An Interview with S.R. Phillips
Hailing from East Sussex, UK, S.R. Phillips brings a personal touch to her debut fantasy trilogy. A devoted reader, she lives with her husband and young son, finding inspiration in the rolling landscapes of her home county. When not writing, she enjoys uncovering new walking paths, farm shops, and cozy pubs for a Sunday roast.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
Writing a book has been a bucket list dream of mine for years. I’ve always loved reading fantasy and romance because there’s something about losing yourself in a new world that feels like both solace and escape, especially when life gets busy. It wasn’t until I had my son, spending those quiet hours on maternity leave and during the night feeds devouring fantasy novels, that I finally decided to start writing the story that had been sitting in my head for years.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title actually came to me quite naturally. I’d already started writing the story and was working on the prophecy that underpins the whole plot. When I wrote that passage, something just clicked. I remember thinking, ‘That’s it. That’s the title.’ It felt like the heart of everything the book stands for.
Describe your dream book cover.
Honestly, I already have my dream cover! I worked with a fantastic designer on this book, and the other two in the trilogy. I came to him with a mood board and he absolutely nailed the vibe. I wanted something that felt dark, heavy, and a little foreboding – full of things unsaid and mysteries not fully understood. But it also needed that ethereal, otherworldly quality that reflects the story’s magic and tone. It had to be serious and dreamy all at once…and I think we achieved exactly that!
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
I’m not sure I’d call it a full soundtrack, but there were definitely songs and artists that inspired me while I was writing. I listened to a lot of Ashley Singh, Vincent Lima, Matt Hansen, and Max McNown – their music really captures that emotional intensity. I also had the hauntingly beautiful cinematic soundtracks from J.T. Peterson, Dominik A. Hecker, and Ursine Vulpine playing in the background during a lot of my writing sessions. Their compositions set the perfect tone for the world I was building.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
I’m part of a local book club that reads romance – and often very spicy romance – from pretty much any subgenre. I love that we’re always trying new things and I love the conversations and laughs we have, both in person and in our group chat. We’ll read anything from cosy romance to dark academia, even a bit of monster romance! It’s been such a wild, eye-opening experience with an amazing group of women.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Writing is my passion and my side hustle, but it’s not my day job! Day to day, I work in learning and development and specialise in executive coaching. I love helping people grow and reach their potential, and in a funny way, that overlaps with my writing. Both are about understanding people, motivation, and what drives them.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
For me, reading has always been a way to escape. It brings me so much joy. And as someone who’s a bit of an introvert, I’ve always found writing to be the easiest and most natural way to express myself. I’m a creative at heart and often get lost in daydreams, so putting those worlds and stories onto paper just felt like the next step. It came naturally, almost like I was finally giving shape to the things that had lived in my head for years.
Where is your favorite place to write?
The dream would be a little cabin somewhere quiet and peaceful. But the realities of being a working mum with a toddler and another baby on the way mean that cosying up in the lounge, with the rain tapping on the window, feels more than enough for me right now. That’s where the magic happens!
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
I’d tell myself to stop overthinking and just write. To not get caught up in perfection because the first draft isn’t supposed to be flawless. It’s just supposed to exist. And I’ve learned that when I feel like I don’t know the next part, if I just stop, live my life, listen to music and think on it for a while, it always comes. I just have to trust myself!
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I hope that the relationships and the characters in A Tale of Love and Betrayal feel real and relatable, and that their struggles resonate with readers. But more than anything, I hope someone, somewhere, gets to lose themselves in the world I’ve created for a little while. That’s the magic of books for me, and if my story can offer that same escape to someone else, I’ll have done what I set out to do.
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