From newsrooms to novels: Polly Philips on her journey from journalism to crime fiction
The path after leaving Cambridge is varied and often unexpected. Polly Phillips (2000), has carved a particularly compelling career, transitioning from the fast-paced world of journalism to the realm of crime fiction.
In this interview, Polly reflects on her journey from Downing to the demanding newsrooms of national papers and ultimately to the creation of her acclaimed novels. Polly shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of becoming a published author, the Downing influences that subtly shaped her path, and the inspiration behind her gripping storytelling.
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and how you became an author?
I always wanted to be a writer – trite but true. I think if they’d had a creative writing standalone degree at Cambridge, I’d have done that. But I also loved History, so it was a no-brainer. When I left Downing, I was desperate to be a journalist, so I worked on several women’s magazines before making the move to newspapers as a news reporter on The Daily Express.
I went freelance after I had a baby, but gnawing away at me was the desire to write a novel. I didn’t know if I could do it – I opted not to do a dissertation in my third year because I hated long form! – but I had to give it a try.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you were first starting out as a writer and did your University experience help you overcome them?
Life amongst some of the brightest minds in the country, and some big egos, definitely prepared me for the banter of a male-dominated newsroom.
I think being a writer, you have to learn to be very thick-skinned. That’s something I’m still not very good at, although I’m getting better.
How did you come up with the ideas for your novels?
I look at dynamics and scenarios that I might have witnessed or experienced in my life and then take them to the extreme. I’m fascinated by relationships and the things that people will do to each other when pushed to the limit.
Can you talk us through your writing process? How do you move from an idea to a finished book?
It varies with each book. My first book, My Best Friend’s Murder, was written out of contract, which meant I had all the time in the world to polish and revise it. That idea changed frequently as I sought feedback and finessed it. It won first prize at the Emirates Literature Festival in 2019, which was amazing as it meant I got some real feedback from the judges. It was a fantastic confidence boost but changed the entire premise of the story. Initially, there was no bloodshed, but the judge insisted it had to have a murder, which is how I evolved from writing women’s fiction to crime fiction.
My second book was written to a deadline, which meant it was much more structured. I spent about six months getting down a decent first draft (heavily fuelled by hot chocolate) and then the next three months refining it after feedback from my editor. It was quite an emotional book to finish as my father died while I was writing it. He really loved Cambridge, so it was a shame he never got to read my campus novel!
How did your time at Downing influence your writing, if at all?
One of my books, The Reunion, is a campus novel set in an anonymous Cambridge College that bears a lot of resemblance to Downing. The story is entirely fictional, as are the characters, but I wanted to share some of the feelings about studying in such a rarified atmosphere.
What advice would you give to someone who loves writing but isn't sure how to turn it into a profession?
Keep going! Writing can be an incredibly soul-destroying profession, fuelled by rejection and despair! There have been times when I’ve wanted to give up but fundamentally, if you believe in your story, it’s worth persevering. Don’t worry if your first draft is utter rubbish – that’s just you telling yourself the story. You can’t edit a blank page so at least if you get something written, you can improve it.
What are your key memories/takeaways from your time at Downing?
Gosh, so many. Some unprintable! I remember a couple of times when it snowed and having snowball fights, pennying at formal hall, the blur of garden parties and May week, and some of the great friendships I made.
Who is your favourite writer/author?
Too many to choose from. There are some fantastic thriller writers out there like Lisa Jewell and Gillian McAllister who are doing amazing things, and Cambridge local Sophie Hannah is so talented and has been a fantastic mentor to me.
What is your favourite book?
The one I haven’t written yet – it has all the possibility and potential and none of the pain involved in reading or writing a book!
Published 30 April 2025