A Bridlington author has had her second book published in less than a year.
Rebecca Phillipson, from Bridlington, wrote her first book entitled ‘Life Long Lesson’` in 2021 which proved a great success and sold extremely well in print and downloads.
Her second book – a novella – The Act, was written whilst Rebecca was studying Drama at University in Manchester and had enrolled herself on a scriptwriting course.
“Originally it was an idea for a short screen play, however I decided last year that I would use the work that I had previously drafted for it and turn it into a short story for publication.” explained Rebecca.
“The transferrable skills I gained during the 12-month scriptwriting course allowed me to write and direct a theatre show based on Alejandro Amenabar film ‘The Others’ in the Robert Powell Theatre in Manchester. I had to completely adapt, modify and change the original script to make it suitable for a thirty- minute piece of live theatre in front of a paying audience.
The former Headlands pupil continued:“A year after graduating I then decided to write, direct and star in my own short film – Behind Closed Doors. I used £1000 of my own savings to work with a bunch of amazingly, talented creatives to write, direct, act, shoot and edit the film, creating something original for social media platforms. It was a fantastic project and another great accomplishment.
“My first novella – Life Long Lesson – has been read by over 10,000 people across Kindle alone.
Commenting on what type of book The Act is -“ It is a dramatised, fictional, short story.The perfect mix between The Devil Wears Prada and Coronation Street. It explores love, relationships, friendships, courage, perseverance, justice, betrayal, sacrifice and innocence in a stylised and modern way. Most of the characters within the book are female, it was really important for me to write something where a variety of women within society are portrayed. The Act is a very intimate read where the reader will be taken on a very emotional journey with protagonist Zoe leading to an ending no one will expect.”
For this particular project, one of Rebecca’s icons – Marilyn Monroe – inspired her when writing the main character of Zoe in the book.
“The idea that image, money, reputation gives us all what we think we long for ‘to belong in a society’ where you feel respected and appreciated. But does it really make you happy? The Act takes the idea that you will never truly really know a person, the idea that when we all wake up in a morning, do our routines, get ready to face the world, it’s like one big show, all of us with our own part to play in society, we all have our role to fill, and it’s all just one big act.”
And Rebecca’s advice for budding authors:“I would say read as much as you can, you will be surprised just what you pick up from reading different writing styles. Maybe write a short story and email it to local bloggers for their feedback, this is great to get another perspective on your work and to get involved with like-minded people. I honestly think a lot of people are afraid of putting pen to paper because they think they need to be an A* English student. The hardest part is starting; once you commit to the process, you won’t be able to stop.”
With a few more projects already in the pipeline Rebecca is currently working with a small team on her first ever children’s book which she is really excited about. She also has the film premier of the movie she has recently finished – ‘The Ghost Within’ coming out early 2023 ahead of general release across the UK. She will also be making a guest appearance on “Creatives On The Couch” an informative lifestyle talk- show series that airs on CTV Australia and Ayozat TV – UK discussing all things creative in the New Year.
The Act is available on Amazon and Kindle Direct. Priced at £7.95 for paperback or £5.95 for Kindle. Signed copies can be requested: @ beccaphillipson.
