What is your real name and what name do you write under (if they are different)?

My name is Lynne Phillips and I mostly write under that name but I have also submitted stories as Isabella Fox.

Where do you hail from?

I live in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales Australia.

What is the greatest thing about the place you call home?

The greatest thing about where I live is that my family all live close by. The area is extremely picturesque with beautiful white sandy beaches and the climate is pleasant too. We are close to the Queensland Gold Coast so benefit from the city conveniences, but can scuttle back over the border to the peace and quiet of living in the county.

When and why did you start writing?

I submitted a Science Fiction story to Zombie Pirate Publishing’s first anthology The Collapsar Directive in 2017. “Magenta Sunrise” was accepted and I was hooked on writing.

Who or what are you reading right now?

I am reading “The Wise Man’s Fear” by Patrick Rothfuss which is a sequel to “The name of the Wind.” They are the first books I wish had my name on the cover.

Is there a time when you think you might stop writing? And if so, why?

I will stop writing when my brain fails.

What genre(s) do you write in? What genre(s) do you find challenging?

I have attempted most genres. I find science fiction and fantasy the most satisfying because I have a vivid imagination and can make things up and don’t have to research facts. I still struggle to write “dark”, but I am determined to improve.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing in your story’s genre? What was the most rewarding?

The most challenging aspect of writing my fantasy story for Dragon Bone Soup was I had never written a fantasy story before. The most rewarding aspect was I loved the result and have written many more fantasy stories.

Who inspired you to become a writer?

My son, Sam, inspired me to write. I have always been an avid reader and an oral story teller but had never written any stories down.

What is your favourite quote about life?

My favourite quote is:

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt

If you were banned from writing, what would you do in your free time?

If I couldn’t write I would read.

What has been your proudest moment as a writer?

My proudest moment was when I read my name on a list of acceptances for "Dragon Bone Soup". It was my first paid story.

Do you use Critique Partners? How do they/he/she help?

I am lucky to have two colleagues who critique my work before I submit to Sam’s publishing Company. Sam is willing to critique if I am submitting to other companies but not ZPP. All my critique partners are good at editing and are honest in their feedback, which I appreciate. Recently I won a Beta read through Penned in the City with Aditya Deshmukh. I found the experience very helpful to improve my writing of horror.

What are you working on right now?

I am presently writing a science fiction story to submit to Zombie Pirate Publishing and a sequel to a story I submitted to Black Hare Press, just because I can see it begs a sequel, even though they haven’t asked for one.

What are your plans for the future?

I retire from teaching at the end of 2019 after fifty years, a career I have loved and still enjoy. I plan to spend more time with my family, more time writing and submitting, and lots more time at our wonderful farm enjoying the “Good Life”.

How can readers find you online and on social media?

I am on Facebook at...

https://www.facebook.com/lynne.phillips.505