amazon January 12th. My first novel has been live for a few months, and I appreciate all the input from readers and fans. Each project holds a story, and I am eager to share the tales of inspiration, challenges, and growth that accompanied them.There are currently several projects in the works, including a sequel to my first book, “A Darkness Between the Stars.” ”Fireflies” will eventually be a series of books, featuring the crazy characters introduced in this work.
Did you know there are ghosts everywhere?
My First Novel – “A Darkness Between the Stars”: One project that holds a special place in my heart is the novel, “A Darkness Between the Stars.” This book has been a labor of love, written and based on true life experiences from my years living on St. Thomas in the USVI. “A Darkness Between the Stars” is now available on Amazon, ready to be explored by avid readers like yourself.
Available Formats: For those who prefer the convenience of e-readers, the Kindle edition is readily accessible. Alternatively, if you relish the tactile experience of flipping through pages, the paperback version is also at your fingertips. Whichever format suits your reading preferences, “A Darkness Between the Stars” is there to transport you to worlds unknown.
Get Your Copy:
Join the Conversation: I’m eager to connect with each of you on this creative odyssey. Share your thoughts, questions, and reflections as we delve into the stories behind the stories. Let’s build a community where our collective passion for words can thrive.
As I catch up on the past and step into the future, I invite you to join me on this literary adventure. Here’s to a new chapter filled with words that resonate, stories that captivate, and the shared joy of reading.
Happy reading!
K.D. Phillips
Exciting Announcement: “Fireflies, A Haunting Tale of Transcending Love” – Available Now!
Dear Readers and Book Enthusiasts,
We’re thrilled to unveil our latest literary creation, “Fireflies: A Haunting Tale of Transcending Love,” a mesmerizing journey through the realms of mystery, love, and the supernatural.
About the Book:
In the haunting shadows of an old farmhouse near Leesburg, Virginia, a tale of supernatural entanglements, desperate love, and flickering hope unfolds in “Fireflies.”
Samantha and her terminally ill daughter, Maddie, escape to this rustic haven, only to find themselves entangled in the spectral embrace of a 9-year-old girl named Amelia.
“Fireflies” is a gripping journey into the supernatural, where a mother’s unyielding love confronts the mysteries of life and death. Discover a story where love becomes the guiding light, flickering eternally like the luminescent dance of fireflies in the dark.
Will the truth, once unearthed, set Amelia’s spirit free and bring salvation to Maddie?
Available Formats: Now, you can immerse yourself in this spellbinding story in the format of your choice! “Fireflies” is available on Amazon in Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Paperback editions. Whether you prefer the convenience of an e-reader or the tangible feel of a paperback, we’ve got you covered.
How to Get Your Copy:
Kindle: [Link to Kindle Edition]Paperback: [Link to Paperback Edition]Spread the Word: Help us share the magic of “Fireflies” with the world! If you enjoy the book, we would be immensely grateful for your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Your feedback means the world to us.
Thank you for embarking on this extraordinary journey with us. We hope “Fireflies” finds a special place in your heart and bookshelf.
Happy reading!
K. D. Phillips
email: kdphillips714@gmail.com
