Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write about the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits author Phil Oakley, discussing his intriguing professional background and his novels, which are based on his family’s history in Texas.
Oakley shares stories from his childhood, professional encounters, and inspirations drawn from his grandparents’ lives. They delve into his book series, starting with ‘Little Hatchet’ and ‘Runners,’ exploring the ways he incorporates Texas history and personal heritage into his work. Oakley also reflects on the impacts of weather, railroads, and prohibition on his family and the state. Towards the end, he discusses his transition from biography to fiction and the potential for his books to be adapted into a streaming series. The session concludes with insights on working with Stony Creek Publishing and resources for readers to find his books.
Key highlights:
- Phil Oakley’s Professional Background
- Remembering Ronnie Dugger
- Phil Oakley’s Books and Inspirations
- Writing Craft and Historical Context
- Prohibition and Family Stories
- Current Projects and Future Directions
Resources:
Little Hatchet | Book 1 of The Oakley Series
Runners | Book 2 of The Oakley Series
Little Hatchet and Runners on Texas A&M University Press
Stoney Creek Publishing Website
Little Hatchet Book Trailer on YouTube
Podcast Cover Art
Tom Fox
