Welcome to author Phillipa Nefri Clark who comes to us all the way from Australia. 


How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Only one unpublished – the first novel I ever wrote. I sent it to Mills & Boon when I was young which was politely declined. It is a sweet story, and I will rewrite it one day. I do however have three screenplays which are going to become novels to join the two already released.

Can you hear your characters talking?

Talking. Singing. Thinking. The works. Full blown conversations at times. My stories come to me as movies, which is why I wrote so many screenplays before returning to novels. I see a scene play out as if in the middle of it. Taste the sea air on my lips. Feel my heart racing when there is suspense. I once wrote a scene in an alley when I was alone in the house at night. I scared myself so much I had to close all the curtains, check the doors were locked, and get the dog to stay with me. LOL.

How much time do you spend on research before starting a book? While writing?

I’m not much of a plotter so much of my research happens as I write. Being authentic is important to me so I might spend hours checking tides on a particular day or learning about police handling of cold cases. If writing about a place I’ve not been, I look using Google Maps, read everything I can find, and ask people who have personal experience.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

We live on five acres and have a lovely vegetable garden and glasshouse where I love pottering around. Getting my hands in soil is great for thinking and de-stressing. I love spending time with our dog, Maverick. He is a black Labrador and rules the house. Reading is something I can never do enough of. When I’m actively writing a book, I don’t read much, but other times I read almost daily. Mysteries (of course!), some fantasy, suspense, and dual timeline stories.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Two to three months, depending on the length of course. Last year I wrote four books in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries series as well as several short stories. The more I write, the more efficient I become. This comes with experience and understanding how my mind works. My first release, The Stationmaster’s Cottage, took fifteen years to write so I’m going in the right direction!

What is your favorite childhood book(s)?

Famous Five series and the Silver Brumby books.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

Editing. Cover design. And I do rather love my mechanical keyboard.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Take more chances earlier. Believe in yourself. Trust the process. Never give up.

Describe your current writing spot or space.

Wooden desk with two laptops and two screens. Notes everywhere. Coffee nearby.

Do you write under a pseudonym? If not, have you ever considered it?

I use my maiden name for the one non-fiction book I’ve published. I was compelled to write a comfort and happiness book at the beginning of the pandemic.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

Dolphin and an eagle. Depending on what I’m writing.

What comes first for you, the plot or characters?

Varies. Sometimes one character (like Charlotte Dean) demands a certain type of story be written around them. Other times the story dictates the characters.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Main characters always appear with their names – don’t ask me how that works. Other characters may end up with a different name than first given once I get to know them. I research name meanings and origins and usually have no trouble matching them up.

Where do you set your books, and why?

All my mysteries to date are set in Victoria, Australia. The River’s End mystery romances are set along the Great Ocean Road. The Charlotte Dean Mysteries are based close to where I live in the Macedon Ranges. And Last Known Contact, my crime suspense, is set in Melbourne city and Gippsland. I adore this part of the world and am familiar with most of the settings. To bring my beautiful region to the rest of the world through my stories is deeply satisfying and I love hearing readers say how much they’ve enjoyed visiting through my words.


Phillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.

She writes from her heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.

With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.



Where to Find Phillipa Nefri Clark & Her Books:

Website | Amazon | Facebook | BookBub | Goodreads 


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2 thoughts on “Author: Phillipa Nefri Clark

  1. What a fabulous interview Ladies, I do love your stories Phillipa they have given me much joy over the years I am always waiting for your next one 🙂

    Have Fun

    Helen

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