An Interview with Siobhán F. Murphy

Siobhán F. Murphy is a Belfast-based freelance writer and editor with a specialism in fiction writing and in ELT and educational publishing. She primarily writes fantasy and dystopian fiction, and educational video scripts. Her first novel, Hedge Witch, was published in October 2025. It is the first book in the Hedgefall Chronicles trilogy. She has also written a comedy short story for BBC Radio Ulster, and a body horror story for The Selkie. She has a degree in English literature and Spanish and is currently studying part time for a Creative Writing MA at Queen’s University, Belfast. She lives with one bad-tempered cat called Ianto. In her free time, you can find her playing Dungeons and Dragons, getting involved in amateur theatre, making folded book artwork, trying to learn new languages, and, of course relaxing with a good novel (usually about the end of the world, whatever that says about her).

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

I’ve always been a lover of fantasy, and as an adult I discovered a real passion for speculative fiction too! I wanted to write my own story that was set in a futuristic dystopia, but that also included classic fantastical elements like magical creatures and the art of magic. The character of Malvada and the hedge where all the magic in the world is trapped came together as a package deal. I don’t really know where they came from… They just turned up one day, and I’ve always found Malvada’s part of the story easiest to write.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It honestly wasn’t too much of a negotiation! There were a couple of original ideas, I think it was called The Shade by the time it was going up got submission, and I was never too attached to the original name, so it when the publisher suggested Hedge Witch, that seemed like a much better fit!

Describe your dream book cover.

I’m really happy with the beautiful book cover for Hedge Witch; the design is amazing and absolutely perfect for the story. However, I’m a bit of a magpie and I do love shiny/sparkly things. I’d love a book cover that has a foil one day!

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I’ve been re-reading some of my favourite YA books this year to try and get into the mind space. I loved the new Hunger Games book from Suzanne Collins and am about to start a re-read of His Dark Materials, which I’ve been a fan of since childhood. This year I’ve also loved Butter, The Boy on the Bridge, and The Memory Police.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’ve worked in a lot of different jobs around the world! Mostly as a teacher or in publishing, and a couple of times as a volunteer. One of my stranger jobs was working as a children’s rep for a holiday company, where I had to dress up as the dolphin mascot of the children’s club. Wearing a dolphin suit in the height of North African summer was not ideal!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I think I’ve just always loved to write; I can’t remember a time where I didn’t love it. Tolkien was one of my earliest loves and influences and I think he shaped a lot of what I used to do. I also learned a lot from Nanowrimo, which I took part in annually for ten years. It taught me to push through whatever is standing in my way and just write! I also dabbled in fanfiction for a long time, and the communities of enthusiastic reviewers I met along the way really motivated me to keep going. At university, when I got picked for the creative writing dissertation programme, I realised how much I love writing, and how important a writing community is to the process.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I’m a bit of a goblin. I need quiet; I struggle to get much done in coffee shops and places like that. But…I also struggle to write in my office because that’s where my work is. I usually write on the living room sofa, although I should get better at writing with a proper table and chair!

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

Take it seriously. Make time for it properly.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

I’d love for readers to be moved by and feel genuine connection to my characters. I’d love people to go into the second book wondering what comes next!

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