Today we have author Phillip Cornell visiting. Welcome!

What would you like to tell readers about yourself?

* Phillip Cornell is a college graduate. He gained his degree in Biological Sciences, and currently works at a local pharmacy. He is the only son of Harron and Connie Cornell, and the youngest of 3 children. In 2006 his father passed away due to colon cancer, and his mom became an inspiration to him and his family in the way she supported everyone. He has a passion for all types of competitive activity, with sports being the favorite. Overall he lives for different experiences to stimulate the mind, and firmly believes that life is something that has to be lived, read about, and dissected. His biggest weakness is beautiful women, and the thought of being a failure. Firmly believing everyone deserves their moment no matter how long or short it is, Phillip listens to anyone who has something to say. The more he writes. The more he realizes what he creates, is something that needs to be shared with someone other than himself.

Today Phillip Cornell will be talking about a book he read that had a big impact on him.
* I seriously had to think about what book had an impact on me. My first thought was nothing. I could not think about one writing that made me think…….I have to be a writer. I always thought I started writing, because I have stories to tell. At least once a week, someone tells me I am a great story teller. I just encompass all that positive energy into my writings.
* With the previous statements being said, I came across a novel after I had seriously been writing for a year. There was a documentary on HBO about an author named Iceberg Slim. He was pimp who wrote novels about pimping. Immediately I was interested. How did this man get it together enough to make not one, but a series of novels.
* I looked at the documentary at least 3 times, and decide to read Iceberg Slim’s first novel PIMP. My eyes were open in a way I had never seen before. This man unapologetically wrote about his life, and it was more interesting than someone sitting at home making stuff up. Not only did he tell the truth, he described the situations he encountered in a methodical type of way. Me personally, looking at my writings, I was inspired. I could tell stories, exactly how they are, and people will accept them for what they are.
* In the documentary I watched, Iceberg Slim went through countless adversity before he was able to publish his first novel. His life included everything from sudden relocation due to legal problems, being taken advantage of by an older woman, being incarcerated, and dealing with blatant racism. I sat there learning about this man through the documentary and the novel, and I thought to myself…..Why I can’t do it? I mean really! Why can’t I do it?
* I was not looking for this novel, it found me! I was a writer before I discovered it, but I can assure you I became a different writer after I read it. Iceberg Slim’s PIMP changed me. It did not change my writing style, but it gave me a confidence about myself. People will respond to honesty and you telling them how things really are. Coming to this realization helped me to be freer as a writer, and not worry about what critics will think about the subjects I choose to write about.

A look into…

~ Blurb ~

* A man, his mother, his sister, his granny, his niece, and his nephew make a trip to Memphis Tennessee for a family reunion. During the course of the trip, the family encounter a series of circumstances that mold the trip into an unforgettable experience. Through the arguing and internal bickering within the group, they come together and strengthen the blood bond they share with each other. Reflecting on each and every situation encountered, the man realizes the trip is an overall social, emotional, and educational journey.

~ Excerpt ~

* Stanley offered me some shrimp, so I took his offer. When I grabbed one of the shrimp, it still had the exoskeleton on it. Stanley had cooked the shrimp without cleaning them or removing the exoskeleton! He told everyone that this was how shrimp was prepared in the Caribbean. I peeled the exoskeleton off my shrimp, and used my finger to split the back open. I then pulled the black residue out the back of the shrimp, then began to eat my shrimp. I knew this was not how Caribbean people cooked their shrimp. My uncle was born and raised in the Bahamas and he never offered shrimp to me like that! I knew that Stanley wanted shrimp. He was just too lazy to peel and clean them before he cooked them.
* I ate 2 shrimp, but did not eat more for fear of getting sick. While eating my shrimp, I met another person who was closer to me in age. He was 21, wild, and rambunctious. He reminded me of my 22 year old nephew, who had not come on this trip. This person’s name was Tae. He told me he was from Detroit. He was heavy into designer clothes, and dressed as if the name on his clothing was more important than the actual fashion of what was being worn. Tae’s outfit was somewhat comical. He was wearing True Religion swimming trunks, but he was not going swimming. If that did not make sense, he strung a Gucci belt through the novelty belt loops in his overpriced swimming trunks. To match his trunks and belt, Tae had on a Hollister shirt and a snap back ball cap. His shoe game was nice though. He had some low top Nike shoes that were smooth in design. My overall critic of his outfit was that he was a designer whore. I never told Tae my thoughts on his clothing selection. I just assumed he would grow out of his designer infatuation someday.

Buy Vacation to Graceland here…
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Find Phillip Cornell here…
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Phillipthedeal2 at snapchat.com

Thank you for joining us here today, Phillip Cornell! It was a pleasure getting to know you and your story.

ANNOUNCEMENT! Phillip Cornell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour! So be sure to leave a comment AND use this RAFFLECOPTER LINK to enter the drawing. Also, visit the other tour stops for a greater chance of winning!