PHOTO: Phillip W. Simpson, author and educator, brings ancient myths and futuristic landscapes vividly to life in his compelling fiction.
Mythology Meets Imagination In Every Page
New Zealand author Phillip W. Simpson discusses his myth-inspired novels, apocalyptic fantasy, and the craft of writing across multiple genres and age groups with insight, discipline, and heartfelt passion.
Phillip W. Simpson’s stories reach beyond the familiar, blending ancient myth with modern imagination, biblical apocalypse with coming-of-age revelations. A New Zealand writer and educator, Simpson’s breadth of vision is matched by a deep sensitivity to the themes he explores—faith and doubt, loyalty and sacrifice, the enduring struggle between light and darkness.
With a background in archaeology and a mind steeped in the classical world, his novels Minotaur and Argos stand as richly reimagined epics—bringing ancient tales to life with a poignant emotional clarity. Argos, in particular, is suffused with quiet reverence, told not just through the lens of myth but through a deep love for the humble and the heroic.
Yet Simpson is not confined by history. In his Rapture trilogy, angels and demons walk a scorched earth, and questions of morality are drawn in bold strokes across a backdrop of the end times. Whether writing for children or young adults, he finds the beating heart of each story, driven by wonder, discipline, and an unmistakable empathy.
From early mornings to school breaks, from lesson plans to literary drafts, Simpson lives the writer’s life with both purpose and passion—chronicling worlds where even the smallest act of courage leaves a lasting mark.
What inspired you to write the Rapture trilogy and explore themes of good versus evil in such a post-apocalyptic setting?
I wanted a post-apocalyptic setting that hadn’t been done to death, and using the concept of the Rapture as a stepping-off point started to percolate. I wanted to tie in my love of fantasy with that and have a far more surreal backdrop. Plus, I love anything with angels and demons and end-of-the-world scenarios.
How has your background in archaeology and ancient history influenced your storytelling, particularly in novels like Minotaur and Argos?
My undergrad degree was in Ancient History and Archaeology, and my Masters in Archaeology. I’ve worked in museums and been on archaeological digs. I’ve also been a teacher for the last 25 years and often manage to weave some myth and legend into my lesson plans. This is how I was able to bring unique perspectives to the ancient settings of stories like Minotaur and Argos.
What challenges do you face when writing for different age groups, from young children to young adults?
For middle grade writing, most of it is chapter books. These are by necessity much, much shorter. As a result, the story is generally a lot faster paced, the language is easier and the characters are not so well drawn (because of limitations on the page). Also, the problems the characters face are not as life-threatening. And the difference is also time. I can write a middle grade chapter book in a week so in that sense, they are not as daunting to write and are very satisfying to complete. With YA, the themes are more complex. Sentence structure, vocab and grammar are at a higher level.
As someone with a military background and experience in recruitment, how have those life experiences shaped your characters or plots?
My military background taught me about leadership and camaraderie, while my time in recruitment gave me insights into human nature and the motivations of people. These experiences have definitely influenced my writing, particularly when it comes to creating believable characters and crafting plots that resonate with real-world dilemmas.
How do you balance your career as a teacher with your writing and academic research?
I treat writing like a job and it’s all about routine. I’m usually up at 5am. Workout first where I get my head into my book and my next scene. I try and write scenes in my head before I reach the keyboard. Theoretically, I should be sitting at my desk, fingers poised, at 8am. I mostly write in the holidays so I aim for 4k words per day. I write 500 words and then reward myself with a break in the form of a coffee or facebook. I always read and edit the previous day’s work first. It helps me focus on the next scene.
Which of your books holds the most personal significance for you, and why?
Argos, because this was a labor of love for me. I have always loved dogs and stories of dog’s courage and loyalty. Hearing or reading these never fail to make me cry. Particularly stories of dogs like Greyfriars Bobby and Hachikō. And then there’s the story of Argos – probably the most famous and loyal dog of all time. In Homer’s Odyssey, there’s literally only one page dedicated to the death of Argos and for me, it was the most moving scene in the whole book.
Can you share a bit about your writing process—do you plan extensively or let the story evolve as you write?
I’m much more of a pantser now than I used to be. I’ve just about finished my 10th novel and to be honest, I’m not really sure what’s going to happen next. I just know that when my fingers hit the keyboard, ideas come. Some are good, some are bad but I just get the draft down first. I can look for inconsistencies and poor writing later (and trust me, there’s going to be a lot).
What advice would you give to other authors trying to write across multiple genres and age groups successfully?
Write, write, and then write some more. Read lots. Write in the genre you love. I’ve become a better writer because I read and write a lot. Practice makes perfect.
