We recently had the privilege of interviewing Phillip Leighton-Daly, a Writer, Historian, educator, and a prominent contributor to the Goulburn local history scene, with 13 published non-fiction books. Moreover, he makes significant contributions on LinkedIn to promote equality, fairness, and morality, while also promoting his 11 fiction books on the platform. With a blend of morality and fairness in his works, Phillip Leighton-Daly has been contributing his part to make the world a better place.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Can you kindly share about your journey and introduce yourself to our readers?”
Phillip Leighton-Daly shared, “I am an Australian resident who has worked for 45 years with the Education Department. I have predominantly taught in one and two-teacher schools throughout the state of NSW. For over ten years in the Education Department, I instructed primary-aged children in swimming and survival skills.
Moreover, I have written 24 fiction and non-fiction books, 17 of which are featured on Goodreads. My 13 non-fiction works focus on people and events in Goulburn, a country city in NSW. In contrast, four publications focus on the preservation of a former psychiatric hospital, where my mother was employed during the war.
On the other hand, my 11 fiction works are young adult and adult-based adventure stories, the Fisherman and his Foundlings being the most renowned.”
Spark Behind the Journey
Intrigued to learn what inspired Phillip Leighton-Daly to become an author, we asked him to share the same.
Phillip Leighton-Daly mentioned, “A school inspector remarked that I wrote well, alongside a mate encouraging me to write about my early years in Gosford, a small coastal town in NSW. Since following his advice, I have continued to write for the last 25 years. I transitioned from non-fiction to fiction eight years ago.
At 74 years old, I basically promote my stories, which is a full-time job. Moreover, I write extensively on the social media platform LinkedIn, where I have established a considerable following. Using this as a springboard, I promote my stories.
Moreover, I was inspired by writers such as Oscar Wilde, Hemingway, Dickens, Rod Serling, and Larry McMurtry.”
Navigating through Challenges
Challenges are a part of every journey. To understand how Phillip Leighton-Daly overcame the same, we asked, “What were the most challenging obstacles you’ve encountered in your career?”
Phillip Leighton-Daly explained, “Being a timid and sensitive boy, I struggled through Teachers College and in the early years of teaching. Fitness and sporting achievement including cricket, baseball, rugby league, swimming, and tennis, significantly boosted my confidence.
At age fifty, I was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. I received 3 cardio-versions to correct that to no avail. At age 73, it was discovered that I was born with a 3.5 cm hole in the septum of my heart. Over 73 years, my heart has enlarged noticeably due to leakage and extra work. This was corrected this year by the implantation of a nickel disk, inserted through a vein in my groin. Such an operation, I was told, would not have been attempted had I not been so active throughout my life. This was both a handicap and a source of pride. My heart is slowly returning to normal and I still compete in tennis and swim long distances.
Over my 25 years as a writer, dealing with unscrupulous publishing companies has been, and continues to be, a concern to this day. As a preliminary precaution, I research the business, check the cautionary list of scammers, and avoid long-winded telephone conversations where salesmen delight in applying their hard-sell strategies.”
A Healthy Balance of Personal-Professional Life
To understand how Phillip Leighton-Daly ensured a seamless balance, we asked, “How were you able to balance work, your writing career, and family life?”
He explained, “I wrote basically between 2000 and 2020. My wife was a writer, and my children were following their vocations. I wrote whenever I could, but have always maintained a healthy balance between recreation, family, music, spiritualism, and socialisation.”
Thoughts Behind Exceptional Fictional Creations
Phillip Leighton-Daly seems to have an affinity for landscapes, as your writings suggest. We asked, “Tell us about your experience and the vital role landscapes play in your fictional world.”
“Our family has often resided amidst dramatic, breathtaking terrain. The inaccessible wilderness, rivers, mountains, flora, and fauna all featured prominently in the social and environmental backdrops in my books.
My characters arise from my work, religion, sport, and recreation over my lifetime. Studying the peculiarities of folk has resulted in intriguing fictional characters,” he reflected.
Overcoming Greatest Setback
We further asked, “What are your greatest fears as a writer?”
“I have no fears after writing 24 books. Although I have received minor criticism, but, when I contemplate where the years have disappeared, I look at my bookcase with the 24 books displayed. Additionally, I believe I have an excellent website, and 17 books on Goodreads,” he replied.
More about Phillip Leighton-Daly’s Books
Interested to learn more about the books of Phillip Leighton-Daly, we asked, “Tell us a little about your books and where readers can purchase them.”
Phillip shared, “I have sites on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. All my books are available on Amazon and from other distributors. I can be contacted by email at phillipleightondaly@gmail.com and on the web at Phil Leighton-Daly’s Books.”
Words of Wisdom for Beginners
Lastly, we asked, “Any advice or words of inspiration for your readers?”
Phillip Leighton-Daly shared, “Be very aware of the criminals and pretenders who will heap praise and adulation on your efforts as a means of taking your money. Research all prospective agents, reviewers, and others thoroughly, as a very few are trustworthy.”
Connect with Phillip Leighton-Daly on LinkedIn, X, and https://phillipleightondaly.com/
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