Local Buchanan Science Fiction Author and Book Signing
by Rebecka Hoyt, Editor & Photographer
Buchanan has gained another new author of a science fiction novel, The Man in Room 204 written by Phil Brackett. Buchanan District Library fittingly hosted the book signing on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 6 – 7pm to a group of 31 attendees while Phil and the artist of the book cover, Rob White Ⅱ, talked and answered questions.
How does Phil get ideas to write a book or create a character? His inspiration came from the late poet & author, Maya Angelou with her quote: “If you grab the inspiration into the butterfly net before it flew off and if you didn’t grab it, it was gone.” So he writes down ideas in sketchbooks, as well as sending emails to himself and jokes about how he’s probably the only person that has many emails from himself.
He also has been reading science fiction novels that have won the Hugo Award since 1954 and he calls that the “Hugo Pile” that’s in his bookcase. And reading all of Stephen King’s books has inspired him as well for this book. You will see references made to Buchanan, but they are also referencing Phil’s favorite author, Stephen King, living in Bangor, Maine. The Man in Room 204 is filled with many characters, the suspense will keep you hooked and wonder what is going to happen next, and not put the book down.
How did Rob White Ⅱ come up with the front and back cover? Phil sent him a certain part of the book and had said that he would like him to be the artist for it. Rob and Phil went to Grand Valley State University and Rob was immersed in the art department. So, after a few weeks, Rob sent him the artwork and immediately Phil knew Rob was the one. “How did he do that? He pulled it out of my head. How did you draw what was in my head? For the artist to envision what a writer puts into words, it’s very flattering. This guy is special (pointing to the character on the back of the book). You will see this guy on the back of the book while you are reading.” For the back cover, Rob did some research on barns and how to paint it.
I asked Phil how long it took for him to write the book, and he stated “1-and-a-half years to write and the idea stayed for quite a while in my head.” He left the group with these encouraging words: “Find somebody to encourage and push them into their dream.”
Books were also available to purchase for $15. If you haven’t purchased it and you feel so inclined to do so in support of a Buchanan author, you may email Phil Brackett at philbrackett75@gmail.com to buy a copy or use this link as well: Amazon.com/author/philbrackett.
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