News
 By  Kellie Singleton Published 
2:18 pm Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Business owner pens second novel

The Russellville businessman who published his first novel in January now has a second novel in the series hitting shelves soon.

“Dark Forces,” the second book in “The Witch5s of Dillard Hollow” series by Phil Hardin, is now available for purchase through the company Publish America, LLP.

“Dark Forces,” is a continuation of the adventures of five sisters who are descendants of a Native American woman named Karunda who had supernatural powers.

The first book took place in the 1930s and early 1940s – right up until the time of World War II – and the second book primarily takes place during the war.

All the books in “The Witch5s of Dillard Hollow” series are loosely based on local people and places, which Hardin said makes them especially interesting to read for people here in the community.

Hardin said the book is a sci-fi mystery but has a little bit of humor and romance mixed in so it’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“When I first decided to write this series, I knew I wanted to make a conscious effort to keep it family-friendly,” Hardin said. “There are so many immoral things on TV these days that I just wanted my books to be good, clean entertainment for all ages.”

Hardin said he was pleased his publishing company was interested in his second book after the first one hit the shelves in January.

“‘Karunda’s Children’ sold well enough that when I pitched them the idea for ‘Dark Forces,’ they said yes right away,” Hardin said. “I enjoyed continuing the story and I hope the readers enjoy it as well.”

Hardin said when he first started writing the story of Karunda’s five great-granddaughters, he never intended for it to be published. It was actually just a project he started working on at the prompting of his wife, Donna.

After the encouragement from his wife, Hardin said that he was able to complete “Karunda’s Children” over a six-month time period and got the idea to publish it after several people suggested it.

Once the publishing process was completed for the first book, he immediately began work on the second book and is currently working on the third.

Even though the books have been well received, Hardin still maintains that he doesn’t write for fame and fortune. He does it out of a love for writing.

“Writing is just something I enjoy doing because it de-stresses me,” Hardin said. “The fiction books I write are often a welcome escape from the day-to-day mundane you can get caught up in.

“Writing is something I hope to continue doing for a long time.”

People interested in purchasing Hardin’s book will need to search for a book written by p.Gale, the pen name Hardin has chosen to use for his written works.

“Most people decide to use a pen name because it gives the anonymity that most authors want to hold onto,” he said, “and I thought it was a good idea.”

The Witch5s of Dillard Hollow: Dark Forces” is currently available through www.publishamerica.com or copies can be purchased at the downtown Chevron in Russellville, where Hardin is the owner.

In the next several weeks, the book will also be available in both regular and eBook forms at amazon.com, booksamillion.com and barnesandnoble.com.

 

 

 

 

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *