Picture an Irish storyteller who weaves tales of secrets and suspense, pulling you into a world where truth fights to break free—meet Fiona McPhillips! This Dublin-based journalist, screenwriter, and author burst onto the literary scene with her gripping debut novel, When We Were Silent, a dark academia thriller that’s as haunting as it is thought-provoking. With a knack for blending personal grit with societal truths, McPhillips has quickly become a voice to watch in contemporary fiction.
From her roots in music journalism to her fearless exploration of power dynamics, McPhillips’s journey is one of passion, persistence, and prose that packs a punch. Let’s dive into the life and works of this rising star!
The Making of Fiona McPhillips
Born and raised in Ireland, Fiona McPhillips grew up with a voracious appetite for stories, once spotted at age six reading a book about stock market jobbers—talk about an eclectic start! Her early love for literature, from Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven to the Brontës, fueled her creative spark. After gigging as a musician in Dublin and Manchester, she carved a niche in journalism, covering music, sports, and women’s issues for outlets like The Irish Times and The Huffington Post. Her freelance career, shaped by motherhood, led to two nonfiction books before fiction called her name.
In 2019, McPhillips enrolled in an MA in creative writing at Dublin City University, graduating with first-class honors. This pivotal move honed her craft, setting the stage for her electrifying debut. Inspired by real-world issues and her own teenage years, she began crafting stories that resonate with raw emotion and unflinching honesty.
Fiona McPhillips’s Unforgettable Stories
McPhillips’s debut novel, When We Were Silent (2024), is a masterclass in suspense, earning runner-up for the 2021 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger. Set in Dublin’s elite Highfield Manor, it follows Louise Manson, a working-class teen on a mission to expose a culture of abuse. The novel alternates between the 1980s and present day, capturing the era’s synth-pop vibe while tackling heavy themes like privilege, misogyny, and retribution. Critics, including Stephen King, have praised its “excruciating suspense” and “beautifully written” prose, likening it to My Dark Vanessa for its raw emotional depth.
Before her novel, McPhillips penned two nonfiction works: Trying to Conceive: The Irish Couple’s Guide (2008) and Make the Home You Love. These practical guides reflect her journalistic roots, offering insights into fertility and home design with a warm, accessible tone. Her short fiction and poetry, published in outlets like The Manchester Review and Barren Magazine, showcase her versatility, blending lyrical prose with sharp social commentary.
McPhillips’s style is a potent mix of poetic precision and psychological intensity. Her stories dive into the complexities of human relationships, often exposing the dark underbelly of institutions. Whether exploring teenage loyalty or the scars of abuse, she writes with sensitivity, ensuring tough topics are handled with care. Her Irish roots shine through in vivid settings and authentic dialogue, making her work both universal and distinctly local.
Why Fiona McPhillips Matters
Fiona McPhillips is more than a storyteller—she’s a truth-teller. Her work, particularly When We Were Silent, resonates in the #MeToo era, giving voice to survivors and challenging systemic silence. By blending dark academia with social justice, she’s carved a niche that’s both thrilling and meaningful. Her ability to capture the angst and resilience of youth has earned her a devoted readership, while her journalistic eye grounds her fiction in stark reality.
As an editor at The Forge literary magazine and a recipient of a 2021 Arts Council literature bursary, McPhillips is also shaping the literary landscape. Her debut’s critical acclaim, including shortlisting for the Irish Book Awards, signals a bright future. For readers craving stories that provoke and inspire, McPhillips is a must-read.
- Birthplace: Ireland
- Key Works: When We Were Silent, Trying to Conceive, Make the Home You Love
- Awards: Runner-up, 2021 CWA Debut Dagger; 2021 Arts Council literature bursary
- Fun Fact: She once DJ’d and played in bands across Dublin and Manchester!
Snag When We Were Silent and dive into Fiona McPhillips’s thrilling world of secrets and suspense—you won’t put it down!